Solstice 35m Twin Mast Cruising Catamaran

Solstice is a conceptual catamaran designed by Yacht and Superyacht designer Andrew Trujillo. The British based designer conceived the yacht as a result of conversations with a Naval Architect friend of his who was currently testing a small twin mast recreational Catamaran.

“The conversation fired my imagination and brought to mind an old university project.  I recall that at University I had designed a catamaran and quite early on I realised that the conventional central placement of masts on the majority of Catamarans, although practical for most applications, is not ideal from a structural point of view.

I have had the chance and privilege to be involved in a catamaran project with a very respected production catamaran manufacturer of late and I thought it would be fun to try something a little experimental for myself. Naturally, twin rig catamarans are not new, with many racing and performance examples available, but I thought a cruising cat would be an interesting conceptual challenge, hence Solstice….”

“Early this year I produced a 45metre concept fast catamaran named “Equinox” (a fast power catamaran), so “Solstice” was the natural name and type of design to come up with, I felt. I happen to believe that the future of yachting will be vessels of this type, comfortable, spacious and efficient, with genuine environmental credentials.

Although conceived to be built in Aluminium, she could naturally be built of GRP. Personally, I think that Aluminium would suit her well, but as a concept what she is built of is a little more flexible…”

The yacht is shy of 38 metres (125’) long overall to the tip of the bowsprit (although named a 35metre as that is closer to the length of vessels she would be compared to) with a beam of just over 21 metres (69’), she is in reality, simply vast for a vessel of this length.

The space available on the main deck has the potential to become a more impressive space than that available on larger yachts, offering interesting possibilities akin to a residential loft with the large open plan area.  The main deck alone boasts (2,712 square feet) 250 m² .

As with “Equinox”, the previous concept design, the overall layout has been planned to provide maximum privacy and quiet for the guests, with the starboard pontoon dedicated solely for Guests whilst the Port pontoon is for use by crew for accommodation, laundry and galley functions. Solstice has been designed to carry 8 Guests, and between 7 and 14 crew.

Sited on the port side of central part (tunnel) of the vessel is the main salon area large formal dining area to seat 14, with a buffet area next to it. A partly shielded pantry serves the dining area. The starboard side and part of the centre has a large lounge area, a smaller and more intimate seating space, a library and card tables. The space aft of the dining area has been planned to have either a grand piano or a large billiards /snooker table.

The helm and pilothouse area is also placed to starboard with the main helm positioned ahead of the starboard mast base, whilst the chart tables and remainder of the pilothouse is placed aft of the mast.

The starboard pontoon has accommodation for a Master cabin fore, with a large ensuite bathroom which includes a bathtub and separate shower, his and hers sinks and large walk in wardrobe. Aft of the Owner’s cabin are two double VIP cabins and a twin cabin. Each pontoon has an area of 125m² (1,345 square feet). The total space available is closer to that of a 45-47 Metre motor yacht.

The Port pontoon has three cabins which depending on configuration can be set out as two twins and a triple cabin or if Pullmans are used, three triples. Alternatively, if each crew cabin has bunks throughout, there is the potential to have a total of 14 crew. Each cabin has its own head, which is of a modular design, intended to be prefabricated before installation on the vessel.

The pontoon also has a large professional galley and an aft sited crew mess area. Laundry facilities are also available off the long corridor along with copious storage. The part height lower deck space  on the tunnel between the pontoons and beneath the main salon area is allocated to tankage and technical space, but also can be allocated for further storage and for supplies.

Perhaps one of the most distinctive features of this cruising catamaran is the twin mast set up. Although the visuals show two large and impressive masts, the advantage of this twin mast setup is that, in theory, as on a ketch or schooner, the masts need not be as large as when using a single mast.

I understand that having smaller masts confers a number of advantages, in terms of handling and from a structural point of view. Each mast is sited on a pontoon, this means that they are mounted on very rigidly, and the compression loads are channelled on a part of the vessel that has plenty of structure and strength.

A further advantage is that the vessel can sail effectively with rigging on just one of the masts, so she has an element of redundancy, which can be a definite bonus on a vessel designed to be capable of long distance and global cruising.

She is though, a motor sailer, but one with other modern surprises. She features electric azipods which greatly enhance the manoeuvrability, but also have been selected on grounds of packaging and space efficiency. She has two generators in the engine rooms mounted transversally. These not only provide the necessary electrical juice to provide propulsion when not under sail, but also deliver the needed power to fulfil the hotel loads of the yacht.

This configuration allows the vessel to work as a hybrid and if provision is made by placing banks of batteries, she can operate as an electrically powered vessel, at least partly. She would also have the potential to use the prop as a generator when under sail, making her environmentally kinder and a much more efficient vessel, massively extending her potential range.

The vessel has a fly-bridge which offers great overall visibility and is great vantage point with two sunbeds and seating to accompany the helmsperson. The outdoor spaces are also enormous, with the current set up having a large aft dining table to starboard for alfresco dining and a very generous sofa on the port side. Between the two is a large whirlpool.

On the foredeck there are twin tables and generous seating areas, which at the switch of button and by placing large cushions can be converted into a sun lounging space.

This yacht is a conceptual project, therefore it seeks to push the boundaries a little but is intentionally thought out with a sense of realism, yet it has the aim of being thought provoking.

It also seeks to some extent move away from being very upright and overtly functional looking or odd looking catamaran. Naturally catamarans do look and have different proportions to mono-hulled vessels.

Arguably, as a designer the possibilities are greater to experiment. However, the most compelling aspect of designing a vessel like this one is that it seems to answer so many of the questions being asked at present.

Basic Specifications:

LOA 37.6m (125’)    
Beam 21m (69’)
GT : approx. 490
Starboard pontoon 125 m2 (1345 sq ft)
Port Pontoon 125m2
Main salon 252m2 (2712 sq ft)
Cruising speed (est) 25 knts
Guest accommodation: 8 guests
Crew accommodation: Up to 14 crew

 

ANDREW TRUJILLO DESIGN
Mob:+44(0) 74 32 524 900                     
Tel: +44(0)1743 588 066
E-mail: Andrew@AndrewTrujilloDesign.com
Web: www.AndrewTrujilloDesign.com