Yacht building in China took another step forward with the launch of the Argos G92 earlier this month at Tricon Marine.
Located in Zhuhai, in the same region of the Guandong province that has attracted other yacht companies, Tricon Marine is a relatively new builder, established earlier this year by David Adams, the founder of Premier Yacht & Ship, and Christos Livadas, a former client of Adams’ who wanted to start his own yard.
The Tricon Marine team tapped Howard Apollonio for the Argos G92’s naval architecture. After extensive tank testing at B.C. Maritime Institute, a “hybrid trans-planing” hull, as Tricon refers to it, was selected to make transoceanic travel more efficient yet also to make a good turn of speed possible. With deep propeller pockets and an extended keel, it additionally has soft forward chines. The hull is said to be suited to a variety of engines, ranging from 600 hp to 2,400 hp, for top speeds up to 35 knots. (As of this writing, however, no information was available on the exact engine package for hull number one.)
Inside, the all-fiberglass megayacht has a decided emphasis on space. The master stateroom, for example, is just aft of the pilothouse and referred to as a SkySuite, with a panoramic view, something not seen on other yachts in this size range. In keeping with the philosophy of protecting the owner’s privacy, the crew have side-deck and other internal access to the pilothouse separate from social areas. There’s also a split-level sun deck, measuring 26 feet long and encompassing more than 800 square feet.
In a recent interview with Fairtheworld.com, a Chinese company focused on Web-based news related to China, Adams conveyed the difficulties of finding local skilled craftspeople experienced in boat building. He added that Tricon was therefore hiring workers from other countries but hoped the government would set up training schools to benefit the growing industry.
The Argos G92 will debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. In the meantime, a 100-footer, the first model in the Argos G100 series, is under construction at the yard.
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