The Turkish yard known for its stately, cold-molded mahogany yachts is expanding into composite construction—megayachts with more speed, sleeker styles, and more volume.
Vicem Yachts is presently building three yachts measuring 105, 118, and 151 feet (32, 35, and 46 meters, respectively), all part of the equally new Vulcan Line. Featuring naval architecture by Frank Mulder, each will allow owners to personalize the interiors and select hull colors, even metallic ones, similar to what Vicem does with its other offerings. Also like Vicem’s other offerings, the yachts are targeted to American owners for stateside and Bahamian cruising and thus will have shallow drafts.
Because Vicem wanted a good turn of speed for the Vulcan Line, Mulder recommended employing Corecell foam coring and epoxy resin. (While there are a few coring materials to choose from, Corecell is arguably the one most often used in marine applications. It’s also interesting to note that it’s used in wind turbine blades.) Since composite construction saves weight, and since Mulder is known for designing quick performers, Vicem expects each of the Vulcan Line yachts to exceed 20-knot speeds. In fact, the anticipated top speed for the Vulcan 46 (151-footer) is 25 knots, powered by twin 3,650-hp MTUs. Ocean-crossing capability was also a key consideration, which is why Vicem touts a 4,000-nautical-mile range at 12 knots. As for the other models, the Vulcan 35 (118-footer) should top out at 21 knots and see a 1,600-nautical-mile range at 12 knots, while the Vulcan 32 (105-footer) should top around 20 knots and see a 1,350-nautical-mile range at 12 knots. To permit charter operations, each will also comply with MCA and RINA regulations (RINA Short Range Charter Class for the 32 and 35, RINA Long Range Charter Class for the 46).
As stated above, all three Vulcan Line megayachts will allow owners to personalize the interiors, though different designers are already designated for the models. Art-Line Interiors, for example, has been tapped for the Vulcan 46. The illustration here, of a guest suite, gives you a good idea of how the design team specializes in contemporary looks. The stateroom is one of six aboard, including the full-beam (30-foot) owner’s stateroom, which features a private gym. All aboard should appreciate the 45-foot-high, atrium-like setting that will let light spill down from the sundeck to the lower deck.
As for the other models, Ken Freivokh is overseeing the interiors for the Vulcan 35, which is a trideck just like the 46. A party of 12 will get to enjoy a beach club formed when the transom garage door folds down, and owners can opt for either four or five guest staterooms, including two VIPs. The galley-down design further places the captain’s cabin on the main deck and additional tenders in foredeck compartments. Wetzels Brown Partners will collaborate with owners of the first Vulcan 32, a raised-pilothouse layout. Similar to the Vulcan 35, she’ll have a tender garage, but also stow the primary tender on the flying bridge. The owner’s stateroom lies on the main deck, and a VIP occupies the full beam below deck, accompanied by four further guest cabins. Wetzels Brown is known for contemporary flair, so the spaces should follow suit. Another highlight: Foredeck access from both the starboard side of the main deck as well as the port side of the boat deck (flying bridge).
Expect the full Vicem Yachts Vulcan Line to premiere between later this year and the end of 2012.
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