OPEN OCEAN 650 SAILING CATAMARAN BY DU TOIT YACHT DESIGN

The Open Ocean 650 is an impressive fast-cruising sailing catamaran, designed by Du Toit Yacht Design and built by Two Oceans Marine, both of Cape Town. 

She was built in epoxy E-Glass composites to a high standard for an owner who is an avid sport fisherman and who required a comfortable, fast-cruising catamaran to enjoy sport fishing and diving trips in comfort with family and friends. Pelican, as she is named, has a large sail plan and powerful motors which provide the performance required to arrive at destinations in short time.

At the back of the aft deck, the Open Ocean 650 boats a semi-rigid inflatable, powered by twin 70hp motors that is herself rigged for light tackle game fishing and exploratory expeditions or fetching guests to bring them to the boat.

In general, this elegant and impressive craft is a villa on the water - The aft cockpit is massive and an ideal floating outdoor living area, with plenty of comfortable seating and a table for twelve guests to enjoy al fresco living under cover and out of the sun. There is also a “toy locker” where all the “toys” in the form of fishing and diving equipment are kept, conveniently located for easy access and use.

The fly bridge is the nerve centre of the boat, and linked to the interior navigation station, has all the controls for every aspect of running the boat – from the electric winches for all the sails, to the Furono NavNet and engine controls. It also has ample comfortable seating, and is in effect a second aft cockpit, perfect for chilling out or joining the helmsman for cocktails or socialising with an impressive view.

The interior design was done by Nika Design Studio, and is comfortable and stylish, tailored for easy living by keeping spaces open and free flowing. The interior saloon area is spacious and has every home comfort one could wish for and almost panoramic 360 degree views. Pelican is indeed a luxurious home away from home, with “bedrooms and bathrooms” rather than “cabins and heads” that one would expect to find on a boat – all the cabins have beautifully appointed en-suite bathrooms, palatial double beds and air conditioning. Pelican indeed provides comfortable accommodation for family and friends as well as accommodation for two permanent crew.

The sailing and motoring performance of the Open Ocean 650 catamaran are impressive – the twin 165hp Yamnar diesel motors are used both for long-distance motoring as well as for adding to the forward momentum of Pelican while she is sailing. She has been expertly designed to travel at nine knots under motor with only one motor operating at 2700 rpm, providing for maximum fuel efficiency. She can carry 1500 litres of fuel.

It is clear that designer Anton du Toit and builder Mark Delany of Two Oceans Marine have done an exemplary job of fulfilling the owner’s brief for on on-the-water villa that could be visited at any time in any exotic location of their choice across the globe – a yacht that could perform beautifully, either harnessing the wind or under motor, while not sacrificing comfort, practicality or safety. This vision has certainly been turned into an elegant and beautiful reality in Pelican.

 

Open Ocean 650 Principal Specifications and Dimensions:

• Designer: Du Toit Yacht Design (Anton du Toit)
• Builder: Two Oceans Marine
• Construction: Epoxy Composite
• LOA: 19.18m /62.93ft
• LWL: 18.41m/60.40ft
• Beam Overall: 9.95m /32.64ft
• Draft: 1.60m /36376lbs
• Bridge Deck Clearance: 1.2 m
• Displacement (DWL): 16500kgs /36376lbs
• Sail Area Total: 194.60m2 /2095ft2
• Motors: Auxiliary (2 x YANMAR)165hp
• Electronics: Furono NavNet
• Sailing Gear: Lewmar