Whimsy
was built for an accomplished and confident European
sailor with a background in industrial design. He appreciated
that leading-edge composite construction generated
weight savings that could be translated into a powerful
but easily handled sail plan and offset against the weight associated with
a sophisticated fit-out.
Carbon fibre offered big performance gains and it was judiciously used in the
chain plates,deck laminate and the rig where it contributed most by minimising
the structure and weight above the waterline. E-glass was chosen as the primary
hull laminate because it transmits less noise and reduces condensation, and is
relatively easy to repair should hull damage be sustained in remote locations.
The amalgamation of E-glass and carbon fibre produced a light, robust, easily
maintained hull that meets ABS standards and is pleasurable to live in.
Philippe Briand says Whimsy’s displacement is on the performance side of
moderate and for a comprehensively equipped cruising yacht she is relatively
light.
Her layout was configured for relaxed day-to-day living and optimised for socialising
by assigning more emphasis to the saloon than the master cabin or forward guest
cabins. The crew area is located aft, separated from the saloon by the galley,
and finished on a par with the guest cabins. It provides a third guest area when
family and friends self-sail the yacht without a professional crew aboard.
The deck features an exceptionally clean exterior with flush hatches and colour
coordinated sailing hardware.
Whimsy was sailed extensively in the South Pacific before being repositioned
to a base in Europe. |
