Danish Yachts may not be a familiar name to some buyers, particularly in the United States. But a few of its craft have put it on the international map. The J-Class replica Ranger, delivered in 1993, certainly did in this respect. But for its focus on lightweight, fast poweryachts, Moon Goddess, a 115-footer delivered in 2006, probably did the most. And it’s not just because she was conceived as a dayboat/tender for Princess Mariana, but also because of how she was engineered and built. Her carbon fiber and Kevlar construction kept her lightweight and tough, key parameters for the 43-knot top speed she can hit.
Danish Yachts has focused on high-tech carbon-fiber megayachts, among other vessels, ranging from 35 to 47 meters (115 to 154 feet). Besides meeting Det Norske Veritas, MCA, and SOLAS requirements, the yard says its boats also meet the International Code of Safety of High-Speed Craft (HSC Code). With that in mind, it will be interesting to see its latest project, a 116, conduct sea trials before delivery this summer. The predicted top speed is a whopping 51 knots.
Danish Yachts is confident that speed will be achieved for a few reasons. First, the yard says it tank tests all of its projects to determine optimum weight and fuel burn as well as overall performance. In addition, during the build process, all required equipment and extraneous fittings were weighed off the yacht to adhere to the displacement calculations. As for the engine package, it features MJP waterjets coupled to twin MTU 4000 16V M92L diesels capable of more than 4,600 hp apiece.
While that engine package is powerful, the Denmark-based yard says it’s actually lighter than what typically would be used, thanks to the gensets running at higher than normal RPM. (They’re 60-kW Fischer Pandas.) The reliance on the gensets also reduces nitrous oxide emission from the exhaust.
The 116 will additionally have a few energy-efficient features. One is tinted reflecting glass. Even though the drawing here only shows part of the yacht’s profile, you can see an expanse of windows along the side. There’s also an expanse across the front. (Think about it: The warmer the interior gets, the more the air conditioning has to run.) It’s worth noting that Danish Yachts emphasizes clean energy within its shipyard, too, through the use of wind power for electricity.
The 116 is expected to premiere at the Monaco Yacht Show this fall.
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