While other designers are researching hybrid technology for more fuel-efficient megayacht designs, Rene van der Velden is confident economy-minded owners can remain that way with traditional diesel power. That’s one of the features of the 110-foot cruiser concept seen here.
In fact, the Rene van der Velden 110 Cruiser includes a variety of basic systems and machinery, eschewing the trend to go high-tech. As the head of the eponymous design firm puts it, owners looking for lower construction and operating costs don’t always want overly sophisticated technology.
For propulsion, the 110-foot Cruiser will reply on a choice of twin Caterpillar engines. If 1,900-hp C32 ACERTs are selected, top speed should be 18 knots, and cruise speed should be 14 knots. With 715-hp C18 ACERTs, top end should be 14 knots, with a 12-knot cruise.
Another good example: the tender stowage and launching area. Many megayachts have tender garages, which are great for keeping toys out of view. However, van der Velden argues, they require costly hydraulic devices for watertight integrity and regulatory compliance. Other megayachts, especially ones in the 100-foot range, place the toys aft on the flying bridge—which, van der Velden rightly points out, blocks the view. By contrast, the 110-foot megayacht concept has a foredeck beamy enough to hold a handful of toys. The bulwarks are additionally high enough to hide them from view and keep them secure. And, of course, a dedicated crane launches and retrieves them. If an owner so wishes, though, the stowage area can become hidden within housing topped by a hatch.
The design team is leaving construction material up to the owner’s and/or builder’s choice, though van der Velden recommends a steel hull for strength and ease of repair essentially worldwide. The superstructure can be comprised of either fiberglass or aluminum.
Also up to owner’s choice is the interior decor. Layout options are further open to interpretation, though van der Velden envisions four guest staterooms below decks and a main-deck owner’s suite. The suggested layout allows the two forward guest staterooms to transform into a large suite, a nice touch.
The 110 Cruiser concept has some innovative ideas that would be a shame not to see come to fruition. One of them is the saloon, featuring sliding glass doors (up to five) to really open up the area. These were chosen to make the saloon equally favored as a gathering area, since so many owners and guests use the skylounge more often. Another innovative idea: sliding glass panels overhead and to each side in the skylounge. Picture the yacht in a picturesque anchorage with all the panels wide open, or just the “sunroof” open… it’s a flexibility not found on other yachts.
Note, too, that the flying-bridge deck, where the skylounge is located, is the uppermost deck. Rene van der Velden purposely eliminates the common third deck, dedicated as a sundeck or a flying bridge depending on how other designers and builders term it. The reason: weight savings aloft, which translates to better stability, a more moderate beam (22’3”, or 6.8 meters), and lower construction and operating costs.
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