The Southampton-based builder Fairlie Yachts has revealed the Fairlie 77 sailing yacht design.
The 23.4m is described as ‘modern classic’ and although it features classic styling it would be built using the yard’s modern construction methods. The hull would be made from a laminated mahogany backbone and frames, with a layer of Douglas fir strip planking, two layers of mahogany veneer laminated using West System Epoxy Resin, covered with two layers of GRP for protection.
Paul Spooner, Naval Architect at Fairlie Yachts has designed two possible interior layouts for the yacht: in the first, the master cabin with en-suite and wet room is located forward of the saloon. In the second, the master cabin is aft, with separate access via a companionway and a private cockpit. The latter option offers more seclusion from other guests and crew.
The design is intended to offer relaxed cruising or competitive sailing and two sail plans are therefore offered: a cutter headed yawl for easy handling and elegant lines is aimed at cruising, while the more typical sloop rig features a powerful foretriangle and mainsail. In both cases, the hull form, keel and rudder are designed to offer speed.
‘When a client comes to Fairlie Yachts they are looking for the exquisite craftsmanship for which we have become renowned and which embraces an age old maritime tradition,’ says Spooner of the yard, which specialises in designing and building classic yachts.
The 77 is the latest in a range that includes a 55, 66 and a 110. A January build slot is available for a Fairlie 77, which the yard estimates would allow an owner to take delivery for the summer of 2015.