Dubois 36.8m Sloop 'Bliss' recently launched in Auckland

Recently launched in Auckland, New Zealand, Bliss was built using a composite construction utilising high strength-to-weight ratio materials developed by the aerospace and marine industries over many years, including epoxy resin, high strength glass fibres and carbon fibres.

The weight of the yacht’s structure is approximately half that of an equivalent build in aluminium. This weight saving compounds, requiring less sail area to drive the lighter yacht and therefore smaller winches; less hydraulic power to power the winches; a smaller engine; less fuel to drive the engine; and less ballast being required because of the reduced sail area. These factors all result in a yacht that is 30% lighter than the equivalent aluminium vessel and ultimately gives a faster and more nimble sailing yacht.

Twenty years ago it was widely believed that by now all sailing yachts would be built using composite materials. However, the majority of yachts over 100ft long are still built using aluminium. The reasons for this are somewhat complex but they involve cost, perceived resale value, concerns for the manufacturing process and most particularly the fact that most yacht yards have a vested interest in retaining the aluminium boat building culture.

Dubois believe that there is nothing wrong with aluminium construction indeed that it is a fine material for yacht building. Composite materials, however, do offer a speed advantage if handled correctly. Their longevitycan be guaranteed and maintenance cost can be reduced. There are only very few yards worldwide that can offer quality composite construction on this scale and Yachting Developments in New Zealand is one of these.

The first Dubois design built by Yachting Developments was 33 metre s/y Silvertip, launched in 2001. The yacht was significantly different from many of Dubois’ other designs with a flush deck, considerable weight advantage, and a daggerboard. Silvertip was performance orientated and was noticed. Dubois then worked with Yachting Developments on Intrigue in 2004, and with the culmination of this experience and Yachting Developments’ extensive experience with other designs, the yard was chosen to build Bliss.

Composite construction is not the only reason that Bliss stands out as being advanced and exceptional. Teak was not used on the deck and no timber was used for finishing the interior except for the soles. Bliss has a specially designed and engineered bimini with opening sections that gives better protection from sun, wind and rain than the normal stainless steel frame and cloth arrangements that is often seen aboard large sailing yachts and which is actually often something of an after thought in terms of design.

“We believe Bliss will set a new standard...” Ed Dubois.

Steering is ‘quadrant and cable’ and the high-aspect ratio balanced rudder combined with the lighter displacement afforded by the composite construction produces a more nimble, faster yacht that is a joy to steer in all conditions.

Bliss has benefitted from a great deal of forethought from owner, designer, interior designers Design Unlimited and project manager Guy Waddilove, who have between them put together a beautiful yacht.

We believe that Bliss is a market leader in terms of her construction and her approach towards a ‘green’ way of sailing with, for example, no teak deck and reduced fuel consumption. We believe Bliss will indeed set a new standard.

Specifications

LOA 36.8m (121ft)

LWL 32.3m (105.6ft)

Beam 8.35m (27.4ft)

Draught 4m (13ft)

Construction Composite

Engine Caterpillar C9 ‘D’ rated

Propeller Amartech variable pitch 4 blade

Thrusters 2 x 50hp Lewmar 400

Generators Kohler

Range 3,700nm @ 10 knots

Fuel Capacity 15,000 litres

Water Capacity 4,000 litres

Sails Doyle Sails

Sail Area 774.5m

Winches Onboard systems / Harken

Mast and Boom Hall Spars

Designer Dubois Naval Architects

Builder Yachting Developments

Interior Designer Design Unlimited

Project Manager Waddilove Yachts

Launch December 2009

 

Dubois Naval Architects Ltd

Beck Farm, Sowley, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 5SR, UK

 

T: +44 (0) 1590 626666 F: +44 (0) 1590 626696

design@duboisyachts.com

www.duboisyachts.com