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Designer Terry Disdale tells us about four and a half years of the world's third largest superyacht with a length of 162.5 meters and nine decks.

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World’s poshest cruise ship? Scenic Eclipse has helicopter hangar and a SUBMARINE

The Scenic Eclipse, which makes its debut on August 31, is smaller than your average cruise ship with 114 suites onboard

• Caroline McGuire
• Published : 13:16, 4 May 2018
• Updated : 17:35, 4 May 2018
• Published : Invalid Date,

THE latest luxury cruise ship on the block is fancy enough to impress private yacht owners like Roman Abramovich.

The Scenic Eclipse, which makes its debut on August 31, with a maiden voyage season including the Americas; Antarctica; Europe and the Mediterranean; and the Arctic and Fjords.

The 168-metre-long Eclipse is smaller than your average cruise ship with 114 rooms onboard, but it makes up for lack of quantity with its quality.

Each of the 32m² suites boast their own private veranda and lounge area, with personal service of almost 1:1 guest-to-staff and butler service for every guest.

The balcony suites feature a Scenic 'Sun Lounge' system that transforms the balcony into an all-weather conservatory style space, so guests can enjoy the view even in bad weather.

There is also a penthouse suite on the ninth deck at the bow of the yacht, with 125m² of indoor space and a 60m² terrace.

One of the most tranquil spaces on board will be the 55 square metre Spa Sanctuary, but there will also be a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, plus indoor and outdoor swimming and plunge pools.

Away from the wellness zone, there will also be nine restaurants and eight lounges and bars to choose from.

Food will be prepared from the different regions that the ship sails through.

If that isn’t enough, a theatre, excursion centre and library can also been found on the fourth deck.

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The theatre will host lectures by an onboard discovery team, which will inform guests about the areas they will be visiting.

Of course, for such a flashy ship – there is also a helipad and helicopter hangars for guests to reach the ship easily.

There is also a seven-seater submarine for any underwater excursions.

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Scenic Eclipse Ultra Luxury Yacht

Scenic Eclipse is a six-star, ultra-luxury mega yacht that is being developed by Australian river cruise operator Scenic.

Vessel Type

Ultra-luxury yacht

Port of Registry

Malta, Europe

Uljanik Group

January 2016

Maiden Voyage

August 2019

September 2019

Scenic Eclipse is a six-star, ultra-luxury mega yacht owned by Australian river cruise operator Scenic. It is the first ocean cruise ship for the company, which specialises in luxury river cruises.

The yacht is designed for an Ice Class 1A Super rating that enables it to navigate through Arctic and Antarctic waters in the summer. It also has the Polar Class 6 rating, the highest passenger ship ice-class rating, to navigate in challenging seas safely.

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Scenic announced the launch of the vessel in January 2016 and awarded the construction contract to the Uljanik Group based in Croatia. The vessel’s delivery was, however, delayed due to financial challenges faced by the Uljanik Group. In February 2019, DIV Group and Fincantieri came to the rescue of Uljanik Group by purchasing an interest in the company and, subsequently, led the construction of Scenic Eclipse.

The yacht was finally delivered in  August 2019, followed by a christening ceremony in September 2019. The shipbuilding contract also includes an option for a second ship to be delivered in 2020.

Scenic Eclipse ship embarked on her maiden voyage from Reykjavík to Quebec in August 2019, followed by discovery voyages to the Americas, Antarctica, Europe and the Mediterranean, as well as the Arctic and Norwegian Fjords.

Scenic Eclipse yacht design

“The vessel’s design incorporates state-of-the-art engineering and external design inspired by the sleek contours of a mega yacht.”

Designed by Finnish ship designing and engineering company Foreship, Scenic Eclipse is the world’s safest and most technologically advanced discovery yacht.

The vessel’s design incorporates state-of-the-art engineering and external design inspired by the sleek contours of a mega yacht. It has a total length of168m, moulded breadth of 21.5m and draught of 5.3m. Its gross tonnage is 17,085t and cruising speed is 17kts.

Scenic Eclipse ship deck plan

The luxury yacht features eight decks, deck three to deck ten. The first deck houses mud rooms for easy zodiac entry, tender entrance and a self-service guest laundry.

Deck four comprises of a welcome lobby and reception, main lounge, lobby bar, Pan Asian restaurant, Italian and steak restaurant, boutique, theatre, excursion centre and a library.

The fifth deck features a contemporary fine dining restaurant, ocean café and lounge, observation lounge and bar, and an open viewing deck at bow and guest suites.

Deck six houses a spa sanctuary, shallow plunge pools and guest suites. The seventh deck features indoor / outdoor Al fresco restaurant, indoor / outdoor pool, a beauty salon, gym, yoga and pilates studio, outdoor terrace and guest suites.

Deck eight is equipped with a helipad and hangars, as well as guest suites. The ninth deck has a helicopter hangar, spa and penthouse suites, while deck ten features a sun terrace.

Scenic Eclipse suites and accommodation

The yacht carries 228 guests (restricted to 200 in Polar regions) in 114 all-veranda suites. It carries a crew of 172 for normal regions and 182 for Polar regions.

None of the veranda suites are smaller than 32m² with the biggest suite having an area of 233m², which is bigger than a tennis court.

Available suites include 66 verandah suites, 28 deluxe verandah suites, 14 spa suites, grand panorama and owner’s penthouse suites.

Veranda suites are 32m² in size and offer a private veranda, separate bedroom and living area with floor-to-ceiling windows. It features a pillow menu, mini-bar, deluxe furnishing, HDTV and climate control.

At 38m², deluxe veranda suites are larger than veranda suites and feature larger bedroom and living areas.

Spa suites, located on decks eight and nine, are 48m² in size and have living and bedroom areas with luxury amenities. They feature spa baths and offer space to relax and views from the veranda.

Grand panorama suites are located on decks six and eight at the front of the yacht. At 56m², the suites offer curved verandas on deck six, and a veranda with 43m² terrace on deck eight.

Owner’s penthouse suites are located in a prime position on the ninth deck at the bow of the yacht. Featuring a 125m² area, the suites offer luxury facilities available in both suites and master suites, and also feature a 60m² terrace.

Combining the owner’s penthouse suite with a spa suite will create a two-bedroom penthouse suite with an area of 233m², which offers the best of all facilities.

The  interior  design for the suites, inspired by leading luxury hotels, was provided by Karen Moroney.

Dining options on the six-star yacht

The yacht offers six onboard dining options, from casual to fine dining, at Elements, Yacht Club, Koko’s, Lumière, Azure Bar & Café, Epicure

Options include a contemporary French fine dining restaurant with a capacity for 44 people, Pan Asian restaurant with 100 seats, an Italian and steak restaurant with the same capacity, an al fresco indoor/outdoor restaurant for 125 people, and an Ocean café and lounge with a capacity of 40.Food is prepared using locally sourced produce and includes regional cuisines drawn from the regions the yacht cruises through.

The yacht features a Whisky Bar at the main lounge displaying the ship’s 110 varieties of whisky.

Entertainment and relaxation on Scenic Eclipse cruise ship

The luxury yacht features a 5,000ft² spa that offers an extensive menu of luxury treatments, indoor and outdoor jacuzzis and plunge pools. Other relaxation areas include an indoor heated pool, which features a retractable roof, plunge pool, gym and a separate yoga and pilates studio.

Sun deck jacuzzis offer guests another area to relax, as well as spacious bars and lounges.

Guests can be entertained in the 240-seat theatre that offers programmes and lectures by an onboard discovery team. The team, which includes dedicated Antarctic and Arctic experts in their fields, keep guests updated with a range of subjects and interests.

Excursions offered by Scenic Eclipse

The yacht offers in-air, underwater, and shore excursions to guests. It features two six-seater, twin-engine helicopters, one seven-seater submarine and 12 zodiacs and kayaks onboard.

Excursions will take guests to inaccessible places by flying low over the dramatic crags of the Scottish Isles, the volcanic wonders of Italy or the coral cays of the Caribbean.

The submarine is custom-built for optimal sightseeing to rarely visited places such as the underwater ruins in Greece and Turkey, as well as kaleidoscopic coral reefs in the Caribbean.

Through scuba diving, guests can experience a variety of underwater wildlife and colourful coral reefs.

Guests can also enjoy shore excursions on zodiacs and kayaks in the Arctic and Mediterranean seas. A unique mudroom enables guests to embark and disembark for their excursions quickly and easily.

Technology used

Scenic Eclipse is built with the latest technological advancements  to ensure the highest safety. It features custom-built stabilisers that are 50% larger than other ships and an ice-strengthened hull.

State-of-the-art fins that can adjust themselves enable the ship to handle the strongest water movements and to remain stable, even at zero speeds.

Unlike other vessels that use traditional anchors, Scenic Eclipse is fitted with a dynamic positioning system that uses GPS to accurately maintain the vessel’s position, which is also an eco-friendly way to control the ship.

The vessel also features other environmentally sustainable systems, including advanced water treatment systems and efficient low-impact engines.

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Eclipse Yacht: The World’s Most Expensive Private Yacht ($1.5 Billion)

Eclipse Yacht Facts

Yacht Name: Eclipse Yacht Length: 162 m (533 ft) Guests: 36 in 18 cabins Crew: up to 96 Displacement: 13,564t Builder: Blohm & Voss Year:- 2010 Yacht Cost: US$ 590 million Yacht Current Value: USD $1.5 Billion Yacht Owner: Roman Abramovich

Some of the most expensive boats in the world are yachts . Yachts are a sign of extreme wealth and luxury. And the $1.5 Billion Eclipse is the best of the best! It is the most expensive private yacht in the world and owned by the super glamorous Russian billionaire businessman – Roman Abramovich.

This article discusses the world’s most expensive private yacht, who owns it, the luxuries that it holds, and how it functions.

Following are some interesting facts about the world’s most expensive private yacht ‘Eclipse’

What it is and who owns it.

Eclipse which has the full name of M/Y Eclipse is a luxury motor yacht. A Russian businessman named Roman Abramovich owns it. He is the 11th richest person in Russia and the 140th richest person in the world. He is best known as the owner of the Chelsea Football Club. Chelsea FC is a premier league football club which is famous all over the world.

Abramovich has a net worth of 11.5 billion dollars. What is not known that popularly about him is that he is the owner of the world’s most luxurious and expensive private yacht.

Eclipse was delivered to Abramovich in December of 2010. It was built in Germany by a Hamburg-based company called Blohm-Voss. Eclipse is the world’s most expensive yacht with an estimated cost of 340 million euros or 590 million dollars.

About the Yacht Eclipse

The yacht is a total of 162.5 m in length and 22 m in width. It has a draft of 5.90 m. This makes it the second-largest yacht in the world. It provides a lot of space for leisurely activities, is suitable for almost all adventure and water sports, and is also capable of offering trips to several cultural and historical destinations all over the world. It has several features.

It is interesting to know that the yacht eclipse also has two helicopter pads on it. There are 24 guest cabins, several hot tubs, a disco hall, and even two swimming pools. It also contains a gym, a dance floor, underwater lights, a Beach club, a beauty salon, a Wi-Fi connection, a tender garage, and a deck jacuzzi. The swimming pools on the yacht can be converted into a dance floor. Even though the yacht has two helicopter pads, it can accommodate three helicopters as it has one storage hanger below the foredeck. There is also an exterior fireplace on board the yacht.

Eclipse is also a very technologically advanced boat. It has the latest technology features like motion sensors, anti-ballistic missile defense, and bulletproof glass.

As stated, before it has 24 guest cabins. Each of these cabins has a private 6 feet home cinema screen, a spa, a jacuzzi, and specialized security systems. It is believed that the boat also has an anti-paparazzi system. The system can detect the use of digital cameras for taking pictures of the boat. It is capable of disrupting a potential photograph of the yacht using infrared lights with the help of lasers.

The yacht is also equipped with three launch boats. It also has a mini-submarine which can submerge up to 50 m or 160 feet underwater. The yacht requires about 70 crew members for its proper operation and to serve the guests.

The yacht is also equipped with a missile detection system for security.

It has also employed a rotor-based stabilization system. It works against roll motion at anchor and low cruise speeds. It is based on the Magnus effect. Eclipse is the largest vessel in the world to have employed such a system.

The yacht is a Bermuda Flagged, Lloyd Register class yacht. It has a gross tonnage of 13,000 tonnes. The yacht offers the latest technology for propulsion and maximum speed performance. It also has an installed diesel-electric dual propulsion system with four MTU 20V 1163 TB93 marine diesel engines.

Also read: The Mysteries Of The Bermuda Triangle

The yacht can attain a maximum speed of 25 knots and a cruise speed of up to 22 knots. It also can carry 1 million liters of fuel in tanks and can travel up to 6000 nautical miles at the rate of about 21 knots before it needs to be refueled. The boat can also store nearly one fifty thousand liters of fresh water on board.

The submarine of the yacht can accommodate up to three people and can go as deep as 160 feet underwater, as previously stated.

The boat has a total living area of 6000 square feet. There are 11 staterooms and suites on it. It can accommodate up to 30 guests and a crew of 96 staff members. Out of the 6000 square feet of area, the master suite alone is spread over 5000 square feet. On the seventh level of the boat, there is a pilothouse.

Being a boat with so many features, one can only imagine what the cost of the maintenance of it would be. As one would expect, the maintenance of the Eclipse is costly.

According to a report, the yacht requires more than 60 million dollars for maintenance every year. The per-day rent of the boat is around 175,000 pounds.

History of the Eclipse Yacht

As mentioned before the yacht is owned by Roman Abramovich, a Russian businessman. Eclipse was delivered to Abramovich in December of 2010. It was built in Germany by a Hamburg-based company called Blohm-Voss.

The yacht arrived for sea trials at Frederikshavn in Denmark in September 2009. The first-ever pictures of the boat were taken on 9 December 2010.

Terence Disdale Design carried out the superstructure design of the yacht. The same company was responsible for the interior designing of the yacht, layouts of the deck as well as supervision during its construction.

This yacht was constructed in great secrecy. At the time of construction, it was known as Project Luxury Yacht M 147 for the same reason. The details of the technical designs and construction of the boat have still not been revealed to the public. The only thing that is accessible to the public is the design layout.

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World’s poshest cruise ship? Scenic Eclipse has helicopter hangar and a SUBMARINE

The Scenic Eclipse, which makes its debut on August 31, is smaller than your average cruise ship with 114 suites onboard

• Caroline McGuire
• Published : 13:16, 4 May 2018
• Updated : 17:33, 4 May 2018
• Published : Invalid Date,

THE latest luxury cruise ship on the block is fancy enough to impress private yacht owners like Roman Abramovich.

The Scenic Eclipse, which makes its debut on August 31, with a maiden voyage season including the Americas; Antarctica; Europe and the Mediterranean; and the Arctic and Fjords.

The 168-metre-long Eclipse is smaller than your average cruise ship with 114 rooms onboard, but it makes up for lack of quantity with its quality.

Each of the 32m² suites boast their own private veranda and lounge area, with personal service of almost 1:1 guest-to-staff and butler service for every guest.

The balcony suites feature a Scenic 'Sun Lounge' system that transforms the balcony into an all-weather conservatory style space, so guests can enjoy the view even in bad weather.

There is also a penthouse suite on the ninth deck at the bow of the yacht, with 125m² of indoor space and a 60m² terrace.

One of the most tranquil spaces on board will be the 55 square metre Spa Sanctuary, but there will also be a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, plus indoor and outdoor swimming and plunge pools.

Away from the wellness zone, there will also be nine restaurants and eight lounges and bars to choose from.

Food will be prepared from the different regions that the ship sails through.

If that isn’t enough, a theatre, excursion centre and library can also been found on the fourth deck.

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The theatre will host lectures by an onboard discovery team, which will inform guests about the areas they will be visiting.

Of course, for such a flashy ship – there is also a helipad and helicopter hangars for guests to reach the ship easily.

There is also a seven-seater submarine for any underwater excursions.

The Hottest Helicopter Decks on Private Yachts

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Written by Rebecca Pascoe

A Helicopter deck on a private yacht can be a thing of beauty. The best designers incorporate them integrally into the yacht’s theme. Additionally, many of them have a dual purpose or even more than two uses. Some double as a disco dance floor and others become a golf tee, outside movie theater or an alfresco dining area. Lets have a look at some of them.

Amels Helipad

As the old saying goes, time is money. One of the quickest ways to board a superyacht is surely by helicopter. For many prestigious luxury yacht owners, their very own helicopter deck is an important feature to have. Helicopter decks make it so much easier to board and exit a superyacht, what’s more it makes an impressive sight for onlookers and fellow superyacht enthusiasts. Here are six hot luxury yachts that have helicopter decks.

Image Gallery of SuperYacht Helicopter Pads

Stella Maris VSY -2012

1. Stella Maris – yacht designer Espen Øino redefined the typically utilitarian helicopter deck on VSY’s revolutionary 72 m superyacht Stella Maris. He envisaged a superyacht helipad that was a focal point. Rather than trying to disguise the helicopter deck it defines the exterior on the Stella Maris by jutting out on the upper aft deck. When not welcoming helicopters, the huge deck is put to good use as space for sunbathing and socializing.

Lady Christine Helicopter Landing

2. Lady Christine – there are a myriad of superyacht helicopter pad solutions, from touch-and-go, helipads, to full decks and hangars. The helipad on the 68 m Feadship motor yacht, Lady Christine, was specially designed for full helicopter operations. It also has the capacity of helicopter refueling onboard – now that’s what you call forward planning!

Eclipse Helipad

3. Eclipse – as the second largest luxury superyacht in the world, the amazing 162.5 m Blohm & Voss Eclipse has plenty of room for a helicopter to land. Helicopter touch-down can be carried out on the helideck located on the superyacht’s bow. Eclipse’s helicopter tucks away in a hangar before the foredeck in a specially designed heli-garage – how awesome!

4. Akula – a converted 59 m former Dutch navy vessel, the Akula was designed specifically for her helicopter pilot owner. Later a superyacht helicopter deck and hangar were added. Akula’s helicopter is put to good use when luxury charter yacht clients enjoy extensive heli-cruising around the Canadian Arctic region. Just what superyacht charter clients need, a quick entry and exit point.

NORTHERN STAR Helipad

5. Northern Star – the stylish Northern Star has an exterior designed by Espen Øino with an aft upper deck superyacht helipad arrangement. One thing’s for sure, being helicopter-capable compliments the Northern Star’s other world-roaming assets. These include an ice-classed hull and massive 7,000 nautical mile range, ideal for exploring the ocean.

6. Umbra – in a recent refit in 2014, the Damen-built sea axe vessel, the Umbra, gained a removable helicopter deck. The octagonal superyacht helipad can disappear when not in use and be deployed when needed. Hot helicopter decks on luxury yachts are big and bold on the bow or blend seamlessly with outdoor spaces on the sundeck. It’s no surprise that the Umbra’s helicopter deck is one of the vessel’s major attractions.

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "The Hottest Helicopter Decks on Private Yachts".

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10 Super Yachts with Helipads

by admin | Oct 14, 2019 | Yachts | 0 comments

Super Yachts With Helipads

Super yachts with helipads that allow their owners to fly anywhere and come back to their yachts.  luxury yachts offer world-class travel.  Where you can wake up each morning in a private stateroom, sipping a freshly brewed coffee, and got the chance to witness the sunrise over the Mediterranean, Caribbean or Adriatic.  Isn’t it great, right?

These yachts are loaded with state of the art amenities, water equipment, great interiors, and sun-soaked decks, ideal for unwinding. 

But there’s one feature that’s available on some charter yachts: Helicopter pads. Usually, yachts with helipads tend to be larger.  Indeed, helicopters are a convenient, time-saving, stylish, and safe means of transportation.  So to land a helicopter nearly anywhere provides comfortable transport of superyachts guests to particular destinations, without wasting time in heavy traffic.

Also, extreme sports lovers can experience helicopter water skiing.

Helipads on superyachts come in all shapes and sizes from commercial landing pads to touch-and-go decks.  Some are designed to enhance beauty, while others are being developed as a stand-out feature.

  Here we take a look at 10 of the most impressive super yachts with h elipads

1. serene mega yacht.

In 2011 this superyacht was built by Fincantieri.  Serene makes it to number 1 because she possesses two helipads.  The first one transforms into a swimming pool when not in use.  Also, this mega yacht was designed with a helicopter hangar. 

2. Alfa Nero Super Yacht

Nuvolari & Lenard designed Alfa Nero and built by Oceanco in 2007.  While Alberto Pinto designed the interior of Alfa Nero.  It can accommodate 12 guests and up to 26 crew and has over 4,000 square feet (370 m2) of living space. 

The yacht highlights a 12-by-38-foot pool on the aft deck that can convert into a dance floor or a helipad through a hydraulic system.

3. Eclipse Mega Yacht

Blohm+Voss of Hamburg, Germany built the superyacht Eclipse.  Terence Disdale designed her exterior and interior.  A Russian businessman Roman Abramovich owns the yacht. Eclipse, competing as one of the largest on the planet at 162 meters is no exception.  This yacht features two helicopter pads, 24 guest cabins, two swimming pools, numerous hot tubs, and a disco hall.  Also, it has three launch boats and a mini-submarine that submerge up to 50 meters (160 ft).  To operate this superyacht, it needs 70 crew members.

4. Planet Nine 

Planet Nine is a 73-meter superyacht and was built to cruise the world’s most challenging corners, including expeditions in the Antarctic.  It can hold two helicopters and equip with helicopter refueling facilities.

5. Cloudbreak

CLOUDBREAK- This custom-built yacht was designed for extreme exploration since the owner loves great outdoors.  It was named after the legendary surfing reef in the South Pacific and was built by German shipyard Abeking & Rasmussen in 2016.

It features helipad, cinema, six luxurious staterooms and can accommodate up to 12 charter guests overnight.  It also has two large terraces that offer picturesque views while an outside daybed lets guests sleep under the stars while cruising.  The owner uses the helicopter to enjoy a spot of heli-skiing on challenging mountains covered in snow.

6. Lady Christine

De Voogt Naval Architects designed the 68-meter LADY CHRISTINE with remarkable Art Deco interiors by Rodney Black Design.  This yacht was delivered in 2010 by Feadship Royal Van Lent. It features an outstanding panoramic and air-conditioned dining room, bar and lounge, ideal for casual dining.  Aft of that is a dedicated helideck warranted for touch-and-go commercial use with refueling capability and firefighting systems.

7. Stella Maris

Including in the list is 72-meter Stella Maris, designed by Espen Øino.  The helipad of Stella Maris is the focal point of the exterior design.  A visible huge H sits in the middle of the sundeck, and two swimming pools offer a convenient space for entertainment and socializing.  During the take-off, the sunbeds are rolled away, and the deck is transformed into a helipad.

This 66-meter yacht owns an impressive helipad design.  The foredeck is the primary helicopter landing area.  However, this yacht has two helipads, found on the second deck on the aft of the ship. It is used to store the helicopter when the boat is moving. 

9. Andromeda

The 107 meters Andromeda was built-in 2015 by Norwegian. When it was first launched it was named Ulysses, knows as the world’s outstanding yacht explorer. The yacht was created to cruise through the ice has an 8,500nm range, and is ready to go to any luxury expedition. Also, it features commercial helipad and a hangar. It accommodates the safe storages of the helicopter when the yacht is moving.

Kismet is  a 2014, 95.2-meter superyacht built by the Lürssen shipyard. It was designed in a luxurious style by Reymond Langton and Espen Øeino. The helipad on this yacht is remembered as a touch-and-go, it means the choppers land, and then it takes off again after disembarking its passengers.

These super yachts with helipads with Yacht-Master

Just mini islands navigating through the ports and the oceans around the world.  Full of adventure, activities, and toys on board for their owner’s delight.   Some with over 50 employees to cater to the needs of the yacht all the way from engineering, mechanics to housekeeping.  Yacht-master in charge of navigating these wonderful boats.  Ready at the owner’s disposal and demand to be taken anywhere in the world.

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This Epic Support Vessel Has a Full-Size Helicopter Hangar That Can Hold a 40-Foot Chopper

It's the perfect place to park your airbus h145., rachel cormack.

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If you’re a seafarer who likes to travel with your chopper in tow, then you’ll love Kirsten Schwalgien Design ’s newest yacht concept Big Shadow. The epic 213-footer is less like a traditional support vessel and more like a floating helicopter hangar that can store your most prized set of wings while at sea.

The Barcelona-based design firm penned Big Shadow in partnership with an experienced yacht owner that, apparently, has a penchant for whirlybirds. The sizable vessel is equipped with an innovative roll-in heli-hangar that’s big enough to hold an Airbus H145 without needing to fold the rotor blades.

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For reference, the twin-engine utility helicopter measures nearly 43 feet in length and 13 feet in height. Since it’s quite compact, the chopper is ideal for superyacht owners and has a broad range of applications, including executive transportation, exploration or family voyages.

“The owner’s brief required to implement the heli-hangar into the existing structure,” Kirsten Schwalgien, founder of Kirsten Schwalgien Design (KSD), said in a statement. “The roll-in hangar allows the owner to transport their helicopter with maximum speed, ease and efficiency. It’s a feature which I expect to see more of in the future.”

The heli-hangar is big enough to hold an Airbus H145.  Kirsten Schwalgien Design

With a beam just shy of 42 feet, Big Shadow offers a volume of 1,380 gross tons and will no doubt cast, well, a big shadow wherever she goes. The exterior is characterized by sharp, dynamic lines and a subtle gray colorway that’s accented by fluorescent yellow. The tapered bulwarks and sleek superstructure, meanwhile, help to create an aerodynamic silhouette with a decidedly industrial vibe.

Onboard, Big Shadow boasts a generous interior and can sleep a total of 11 crew. Naturally, the vessel also carries a comprehensive stock of limousine and luxury tenders, beach landers, RIBs and other toys and equipment that can be enjoyed by the mothership.

She’ll have no problems shadowing that mothership, either. The vessel is expected to reach a top speed of 18 knots and can cover some 5,000 nautical miles when traveling at a cruising speed of 14 knots.

Although it hasn’t yet hit the seas, Big Shadow has already been recognized for its ingenuity. KSD received the Good Design Award 2020 in the transport category for the support vessel. Choose your mothership well, or she may have to get used to living in Big Shadow’s shadow.

Check out more renders of the design below:

Kirsten Schwalgien Design

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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SEA BULL 65 m heli hangar

SEA BULL 65m -4

Sea bull 65m -5, sea bull 65m -6, sea bull 65m -1, sea bull 65m -2, sea bull 65m -3, ga 65m sea bull, heli, the sea bull 65m is designed to host a helicopter in its own helicopter hangar.

Introduction

This new project design is coming from a general other direction as normally projects are getting designed.

Our designers collected all innovate ideas and features owners ask for on yachts in the past on a certain length category and started with the most difficult task to integrate a helicopter hangar into a +60m yacht by not losing the general operation, quality and lifestyle on a yacht.

According to the motto “simplify to the max”, NEDSHIP is offering a solution for owners with a very flexible option list, so the owner can chose exactly the configuration he likes for his personal lifestyle and environment.

Not every owner needs a helicopter hangar or a sub-marine , they like more the spacious salons or additional room features.

Once we do not need a helicopter hangar, the owner suite, the salon on the main deck, the pool area as well as the garage will benefit on this additional space. And even with helicopter hangar it is more than spacious, compare to other yachts this size and style.

The wish list we worked on and which we integrated into the design is amazing:

The NEDSHIP “SEA BULL” 65m offers at high sea in open Ocean conditions a much saver stability than the most advanced multi hulls on the market.

Based also on Carbon Kevlar structures , designed for the highest possible impact resistance at the best possible lifestyle and environment friendly.

To customize your own yacht based on the general design of the new “SEA BULL” model will give the customized dream yacht each owner would like to have.

And dreams are only on step forward. Talk with us as we love to customize the yacht for to create your swimming luxury island for freedom, silence, social meetings and business.

General design:

• Sportive but not that extreme appearance, to stay still timeless for the future.
• 65m LOA with a beam of max 12,4 m
• A length which fits all features, also a solution to stay under 60m in case of mooring situations and also to keep the yacht on the running costs on a lower cost level (crew, maintenance etc…)
• A traditional tested and very stable fast displacement hull concept with a high efficient economy friendly operation to face any conditions and the stability of a comfortable stay on board
• Various hull material solutions as steel, aluminum or high advanced Composite Carbon
• The function and storage of a Trawler, the elegance of a Mega yacht and the performance of a Sport yacht.
• Beside a fully equipped yacht with all functions also a lower budget solution on the same design.
• Various speed solutions between 17 kn up to 26 kn
• Full beam garage with side door openings and aft bar entrance
• Comfortable crew quarters
• Perfect separation between crew and guests
• Lots of outside areas with Jacuzzi, sun beds, bars etc…
• Transatlantic range

Special already designed features (most of them as options):

• Helicopter landing pad aft of the yacht
• In addition a helicopter hangar to fit an Eurocopter EC 135
• A heli pad on the bow, either as standalone solution or in combination with the aft heli pad
• A sub marine for up to 3 passengers and a depth limit of up to 1000m operation
• The possibility of a car storage
• Two big tenders in the main garage (one of them between 9-10m)
• In addition extra tenders on the bow with wing doors on each side for max 2 tenders
• All sports and toy gadgets in the garage as diving equipment, jet skis, surfboards etc…..
• 9, 11 and 13m long swimming pool
• Beach Club on sea level
• Guest elevator through all deck levels
• Balconies for each cabins
• 160 sqm master suite on the upper deck with its own terrace.
• 4 volume guest cabins on the main deck
• 1 additional VIP suite on the main deck
• Gym, massage and wellness center
• Various salon and relax rooms

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Old Phart Senior Member

colintraveller said: ↑ No Pilot would even put themselves at risk landing on that when the risk of striking or being hit by the mast is a risk too great . Not even a rescue chopper would even risk that in rough seas . Click to expand...

Yacht News YF News Editor

This is supposedly inside P4-HEC aka "Eclipse's" bird... Luviair

Attached Files:

Eclipse bird.jpg.

HTMO9 Senior Member

The perfect yacht helicopter Also I am still holding a valid helicopter flying licence with a comfortable amount of flying hours, I would never call myself a professional helicopter pilot. Capable of flying safely from A to B and land on almost any spot (in plenty VMC), does not mean, you can fly Helos for living on daily business in harsch enviroment and getting any air work done. Flying in the mountains, in the EMS/SAR services or flying a Helo to and from ships and yachts or oil rigs is a different world. Operating a helicopter on a ship is even more demanding. The very few deck landings I have made in my life, were on large cargo ships with obstacle free approach and landing spots as big as a tennis court and the ship did not move, because the boss was comming. That is why owner hire professional pilots for their yacht helicopters (if they are smart). My question to the forum members with helicopter experience, especially with helicopter on yachts, practical knowledge, what is the best or most practical yacht helo. I am not talking about the big birds like EC-225, EC-155, S-76 or equivalent. I am talking about the helicopter for the "ordinary mortal" owner. Helos like Ecureuil, EC-120, EC-135, EC-145, Bell 407, MD 902. The Robinson 44 / 66 are not of any interest. The 44 because of its petrol engine and the 66 because it is not, and will most likely never be, certified in Europe. The main interest for me is, what is the best system, wheeled or skid gear, single or twin turbine, normal tail rotor, fenestron or NOTAR, 2,3,4 or 5 blade rotor, foldable rotor blades or quickly removable blades. By using this matrix, we may end up, finding the best possible. I am looking forward to the discussion.

Opcn Senior Member

I don't think that there is a best possible helicopter. There are different advantages and disadvantages to every system. If you want something easy to fly and light to take two people up spotting then you don't want 5 blades. If you want something heavy to bring in a dozen passengers and their luggage for a month in one go then a 2 blade heli is out of the question. If you will be wheeling it into a garage then you will want wheels. If you will be straping it down on the pad then skids will suffice. If the passengers will be able to access the aft of the aircraft then you will probably want a fenstron or NOTAR to make it slightly more difficult for them to fatally injure themselves, but maybe not. There are a whole bunch of questions to ponder, from noise to fuel efficiency to maintenance requirements to portability.

Navatech New Member

Opcn said: ↑ If you will be straping it down on the pad then skids will suffice. Click to expand...

I have flown the MD 900 only twice on demo flights. I found it easy to fly and the NOTAR system pretty responsive. The only complain came from my wife in the back. She found the NOTAR fan behind and above her head quite noisy. But this was a utility variant. The reason we did not buy was, the producer was in very unstable business state at that time. But is the 5 blade rotor not an advantage on a yacht, because of it small diameter? I have no idea how quick the removal of the rotor blades is, because the manual is asking for removal of the blades for secure tiedown in open sea. The blades are very flexible. And, if you need a balancing test run after every reassemble, the yacht would need a big hangar (Octopus). But as you say, NOTAR or Fenestron is a big advantage as far as passenger safety is concerned. And the MD 902 Explorer can be nicely cocooned, if the rotor blades are removed. But as I said, I have no practical helicopter on yachts experience.

HTM09 said: ↑ Also I am still holding a valid helicopter flying licence with a comfortable amount of flying hours, I would never call myself a professional helicopter pilot. Capable of flying safely from A to B and land on almost any spot (in plenty VMC), does not mean, you can fly Helos for living on daily business in harsch enviroment and getting any air work done. Flying in the mountains, in the EMS/SAR services or flying a Helo to and from ships and yachts or oil rigs is a different world. Operating a helicopter on a ship is even more demanding. The very few deck landings I have made in my life, were on large cargo ships with obstacle free approach and landing spots as big as a tennis court and the ship did not move, because the boss was comming. That is why owner hire professional pilots for their yacht helicopters (if they are smart). My question to the forum members with helicopter experience, especially with helicopter on yachts, practical knowledge, what is the best or most practical yacht helo. I am not talking about the big birds like EC-225, EC-155, S-76 or equivalent. I am talking about the helicopter for the "ordinary mortal" owner. Helos like Ecureuil, EC-120, EC-135, EC-145, Bell 407, MD 902. The Robinson 44 / 66 are not of any interest. The 44 because of its petrol engine and the 66 because it is not, and will most likely never be, certified in Europe. The main interest for me is, what is the best system, wheeled or skid gear, single or twin turbine, normal tail rotor, fenestron or NOTAR, 2,3,4 or 5 blade rotor, foldable rotor blades or quickly removable blades. By using this matrix, we may end up, finding the best possible. I am looking forward to the discussion. Click to expand...

With the EP77, I would have to convert to one of those RC devils, Carl uses to fly, unless somebody invents the inflatable helo Or how about one of those:

e-voloimgp2420bbb.jpg

Navatech, I did not mean to imply that a heli with skids could not be moved, simply that a heli with wheels is probably going to be more straightforward to move. A jack of the sort that you mention is large and heavy. If you have another heli fly in the jack is just in the way too. There are tradeoffs to every choice.

The fact is, there are not very many "wheeled" small helicopters on the market. The wheeled gear Bell 429 is not to be seen on the horizon jet (b.t.w. my favorite, if you could buy it). The only other model, I can think of, the Agusta 109 / Grand, is out of competition. Both the cabin and the cockpit are to small for me and my sons. If my two sons would sit in rear seats and deeply inhale, both doors would fall off. And all 3 of us have to sit in it with the head retracted all the time. It is a beautiful and great performing helo, but build for slim and 5.25 feet tall Italians. But my question would be, what is more trouble for the crew. Moving a helo with skid gear on deck or working on the helo deck with the landing net. I do not know.

Paul Donaghy New Member

A very old thread I know but i stumbled across this when I was Googling something else. If you need any info on yacht helicopter operations or just helicopters in general let me know. I have dealt with a large number of both private and commercial yacht helidecks over the years so happy to offer any advice. Paul

A captain New Member

A friend of mine was a yacht chopper pilot back in the early '80s and he figured his lifespan at 90 days. He'd work around 85 days, then quit, only to reappear 10 days later, applying for his old job back. He was a great guy, like by all (even the owner's wife) and mostly scheduled his "staying alive" days conveniently to the yacht's schedule. Last I heard he was still both flying, and alive. Perhaps helicopter recovery methods have improved since that time.

I think so A captain Some of the yachts I go to are doing 8 -10 heli-ops a day during a season. Bigger boats, more helicopters......

nmna Senior Member

Perhaps this is not the best thread to write this but Luviar, the company that manages Mr. Abramovich helicopter fleet announced a 'fleet renewal programme': they've acquired two Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) 145 and one ACH 160. One ACH145 was delivered already, the other one will be delivered before the end of the year and the ACH160 will be delivered after the certification process. Both ACH145's exterior and interior are designed by Harrison Eidsgaard. Below is the photo of the first one (register is M-SOLO), taken from Airbus website:

I really like the H145 T2. The really new ones have a 5 bladed rotor head, although I am not sure they can be folded like the old 4 bladed versions.. Taking the blades off is a bit of a pain.

The 5 bladed rotor head is a dramatic improvement for the H-145 / ACH-145. Less rotor diameter, 150 kg more payload, higher cruising speed, higher HOGE and most important, the blades are vere easily and quckliy foldable. The much smaller footprint of the H-145 with the new 5-blade rotor folded is just equivalent to the size of the hull. Together with the much safer Fenestron, this new rotor makes the ideal light twin turbine helicopter for the use on ships or yachts. I cant hardly wait for the upcomming the delivery of our first H-145. As the 5-blade rotor is still under certication, our (AC)H-145 will be delivered with the extended emergency flotation skid gear and the larger ground mapping radar nose plus removable cargo hook but still with the standard 4-blade rotor. As soon as the 5-blade variant receives the EASA certification, the new 5-blade rotor will be retrofitted. This retrofitting possibilty was very helpful and decisive for the buying decision. We will fly it in the 2+6 seating version (cockpit plus 2 x 3 club seating). During my type rating course for the H-145, I was allowed to have a flight with some stick time in the company demonstrator, which is used for the certification campain. The main trick on this new rotor is the separation of the flex beam (the inner not foldable part of the rotor) from the rotor blades. By just pulling one of the two bolts, the blades can be follded in a specific manner. It took even me only a few minutes to fold the blades and vice versa. Folded, it takes less hangar space than a Robinson R-66. As my present boat has no helo landing pad, just some winch only spaces, we will use it only to land on the shadow. With the size of that landing pad, even me will not have any problems with regular ship landings. In the past, I was very hesitant to talk to the sales people from Eurocopter, as they had rather limited interest in the private customer but the business helicopter department of Airbus Helicopter is much more interested in us private and normal mortal customers . Sorry, but our present Bell 407 ist not fighting in the same league. Will post more pictures, as soon as the first Helo is in our hands.

Capt Ralph Senior Member

Hey Carl, Ready for Chopper Forums?? Heck, They have the same turbines, maybe a hot link to a special JF page.

HTMO9 said: ↑ The 5 bladed rotor head is a dramatic improvement for the H-145 / ACH-145. Less rotor diameter, 150 kg more payload, higher cruising speed, higher HOGE and most important, the blades are vere easily and quckliy foldable. The much smaller footprint of the H-145 with the new 5-blade rotor folded is just equivalent to the size of the hull. View attachment 85346 Together with the much safer Fenestron, this new rotor makes the ideal light twin turbine helicopter for the use on ships or yachts. I cant hardly wait for the upcomming the delivery of our first H-145. As the 5-blade rotor is still under certication, our (AC)H-145 will be delivered with the extended emergency flotation skid gear and the larger ground mapping radar nose plus removable cargo hook but still with the standard 4-blade rotor. As soon as the 5-blade variant receives the EASA certification, the new 5-blade rotor will be retrofitted. This retrofitting possibilty was very helpful and decisive for the buying decision. We will fly it in the 2+6 seating version (cockpit plus 2 x 3 club seating). During my type rating course for the H-145, I was allowed to have a flight with some stick time in the company demonstrator, which is used for the certification campain. The main trick on this new rotor is the separation of the flex beam (the inner not foldable part of the rotor) from the rotor blades. By just pulling one of the two bolts, the blades can be follded in a specific manner. It took even me only a few minutes to fold the blades and vice versa. Folded, it takes less hangar space than a Robinson R-66. As my present boat has no helo landing pad, just some winch only spaces, we will use it only to land on the shadow. With the size of that landing pad, even me will not have any problems with regular ship landings. In the past, I was very hesitant to talk to the sales people from Eurocopter, as they had rather limited interest in the private customer but the business helicopter department of Airbus Helicopter is much more interested in us private and normal mortal customers . Sorry, but our present Bell 407 ist not fighting in the same league. Will post more pictures, as soon as the first Helo is in our hands. Click to expand...

The biggest advantage of the new 5-blade rotor besides the very nice blade folding system is its much lower vibration level. The older Bölkow rotor head design of the Bo-105, BK-117 and early 135 /145 versions were well known for the transmission of vibrations into the cabin. The weight reduction of the new rotor system is partly based on the deletion of these vibration dampers. Helicopter Ops on yachts in my area of the western Med is mostly done by professional heli services with highly skilled commercial pilots. The type of helo operations you will see, is ship to shore shuttle and very rarely slung load supply flights. Normally only the the bigger yachts (above 3000 GT) carry a permanent helo. Mostly You will see EC-120 / 125 / 130 and one or the other Bell 206 / 207 / 407. The big boys are mostly "owner" operated. As helicopter takeoffs and landings are strictly forbidden in almost all yacht harbours I know, most helos carried permanently on a yacht, will fly out to the nearest airfield prior entering harbour. But for sure one or the other very nice helicopter will be parked on purpose on the helideck, when moored in one of the hot spots of this world . My present boat (210 ft) was not designed for helicopter operations and has no landing pad. We can only do winch operations or slung load delivery. I am used to winch operations from my active duty time but I do not believe any of my crew members of family / guests would voluntier for this kind of operation unless in case of emergency. Integrating a Touch and Go landing pad with a D value of 10.8 Meter and 4.000 kg weight limit would need a complete redesign of the aft superstructure of my boat and would destroy the external design persistently. I have therefore decided very early during the design phase of the boat, to minimize the number of tenders and toys on the boat for more living space and forget about Helo ops on the yacht. The boat only carries two 6,5 meter Rib diesel tender with A&R stern launch system and a smaller diesel SOLAS rescue boat, concealed on the foredeck and launched with crane and stored power. Anything else is carried on the shadow, a converted box carrier feeder ship (taken from our fleet) with heavy loading gear and ample of under and on deck space for tender, toys, helicopter and an amphibious seaplane (Cessna 206 with Allison Turbine). The shadow is certified as a commercial auxilliary and expedition vessel and the landing pad is JAR OPS certified for larger helicopter including refuelling. When shuttling from the yacht to the shadow, we use the main tender / life boat of the shadow. The only problem is that the helicopter cannot be towed directly into a hangar. He has to be lifted via the heavy loading gear into the below deck cargo space. The Bell 407 and 429 can be hoisted with a dedicated lifting eye in the rotor head and unfolded blades but during stronger winds and heavier sea, the helo has to be latched on deck. And even this is not an easy job. With the rotor blades folded, they need to be fixed and supported by some comprehensive structure. Not a safe job for the ground crew during heavy wind and seastate. Unfortunately this procedure will not work with the (AC)H-145. The Helo will have to land on a custom made hoistable flat base, to be secured on this platform and then lifted below deck. Means, we will be restricted to normal weather conditions. But as this is no offshore business, it is acceptable. My pilots are all ATP rated and are former Offshore or Navy pilots and are real professionals. They rotate between FOB and shipborn operation and get around 500 flying hours per year each. And by bribing them with excellent payment and convenient on/off schedule, they like to stay. Happy crew means happy ship / plane. Under their supervision, the old man tries (during fine weather conditions) one or the other deck landing himself. I hope, I do not scare them to death while doing so. Helicopters on yachts are most usefull on and with expedition and long range type yachting and as ship to shore shuttle, when conntecting owner and guests to the nearby waiting business jets. Plus crew shuttle for getting on time to sheduled airline traffic. Going to shore by tender (i.e. Port Hercules) and travel by car to Nice airport for example, is a nightmare during the summer season. But safe and frequent helo ops on ships requires a sound and strict SOP, well trained air / ground and ship crews and IMHO the SOLAS rescue boat fully manned and equipped just off the approach sector of the helo operating near the yacht during take offs and landings. Using a helicopter without emergency floatation gear or even with piston engines (R-22 / R-44) would be a NoGo for me. Night ops on ships we have not done jet, also my pilots are equipped and trained to fly with night vision goggles but we might get FLIR on the H145, if certified in time. TBC

YachtForums Administrator

HTMO9 said: ↑ The biggest advantage of the new 5-blade rotor besides the very nice blade folding system is its much lower vibration level. The older Bölkow rotor head design of the Bo-105, BK-117 and early 135 /145 versions were well known for the transmission of vibrations into the cabin. The weight reduction of the new rotor system is partly based on the deletion of these vibration dampers. Click to expand...

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