on 2 Aug 2022
The 19.4-metre yacht has a bank of solar panels that provide enough energy to power the yacht overnight without generators
Turkish boat builder Soyaslan has just launched what is understood to be the world’s longest cold-moulded catamaran.
The 19.37-metre CAT63 project was designed and built by the specialist builder, which operates its factory in Tuzla, Turkey. Styling comes from the Tumer Design Studio.
Cold-moulding refers to the method of building up a shape by forming sheets or planks of wood over a plug or frame. The individual wooden elements are glued together with high-performance epoxy and later sheathed in epoxy for protection and longevity.
“We have good experience in engineering and manufacturing with this method,” says the yard’s founder Can Soyaslan. “We have engineered and built cold-moulded yachts which are already 30-plus years old. To date, we have produced more than 100 boats and yachts.”
Soyaslan is also the naval architecture studio for Gulf Craft’s Majesty Yachts, and completed the design work for the new Majesty 120 model.
Weight for weight, there is little difference between cold-moulding and GRP, the yard says. But wood is inherently a more sustainable material, explains Soyaslan, giving a different feel to the boat once aboard. “It is not easy to explain, but you can notice/feel the difference of a wooden hull when you get onboard. It feels warmer and more honest,” he says.
“In the final look, users cannot tell the difference between a cold-moulded yacht and a GRP or metal one,” continues Soyaslan. “In practice, the durability and longevity of the hull is without comparison. Wooden yachts can last well over a hundred years, while the vibration, sound and heat insulation are much better.”
The 63ft catamaran is powered by twin Yanmar 110hp engines, connected to big ZF saildrives, giving a cruising speed of 8.5 knots and a top speed of over 10 knots. A 60kWh bank of lithium batteries are powered by eight 430W solar panels.
“With the current setup she can spend the night at anchor without generators, even with the air conditioning running. And with eight solar panels, we have minimised the generator usage,” explains Soyaslan.
There are two large double cabins and two twin rooms for eight guests, and three berths for crew. A large electrically-controlled bathing platform aft carries the 3.5m tender.
A generous sailplan includes a 100 square metre mainsail, a 58 square metre jib and a giant 145 square metre Code Zero for reaching. Twin wheels are located at the forward end of the flybridge, and there is a full navigation station in the saloon below.
“Our whole team is very proud of this sleek, powerful catamaran,” says Soyaslan. “The yacht will bring her owner safely and comfortably across oceans and provide an excellent cruising platform. It is further proof that our company excels at delivering complex and inspiring designs for owners who do not accept the status quo.”