A study into the conversion of a 'Challenge 67' racing yacht into a world cruising yacht.

Otton, William. (2004). A study into the conversion of a 'Challenge 67' racing yacht into a world cruising yacht. [Final Year Project]

	PDF (project) project.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (253kB)
	Archive (ZIP) (appendices) appendices.zip Restricted to Registered users only Download (8MB)
	Archive (ZIP) (drawings) drawings.zip Restricted to Registered users only Download (1MB)

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to examine a Challenge 67 racing yacht and assess its suitability for conversion into a world cruising yacht. The Challenge Business currently owns a number of ex race yachts which have subsequently been used for adventure sailing and corporate entertaining. The 67 fleet, now twelve years old, has been superseded by a fleet of 72’ yachts. Several yachts have been sold to various organisations as training vessels. This study examines an alternative use. The definition of a world cruising yacht has been examined, through the use of a parametric study. Although this provided some indication of what is required it was found to be rather ambiguous. In an attempt to define a purpose to which the converted yacht could be specified, a passage plan for an extended cruise has been created. Some conclusions with regard to systems and equipment levels have been used to augment the information from the parametric study. Based on the information gathered, a specification has been created using manufacturers literature, drawings and information supplied by Challenge Business. Issues such as the addition of new systems, a new accommodation layout, vessel performance and behaviour, stability and the addition of watertight bulkheads have been considered and evaluated with the help of various software packages and guidance from the MCA code book for small commercial sailing vessels. To carry out a conversion project as described has significant implications in terms of cost and the time required. These issues have been examined and an estimate of both has been made in conjunction with a proposal for the sequence in which it should be carried out. The basis for the estimate is information supplied by equipment manufacturers and input from industry specialists. The study concludes that a conversion as proposed is viable. Total converted vessel cost is not prohibitive providing the specification exactly fulfils the owners requirements. However there is unlikely to be significant profit in the conversion itself if the yacht is to remain saleable. The converted vessel would have a ‘general’ specification not tailored to an owner and considerable capital would be tied up for the duration of the project. For these reasons it is considered ideal for Challenge to sell the yachts as vessels which are suitable for conversion but not to undertake the conversion themselves.

Actions (login required)

View Item