Design number: 216 Year: 2021
Humphreys 50m, high endurance explorer motor yacht, capable of sustained periods of self-sufficiency for world cruising and operation in the remotest areas of our planet. Construction of the yacht is well underway at JFA yachts in France.
To see the full video of the hull turn at Van Noorloos in Holland, please click on the image below:
Design notes
Humphreys Yacht Design were responsible for the naval architecture and exterior design, with interior design by m2atelier and owner’s representation by Christian Poorte of A2B Maritime.
Unique aspects of the brief included a requirement for enhanced, near 360 degree visibility from interior and exterior spaces on the main, upper and bridge decks, which has driven the single level decks, relatively low forward freeboard and a large extent of glazing on the superstructure.
The Owner’s Suite is situated on the upper deck and features a private lounge and office area. Outside there is a large seating and lounging area with jacuzzi and full exterior walkway.
Further accommodation is provided on the lower deck with 4 large guest cabins aft and crew forward comprising a captain’s cabin and four twin cabins in addition to separate crew mess and laundry areas. Having the ability to maintain crew and guest separation has been a key aspect of the brief and has resulted in the incorporation of a centreline walkway on the tank deck to allow crew direct access to the engine room from the forward crew area, which is an unusual and technically challenging feature on a light displacement 50 metre yacht.
The galley, main saloon and dining area are located on the main deck. A large cold and dry storage area is located off the galley. Outside on the main deck there is a large sofa and sun bed area, bar with integrated BBQ and day head.
There is a large aft deck area for the stowage of multiple tenders and other water toys. The 9.25m main tender is launched via a dedicated C-davit to ensure ease and speed of launch in a seaway, whilst a Palfinger PK32080M deck crane provides additional, multi-functional lifting capability with reach extending over the aft deck, stern platform, engine room and lazarette spaces. A concealed Cramm foredeck crane provides launch and recovery for the rescue boat and jet skis.
The Bridge is located on the top tier of the superstructure with commanding views and uninterrupted 360 degree visibility. Wing stations are located on both sides of the Bridge Deck in addition to a full exterior walkway and external lounge and seating area.
Significant optimisation went into the refinement of the Humphreys fast-displacement hull form, to ensure all performance, sea-keeping, manoeuvrability, vessel motion and comfort criteria could be exceeded. This took the form of extensive in-house studies and high resolution RansCFD analysis working with our project partner Cape-Horn Engineering, finally culminating in extensive large scale model testing at MARIN for validation and to allow for further design refinement. Throughout the design process, particular attention was paid to analysing vessel motions and studying the effect of various pitch damping and roll stabilisation devices.
The design features a parallel hybrid propulsion system with twin shaft drives, powered by MTU 12V 2000 M72 Diesel engines, coupled to ZF 3351 PTI/PTO gearboxes and 290kW Danfoss electric motors. A maximum speed of 20kts will be achievable in hybrid boost mode, with normal cruising speeds in the 12-16 knot speed range. The vessels range will exceed 5000nm miles at 12 knots cruising. Soft mountings are incorporated throughout to ensure exceptionally low levels of noise and vibration for a yacht of its kind.
Stabilisation comes in the form of a single Veem VG140SD gyro and a pair of CMC LR170 zero-speed fin stabilisers, while transom mounted CMC intruders allow enhanced running trim control at higher displacement speeds.
Hull construction is in aluminium to facilitate the ability to achieve the relatively light displacement targets, whilst still allowing our chosen structural engineering partners, Chartwell Marine, to exceed rule required scantlings to provide an exceptionally rugged and robust platform for self-sufficient world cruising. Structural Engineering of the superstructure is by De Rivoyre Engineering, with the upper tiers of the superstructure constructed from infused GRP composite to achieve displacement and centre of gravity targets. Extensive use of unidirectional carbon-fibre in high-load areas, such as the window mullions, has also provided benefits in terms of enhancing the uninterrupted visibility from interior spaces within the superstructure.
Build Contract signed on a Humphreys 50 metre Custom Explorer Yacht
Lymington, UK – Humphreys Yacht Design (HYD) is delighted to announce that the build contract for its 50 metre Custom Explorer Yacht has been signed by JFA Yachts, France.
The design of the yacht has been developed by HYD over the past two years, working closely with the Client and Owner’s Representative Christian Poorte of A2B Marine Projects. The brief was to design an explorer yacht for family use and global cruising, featuring exceptional efficiency, comfort and safety levels.
HYD are responsible for the naval architecture and exterior styling. The yacht features a highly refined fast-displacement hull form, light displacement, hybrid propulsion, stabiliser fins in combination with a large gyro and capacity to carry large tenders and multiple toys. “The design has benefited from a highly integrated approach to marry all the technical, functional and Client-specific requirements and underpinned through a rigorous naval architecture effort, where intensive CFD work was ultimately validated by one of the most comprehensive model testing programs” Tom Humphreys, Co-Director at HYD explains.
The exterior design features extensive use of glazing and single level decks to facilitate 360 degree views and to provide a real connection with the yacht’s surroundings. HYD’s role started with the development of the initial concept, space planning of the general arrangement as well as assessing a wide range of features, design characteristics and devices to benefit overall efficiency. Tom goes on to explain that “As designers, sailors and a company that is passionate about the sea, it is essential that this level of optimisation is at the heart of our design process. We chase gains in performance to seek greater efficiencies. This leads to increased proficiency in all aspects from layout, technical systems and ultimately the hull performance and its seagoing characteristics resulting in less impact on our environment.”
Rob Humphreys, Founder of HYD commented that “This has been an absorbing and thoroughly engaging design challenge for the team at HYD. Positioned at the edge of the 500 GRT threshold with efficiency, comfort, safety and handling qualities uppermost in every aspect of the design process.”
The construction of the hull commenced in autumn 2021 with the new yacht due to be launched in 2024.
