24.06.20

IN BUILD: THE LATEST FROM THE SPIRIT YACHTS YARD

Spirit Yachts | Blog | IN BUILD: THE LATEST FROM THE SPIRIT YACHTS YARD
An insight into current new builds at Spirit Yachts’ waterside headquarters

IN SUFFOLK

Spirit Yachts | Blog | IN BUILD: THE LATEST FROM THE SPIRIT YACHTS YARD
Spirit Yachts | Blog | IN BUILD: THE LATEST FROM THE SPIRIT YACHTS YARD
Spirit Yachts | Blog | IN BUILD: THE LATEST FROM THE SPIRIT YACHTS YARD

During the Covid-19 lockdown, Spirit Yachts adjusted its policies and processes to ensure it continued operating safely and in line with government guidance. By implementing split shifts and reducing the number of team members on each yacht to ensure social distancing, construction has continued on all new builds.

Due to launch later this year, the highly anticipated Spirit 44CR (E) is nearing the end of her build. A fully electric Spirit cruiser-racer (CR), the yacht will deliver on the owner’s brief of ‘near total energy self-sufficiency’. Amongst her eco features, the 44CR (E) will have zero hydrocarbons onboard and solar panels will be integrated into her deck and sails. The panels will recharge Oceanvolt 48VDC batteries, which will power her Oceanvolt ServoProp15 sail drive.

In the yard, the final planks of sustainable Lignia decking are now being laid on the coachroof of the 44CR (E) and the binnacle, flagpole and sliding companionway hatch are all finished. The Sipo Mahogny steering wheel is being hand-built by Spirit’s skilled team of craftsmen and women.

Down below, the interior is almost completely veneered and clad ahead of the sole boards being laid down. Interior finishing is underway and the galley appliances have been fitted. By the end of June, her hull will have been sprayed with a Carinthia Blue finish, which will complement gold coveline, white boot top and blue Hempel Silic One Antifoul.

Lying next to the 44CR (E) is the new Spirit 72DH. Designed for family cruising, regatta racing and Mediterranean charters, the 72DH design delivers a fresh perspective on a deckhouse interior. She is also the first Spirit yacht to have carbon integrated into her build to deliver the same strength as a stainless steel reinforcement cage with far less weight (a total saving of over 800kgs).

The hull of the 72DH is currently being carcassed out with plywood before the more detailed fit out stage begins. The lazarette is complete, the deck blocking is being dry fitted and assembly of the coachroof is underway.

 

Spirit Yachts | Blog | IN BUILD: THE LATEST FROM THE SPIRIT YACHTS YARD
Spirit Yachts | Blog | IN BUILD: THE LATEST FROM THE SPIRIT YACHTS YARD

Forward of the 72DH, a Spirit P40 superyacht tender is taking shape. The deck is laid and the deck fittings are currently underway. The interior has been painted and her unique three-pane curved glass windscreen is in the final design and development stages.

In the adjacent part of the yard, the new Spirit 65DH is in the final phases of her build. The deck structure is down ready for the Lignia planking to be laid next month. Sipo Mahogany butterfly hatches are being hand-built and the cockpit table has been designed and is going into build. Down below, the walnut cladding is almost complete and construction of the main doors is underway.

The final new build is a 30ft Spirit Classic. A performance day sailor yacht, the Spirit 30 will be an eco-friendly, Bermudan sloop that can be scaled up in length if desired. The team at Spirit has set itself an internal challenge to scrutinise the construction and operation of the yacht to reduce its carbon footprint to the lowest achievable level. This includes examining waste materials, monitoring supply chain mileage and altering construction processes to avoid using products that are less environmentally friendly.

Adapting to new working conditions, an experienced member of the Spirit boatbuilding team has been building the ringframes from home. Once all ringframes are complete, they will be transported to the yard to be set up in the strongback structure and the hull will start to take shape.

Further details on the Spirit 30 will be revealed in the next Spirit newsletter. In the meantime any requests for further information can be sent to enquiries@spirityachts.com

To arrange an appointment to visit the Spirit Yachts yard and view all of the above projects in build, please contact Karen Underwood, operations director, via enquiries@spirityachts.com or +44 (0)1473 214 715.