Yachting and Boating World forums: Very Big Boat Test (long)

We approached this test with some trepidation, as docking errors with 113 thousand tonnes could easily result in an unplanned expansion of the port.

Fortunately, the skipper seemed to have the measure of his joystick, and powerful bow and stern thrusters kept everything under control.

The skipper started out by running through the emergency drills. In the case of a "general alarm", everybody would immediately return to their cabin and adopt formal dress.

The harbour authority Brass Band turned out to celebrate the collection of the short stay mooring charges.

...and finally we were off. With a comfortable cruising range of 400 miles a day, you can expand your horizons somewhat.

As we travelled north, we couldn't help notice that the locals seemed to be quite keen boaters too. Some were happy to bob around gently in port, munching canapes and sipping wine (too expensive to gulp).

Others were happy to plod along.

Some tried to overtake...

...but they were improperly dressed.

Others tried to use their outdrives as hydrofoils, with varying degrees of success.

Our test schedule did have some slack in it, allowing for a few rest stops.

We saw waterfalls that moved.

And some that didn't.

Short finger berths meant that we had to be careful at some destinations. We got the impression that the original designers might have had smaller craft in mind. Again, bow and stern thrusters, plus long lines, saved the day.

We were again somewhat shocked by the beer prices here, as we had to leave behind two lifeboats in exchange for four Coronas.

There appeared to be minor issue with the electronics on board, in that the estimates of sea state seemed a little optimistic at times.

Despite that, the stabilisers worked well, and there was no noticeable slamming when driving upwind at 20kts, although there was a fair amount of spray generated off the forward windward sections.

In conclusion, not the prettiest craft afloat, but a capable, quiet, and comfortable long distance cruiser, especially suited to the long haul.

dv.

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