Tuesday, March 20, 2012

New J Class Build 'Cheveyo' by Spirit Yachts

Spirit Yachts announced last week an historic collaboration with Sparkman & Stephens to build a new J Class yacht. This new J Class will be named CHEVEYO (pronounced shu-Vay-o), a native American word meaning 'spirit warrior'. She will be registered in the United States and carry the sail number J1.

Cheveyo will be built to the historic Ranger 77B design. This was one of six designs that were submitted by Starling Burgess and Olin Stephens to Harold Vanderbilt for the 1937 America's Cup defense against Endevour II. Vanderbilt went on to select design C and the 'Super J' Ranger was born and went onto triumph over Endeavour II in the 1937 series.

Cheveyo will be a complete balance of the classic design of yachting's golden era with 21st century build techniques. Spirit Yachts are the worlds expert in wood/epoxy construction and will build the J Class using a sophisticated technique to laser cut stainless steel ring frames to create an exceptionally stiff yet lightweight hull. The construction drawings are currently been finalized to suit this build technique.
She will have similar deck features as the other J Class yachts which include a low profile deck house and a clutter free deck, creating maximum space for crew to work while racing the yacht. Another modern aspect to Cheveyo will be her lightweight carbon spars and rigging. Below deck she will have beautiful 1930s inspired interior and be able to accommodate 10 guests in 5 cabins, and also accommodation for a crew of 8.

She has been commissioned by a US-based syndicate of investors and sailing enthusiasts. Their driving force behind the project is the desire to experience the thrill and elegance of classic golden era yacht racing on a modern vessel with the sense of tradition.

Cheveyo's Specifications:
  • Overall Length: 139ft/42.4m
  • Beam: 21ft/6.4m
  • Draft: 15ft/4.57m
  • Sail Area: 8290ft2/770m2
  • Displacement: 178 tonnes

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