The 50m aluminium hull for the first motor yacht in the Vitruvius series – code name C.2134 – was turned upright at the Cantieri Navali Beconcini premises, the Perini Navi Group facility in La Spezia. The difficult operation was successfully completed in front of the shipyard workers and the Group management.
The metal-work on the hull blocks was executed using the overturned construction technique, a manufacturing method which allows for greater precision in all hull sheet welding and finishing activities, an important aspect in the construction of yachts with complex shapes.
The hull was raised by powerful cranes and was subsequently turned. During the different stages in the aerial handling of the hull it was possible to see in great detail the design and style peculiarities of this innovative motor yacht series: extremely streamlined features and rake of the stem.
Philippe Briand, designer and creator of the Vitruvius concept, deliberately drew inspiration from the hydrodynamic rules of sailing yacht hulls, whose lines, distribution of volumes and weights are optimized in order to reach the highest efficiency. All motor yachts in the Vitruvius-Picchiotti series feature hulls able to minimize drag thus reducing fuel consumption, with close to 50% energy savings compared to motor yachts in a similar range currently available on the market.
C.2143 is an Explorer, a vessel conceived for long crossings. Once completed, her displacement will be optimized at 430 tons, with a range of app. 4,500nm at a cruising speed of 12 knots.
Delivery is expected for spring 2010.