This 220ft sailing yacht (announced by NauticNews.com in April this year with code name AY41) is designed by Philippe Briand (UK) and built by Alloy Yachts (NZ), under the aegis of project manager Andrew Senn (AU).

The yacht will be launched in December 2010

Vertigo is the largest yacht ever designed and built by both architect and shipyard alike.
In the first stage of design, back in June 2004, the first drawings outlined a sailing yacht with an overall length of 200ft. Subsequently, the evolution of the design led to an increase in size resulting in an overall length of 220 ft.

The challenge facing the Designer was to design a yacht that was large but “sensitive to sail”, which explains her modern hull lines. She is the first sailing yacht of her size to have an almost vertical bow. This feature allows for a greater waterline length, thus making for a considerable improvement in speed both under sail and engine power.

With an air clearance restricted to 68m (for access to the Suez Canal) and a draft restriction of 5m, the designer was particularly concerned with enhancing efficiency of the sail plan and keel.

A Ketch rig was the only suitable option. Mainsail and mizzen sail include roaches which have never before been seen or used on yachts of this size.  More surface area of the sails is exposed up where the wind velocity is greater than it is at the proximity of the water.  This led to having sails developing a larger driving force than that of conventional triangular sails.  Therefore runners are used in instead of permanent backstays. This is another first on a boat of this size, made possible via the technology of mast builders Southern Spars. Draft is increased to 9.10 m by a daggerboard extension. Captive winches and vertical winches are custom made by Alloy Yachts.

Under sail she is expected to reach speeds of almost 20 knots in a reach with a true wind speed of 20 knots. Also, with light winds less than 10 knots, she will outperform the existing   mega sailing yachts.

Under engine power the yacht can reach a maximum speed of 17 knots and maintain a cruising speed of 12 knots with an estimated range of over 4000 nm.

Another original aspect lies in the layout. The main lazarette is situated in the middle of the boat rather than aft, as is more usually the case. As a result, access to the boat from her tender is more central. The aft lazarette houses a large 8 m “commuter” tender.  It is enclosed by one door serving as a swimming platform and the stairs to this transom door when it is open are formed from the aft passerelles.

On the foredeck there are two lockers that house 2 x 6m tenders. The foredeck and passage way are entirely flush. This gives the aesthetic a very sleek appearance which is unique for a yacht of this size.

Particular care has been given to the exterior relaxing areas, cockpit and flying bridge, affording the possibility to be outside and sheltered as you wish. The aft cockpit is especially well protected by a large hard-top that incorporates a louvre system and by lateral sliding windows. The flybridge is open but on demand it can be protected by a removable bimini top and a large dodger. The sun pads at the rear of the cockpit conceal a swimming pool.

Inside she is extremely comfortable; light floods in all around, as the designer intended especially in the saloon on the main deck. The sides of the superstructure are transparent, bringing the outside into the saloon. The perfect integration of deck saloon and cockpit create a seamless living area 30 m long.

The lower deck layout shows 4 x guest rooms and huge owner’s state room aft.  The passage from this cabin leads directly to the lazarette and swim platform. Forward there is enough accommodation for 11 crew.

Accommodation was designed by renowned interior designer Christian Liaigre. The atmosphere of the settings was established as “urban at sea”. In the interior, the palette of materials and hues is dominated by white lacquered surfaces combined and coordinated in a harmonious combination with tinted walnuts and black sandblasted woods.

There is every indication that this will be a true 220’ sailing yacht, comfortable and sensitive to sail. A worthy descendant of the great seafaring ships of the past.

NauticNews.com Tech Specs of Alloy Yachts Vertigo

The range of Alloy Yachts on NauticNews.com

Tags on NauticNews.com: Alloy Yachts – Philippe Briand – Christian Liaigre – Mega Yachts

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