It’s no secret that COVID-19 has resulted in a boat-buying boom, in recognition that private cruising equates safe social distancing. Incat Crowther has taken notice, too. The naval architects and engineers see a way to adapt increasingly popular popular shadow boats to suit the ongoing need for maintaining health among crew and guests. The shadow-vessel concept Haven—what the studio calls ShadowCat Haven, due to a catamaran configuration—is its new proposal.
Responsible for shadow vessels like Hodor, Incat Crowther is well-versed in catamarans as well. ShadowCat Haven’s 224-foot (68.2-meter) length is complemented by a 50’6” (1.5-meter) beam and, of course, the stability of twin hulls. Fifty-two crew and staff, such as security personnel or helicopter pilots and technicians, can stay aboard. Furthermore, Incat Crowther has specified a COVID-19 testing lab, thermal cameras, quarantine space, and a hospital aboard ShadowCat Haven. In fact, the shadow vessel will serve as the entry point for all crew and guests intending to board the owners’ mothership. The design team considers this a “protective layer” for the main megayacht. Equally significant, the shadow vessel will handle all provisioning and supplies for the main megayacht.
If someone does test positive, ShadowCat Haven centralizes the virus-containment zone in one hull. Additionally, she employs air purification along with nanotechnology-treated surfaces (nano-based anti-microbial and anti-viral formulations, already proven). Since she is a shadow boat, though, the rest of the vessel will serve traditional yacht-support duties. Therefore, she’ll feature offices for staff, plus stowage for six PWCs, a handful of tenders, and other toys. Yet other yacht-centric features include a dive center and decompression chamber. Hydroponic gardens are even possible in the purified yacht zone.
Because so many shadow boats carry helicopters, ShadowCat Haven appropriately has a certified landing pad and fueling area. Optionally, you can request a heli hangar.
Regardless, Incat Crowther anticipates you’ll appreciate the 5,500-nautical-mile range at 12½ knots. Twin MTUs should permit a top end of 21½ knots, too.
Incat Crowther incatcrowther.com
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