Despite our references in the magazine, Oceanco felt they could not agree to our online publishing of the drawings they submitted to us for the article on the Aquijo in SWZ Maritime. That is why we have had to remove the images concerned from our website. Because the magazine had already been printed at the time, we have not been able to remove the references included with the article. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Below we do mention some of the features that make the Aquijo so special. For a full description, read the article in SWZ Maritime's January issue (available for subscribers only).
In 2011, Dutch yacht builders Vitters and Oceanco were commissioned to develop an 85 metre luxury high performance ketch together with the naval architects of Tripp Design. Vitters was involved for its experience in building high performance sailing yachts (ranging up to approximately 60 metres) and Oceanco for its experience in building large motor yachts of great comfort and quality, combining as such the best of both worlds to allow the creation of this yacht, to be named the Aquijo. This achievement resulted in the Aquijo becoming one of three nominees for the KNVTS Ship of the Year Award 2016.
Design
The design brief, as specified by the client, called for three key elements to be considered throughout the design and build process of the project: Safety, Comfort and Performance. Each of these elements has been very carefully considered, especially with regards to the creation of the lines plan, the sail plan, weight management and definition of righting moment (all related to Performance & Safety), but also with regards to the space allocation for other systems required to ensure a comfortable stay onboard (related to Comfort).
Finding the right balance between the three different and most of the time contradicting requirements was the most difficult part of the project, leading to many design loops throughout the complete building period.
With a mast compression of almost 600 tons and loads on the stays of up to 280 tons, a detailed FE analysis of the whole construction was required, to ensure structural integrity of the construction in all loading conditions, but also optimising the hull construction in relation to the overall hull stiffness and to minimise overall construction weight.
Drop Down Keel Construction
One of the main features of the overall design is the drop down fin keel with a stroke of 6.4 m and a 220 ton lead bulb fitted at the underside. With the keel in lowered position (draft of 11.6 m), the yacht achieves maximum possible righting moment required for sail operations. With the keel in upward position the yacht is able to enter more shallow waters with a draft of approximate 5.2 m.
The lifting keel structure has been specially designed and engineered for the yacht and is controlled by three hydraulic cylinders pulling the keel fin and bulb up in the keel box, secured by locking cylinders when fully up. In downward position the keel is locked in blocks, allowing sail operations.
The structural integration of the keel box in the overall construction required detailed FE analysis to ensure proper integration of the keel into the hull. Various load cases have been studied to ensure structural integrity in varying operational and non-operational conditions (including running aground).
More in SWZ Maritime's January Issue
The Aquijo is featured in much more detail in SWZ Maritime's January issue. Subscribers can read the January issue online now. Not yet a subscriber? See our subscriptions page.
Picture provided by Oceanco.
