We have begun the construction of the OCD 60. The 18m yacht has been designed as a live aboard blue water cruiser for operation in tropical climates but also for exploring high latitudes. The client is an experienced yachtsman having previously owned a Boreal 45 and intends to circumnavigate with his new sailboat.
This aluminium lifting centerboard sailboat follows on from ‘Qilak’ the OC high latitude expedition yacht launched, that we built in 2018. OCD 60 is designed and built for private cruising but with in-built allowance for future commercially coded (MGN280) charter capabilities. The emphasis for this design is the dual capabilities of both blue water and high latitude cruising in style and comfort, easily handled by a crew of two and with the space to comfortably accommodate a further 6 additional guests.
Shallow draft capabilities are a particularly strong driver for this design, the bulbed shoal draft keel incorporates a high performance internal ballasted centreboard enabling keel up draft of 1.4m (4’ 7”) and a performance sailing draft of 3.82m (12’ 6”) The twin rudders with this keel arrangement allow for safe lay up in remote locations and with that in mind the vessel is also enabled with a single point lift facility for hauling by crane where a travel hoist might not be suitable or even available.
The overall design concept prioritises functionality and the ability to spend extended periods of time aboard in remote locations. The triple spreader carbon rig minimises windage with both furling genoa and staysail being able to be lowered to the deck for stowage. The cockpit is divided up into working and relaxing areas and has covered zones for protection from the elements, fair and foul. A substantial aft lower deck enables safe stowage of the substantial rigid tender and when launched this area converts to an expansive terrace on the sea enabling comfortable lounging and easy access to the water. The large central cockpit hatch enables access to a multifunctional hold /workshop along with access to further technical and stowage spaces.
Access to the main pilot house is from under the exterior forward cockpit cuddy. Traversing the threshold through a split height watertight door into the main saloon, all round visibility is assured in all areas and comfortable seating awaits for eight around a folding, adjustable height saloon table to port. To starboard a split level fully equipped galley ensures there is always inclusivity for the crew or guests no matter who or what task is being undertaken. The dedicated navigation station is forward of the saloon enabling sitting eye level views all-round through the substantial triple glazed windows.
The main accommodation consists of an owner’s double and three guest cabins. The aft guest cabin is a twin, reached from the galley, to starboard and has access through watertight doors to the workshop/hold and subsequently to the main machinery space. Further main accommodation areas are accessed directly from the companionway steps at the forward end of the pilot house with the day heads and shower to starboard and the owners’ en-suite quarters to port. The walk through, open, combined studio space with twin stacked berths to starboard leads to a forward twin/double cabin which in turn accesses a large forepeak with dedicated stowage for essential items for long term exploration and cruising including the second rolled up inflatable tender and the easily accessed chain locker.
Extra consideration has been given to water, fuel and general equipment storage, with adaptable areas throughout the vessel for equipment and stores that may change according to this blue water cruiser’s geographic location. Substantial solar arrays have been incorporated into the pilothouse roof and the hard top bimini. Access, serviceability and ease of use of all systems has been a specific requirement with careful thought being given to integrate details such as multi positions for the heavy lift carbon deck davit, topside boarding gates to ensure easier access to the deck when alongside a marina dock and the fine weather foldaway outboard helm seats all combine to create a very special yacht for exploring those far-flung cruising grounds.