NEWS FROM THE CATAMARAN CONSULTANTS SYNERGY YACHTING

The Synergy Yachting team is actually working on several large catamaran projects including :

- A carbon high speed world cruiser capable of carrying and deploying a BMW GS motorcycle for a gentlemen wanting to sail/ride around the world in style at speed.  The drawings are completed and it's surprising how non intrusive the bike will be.

- A 100 foot rebuilt of a renowned charter cat for a sports media company wanting to host extreme sports on a round the world program aboard a VERY luxury cat. It's an interesting project, proving that with the costs of oil based raw materials adapting an older, well designed hull can be so much cheaper.

- A really GREEN catamaran. To develop a cold moulded wood hull built in fast growing, responsible timber. Don't think of anything heavy or ugly here, like a Wharram for example. The aim is to create a yacht with similar performance and durability to carbon, but lower lower built costs and reduced impact. A number of years ago I ran a 70 foot charter catamaran that was once of the lightest and stiffest boats I've sailed and because it was beautifully faired you could not tell is wasn't moulded GRP or similar. We are investigating building the deck with solar panels built in, not added on later. We also looking at a tidal flow recovery system as well as a series of vertical axis wind generators. The whole electrical system will be a super lightweight CAN bus system operated by iPads, not expensive, fixed and non updatable marine systems.

OUTSTANDING NEWS - CATAMARAN PRO IS LAUNCHED

www.catamaranpro.com

I have the great pleasure to anounce that the first forum dedicated to crews of large cruising catamaran is now open. Tom Ashwell from Synergy Yachting and I have created this forum so crews can find job offers and post their own offers, ask technical questions, gossip, and all any other kind of information on large cruising catamarans. In this forum you can add pictures, videos...

So get connected and enjoy.

A tip off from Synergy Yachting : The TAG 60

Thanks again to Tom Ashwell from Synergy Yachting for sending me the most updated news on the projects they want to share with us.

Words are from Tom Ashwell.

Are you ready for the TAG 60? (you bet I am)

Go to Tag Yachts and Tag Yachts Sales websites and ask yourself these questions :

1. Styling - Is the TAG60 not the best looking catamaran you have ever seen? Looks fast and sexy even on the dock!

2. Sailing - Is this what it is all about. High performance sailing on a cat which is responsive and quick even in light airs under 10knots. Why motor if you can sail faster? The TAG 60 has a very efficient and powerful racing sail plan and rotating carbon wing mast which results in exciting sailing at speeds that will leave all other cruising cats behind. To achieve high milage runs in fair conditions and comfortable seas is what makes long distance passagemaking a pleasure. The dual helm stations are positioned to allow a good view of the sails, course up ahead and to be part of the action both on the windward and leeward side whichever you prefer. This also makes docking easy with an excellent view down the side of the boat.

3. High performance doesn't mean you have to have a hard physical workout or be an Americas Cup Grinder. The TAG 60 utilises a hydraulic system to control sails and anchoring. reefing is also simplified with an innovative in boom furlingsystem all at the push of a button.

4. Environment - The time to act responsibly with regards to the environment is now. The TAG 60 uses an electric hybrid diesel propulsion system which saves energy, diesel and limits waste and regenerates energy whilst sailing.

5. Space - Comfortable and adaptable living space is what makes living on the water in a ever-changing variety of conditions possible. The evolutionary salon layout of the TAG 60 allows one to enjoy all weather conditions without having to put out cumbersome awnings and be able to enjoy both sunny and shaded seating at all times. Have a good look at the layout and 3D graphics on line.

6. Living on a yacht is about enjoying the sailing and the lifestyle. The TAG60 utilises a computer network system to monitor all systems to make monitoring and maintaining efficient. Touch screen displays in the sailing cockpits and the navigation station shows you all.

7. Access to the water is made easy with wide transoms and a new dinghy platform which lowers the dinghy into the water for launching, protects it while sailing and acts as a great area to setup watersports gear or just as your own private "beach". The platform can be set at any height so that it can be set at water level to act as a dock for off loading gear and provisions or be used as easy access for playtime.

8. The TAG 60 was designed with ease of use in mind. This 60 foot cat is the ideal world cruiser that is easy to managed with one or two people.

The new generation of catamaran has arrived.

Want to know more? Also have a look at Young Yacht Design for further information on Greg Young the designer and his previous catamarans.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions we'd love to share
this exciting design with you.

TAG 85

I am taking the helm again. TAG Yacht has also a Tag Young 70 going on production at the end of 2009 and am amazing TAG 85.

There is a lot to read on their website but it is worth it, you will learn about the TAG concept but also about catamarans in general. The team around the project looks really great and I am sure in the growing catamaran market, this great performing design built in South Africa by kwnolegeable people will meet its public.

The first TAG 60 is actually being built.

GEMINI PROJECT BECOMES HEMISPHERE - BREAKING NEWS

Thanks to Tom Ashwell from Synergy Yachting for this "avant premiere".

HEMISPHERE (formerly Project GEMINI), designed by naval architects Van Peteghem Lauriot Prévost (VPLP) and built by Derecktor Shipyards in Bridgeport, Connecticut is on course to be delivered towards the latter part of this year.

With a length overall of 44.2m (145ft) and a gross tonnage of just under 500, she is set to scoop the record as the world's largest sailing catamaran. However, this will by no means be her only impressive credential, and the team behind the project has pooled their respective talents and expertise to accomplish the execution of this vessel.

Derecktor Shipyards was chosen to undertake the project from their Bridgeport facility, which is one of Derecktor’s three locations serving the eastern seaboard of the US for new-build, repair/refit and service work. Likewise, architects Van Peteghem Lauriot Prévost were the obvious candidates to lend their expertise to such a specialized project.

The result is an innovative design packed with creatively practical features that blend speed and stability with both space and style. A draft of only 3m (9.8ft) ensures ease of maneuverability and access to ports and lagoons inaccessible to monohulls of comparable size. Decks and rig are remarkably uncluttered as visible deck hardware has been minimized and the 53m (174ft) high mast soars free of spreaders with all lines run internally. Tenders are also ingeniously stowed out of sight and the port transom houses a full water sports and dive locker served by a large hydraulic swim platform.
Destined for the luxury charter market in tropical climates, HEMISPHERE boasts a spacious flybridge with Jacuzzi, sun pads and shaded dining along with a vast indoor/outdoor living area on the main deck. Exceptional interior volume offers a high degree of luxury without a trace of glitz and designer Michael Leach has created a relaxed elegance which is the epitome of contemporary chic. Accommodation for 12 guests is arranged in 5 comfortable suite cabins and the yacht will operate with a professional crew of 8.

Burgess has been appointed to manage HEMISPHERE charter program which will commence with winter 2008/2009 in the Caribbean and charter rates start at US$150,000 per week excluding operating expenses.

CHARTER HEMISPHERE WITH WINDWARD ISLANDS

SYNERGY YACHTING - CATAMARAN SPECIALIST

Synergie Yachting offers solutions to the ownership of catamarans. They provide services such as delivery, crew placement, charter preparation and can act as consultants in all the issues related to catamaran ownership. They are also offering the Synergy Fractionnal Ownership program. After the real estate, the plane industries many of these programs are being developed in the yachting industry. They enable an owner to own part of a yacht for part of the cost and "none of the troubles" since the yacht is managed by a third party. The directors of Synergy, Phil Scott and Tom Ashwell, have a 15 years experience in sailing, building and managing catamaran. For their Fractionnal ownership program they have selected well built and valuable catamarans such as the Lagoon 57, Privilege 585 and Privilege 745 (picture below). They have also worked with VPLP design on the Synergie 88 as they write on their website "Our Synergy fleet needed a flagship and we realised that the only way to own the ultimate catamaran was to specify, design and build it in-house using major players in the industry. We want the best looking, fastest and most luxurious catamaran we can get, and being the highest level of synergy ownership, we don’t have to compromise. Nothing will be overlooked, the bespoke Synergy 88 will simply be the best." The Synergie 88 has been designed specially to serve their Synergie Global Yacht club project. In this program a fleet of three or more catamarans will sail the world offering the clients the opportunity to sail through a range of worldwide destinations or to unite the catamarans for booking or special event.

Synergy website is great, full of beautiful pictures and provides very clear information. On the download page you will find pdf format brochure of all their services and programs.