2 SPIRIT YACHTS’ WOODEN WONDER
Spirit Yachts has launched its largest wooden motor yacht to date. Called the P70 it was commissioned by an experienced owner who specified “an owner-driven yacht capable of cruising 1,000nm at an average of 18 knots across the North Sea without having to refuel”.
Contracts were signed in April 2016 and six months of design followed before build began toward the end of that year. Construction centres around Sapele ring frames to which Douglas fir longitudinal strips were bonded. Diagonal layers of kaya wood planking were then laid down, sanded and vacuum-infused with a thin layer of epoxy resin.
Spirit Yachts says this method of construction means that the P70 is almost half the weight of its GRP counterparts at 24 tonnes (light). Twin MAN i6 800hp engines provide the 18 knots cruising speed, with a maximum of 25 knots.
The owner also requested an unusual layout with the saloon forward and a few steps down from the wheelhouse. Stairs lead forward from here to the ensuite owner’s cabin, complete with a bath and a single cabin which doubles up as an office. The two guest cabins are in the stern at the opposite end of the boat for maximum privacy, separated from the wheelhouse by the dining area and galley.
Spirit Yachts’ managing director Nigel Stuart commented, “The launch of the P70 is a significant milestone in Spirit Yachts’ history. Whilst the core business remains sailing yachts, we are seeing increasing demand for motor yachts tailored to suit an owner’s cruising plans”. Spirit Yachts’ founder and chief designer
Sean Mcmillan added: “The owner liked the design of our existing power boats, so we combined the tumblehome stern and flared bow from the P40 with the 1930s-style of our sailing yachts and applied it to a larger motor yacht design.”