Phoenix 1000 Submarine Yacht

The Phoenix 1000 is a 65-meter (213') personal luxury submarine. The initial design was originally executed for a client and now awaits a buyer. As proposed, the submarine would constitute the single largest private undersea vehicle ever built, and arguably, one of the most significant personal transportation devices of the century.

A Luxurious Undersea Vehicle


This design, which we have named the Phoenix 1000, has more than ample space. The total interior area of the submarine is in excess of 460 square meters (5000 square feet). The significant volume, coupled with very large acrylic viewports, and the potential for relatively large open spaces, results in a vehicle as luxurious as the finest of motor yachts.

Clearly, the Phoenix provides its owner with substantially more capability than a simple yacht - the opportunity to explore the depths of the world's oceans in perfect comfort and safety. The Phoenix is capable of making trans-Atlantic crossings at 16 knots yet can dive along the route and explore the continental margins of some of the most fascinating waters on earth. And unlike surface yachts, when the water gets rough, the submarine can submerge into a perfectly smooth and quiet environment, continuing on toward its destination, providing a ride unsurpassed in quality-unequaled by the finest motor coach or the most luxurious executive aircraft.
The Size Advantage

At 65-meters (213 feet) in overall length, and with a beam in excess of 8 meters (26 feet), the Phoenix is a vehicle of formidable size. Yet despite its 1500-ton displacement, the submarine is quite streamlined. Given the significant waterplane area and ample internal volume, which allows for greater battery storage, the Phoenix will out-perform smaller counterparts in surface speed, submerged speed and submerged endurance. The large pressure hull diameter allows for very large acrylic viewports, making the undersea viewing capability truly extraordinary. The interior space, with the noted absence of structural bulkheads, provides for tremendous versatility in interior layout and space planning. And finally, the Phoenix's large size coupled with its integrated roll stabilization system makes surface transit quite comfortable in all but the worst conditions.
A Walk Through the Phoenix

Join us as we examine the physical spaces of the Phoenix 1000.
Flying Bridge

The uppermost level of the vessel is the flying bridge. This area is similar to its equivalent area on most yachts, with the exception of the fact that the materials selected are subject to immersion in water. Ample space exists for lounging, and cushions may be brought up from the area below. The flying bridge also houses the pressure-compensated radar radome, GPS antennae and satellite communications radome, as well as radio aerials, running lights, etc. A remote steering station is also available.
Deck Saloon

Immediately below the flying bridge and accessible through a large hydraulically operated hatch and a stairway, is the deck saloon. As proposed, this area would be composed of structural acrylic cylindrical sections 2.1 meters (7') in diameter and 20 centimeters (8") in thickness. The overall length of the deck saloon pressure hull would be 12 meters.

The deck saloon would have a comfortably appointed interior and would boast an incredible view for observation, both on the surface and when submerged. By fitting transparent sections into the deck of the flying bridge, a view above can be enjoyed as well.

In the forward portion of the saloon is the surface bridge. This area contains all the necessary control, monitoring and navigation equipment to operate the submarine in the surfaced condition. The captain has a hemispherical sector acrylic viewport immediately in front, with the transparent cylindrical walls to either side.

The aft portion of the saloon has a large acrylic window, providing a view astern that also acts as a large hydraulically operated hatch. A small automobile could be kept in the aft section if desired.
Superstructure

The superstructure itself is composed principally of aluminum (or FRP if the owner prefers), and it houses the deck saloon pressure vessel and also provides the structural base for the flying bridge. There is a large degree of latitude possible with regard to the styling of the structure, with the caveat that its hydrodynamic efficiency will have a significant effect on the submerged speed of the submarine.

Aft of the deck saloon is a covered space that can be either fully or partially enclosed. The greater the degree of closure to the after portion of the structure, the less turbulence and the more hydromdynamic efficiency. Hydraulically actuated after doors could be designed to open, allowing fresh air to circulate. The area would be excellent for covered, informal, deck- level dining.
Docking Minisub

Aft of the superstructure, or optionally, above the control cabin on the bow, is an area for a docking minisub. Utilizing a special docking collar, this vehicle is capable of leaving the Phoenix while submerged and making excursions down to 610 meters (2000 feet). With both top and bottom hatches, the minisub could also bring passengers from the surface to the submarine lying at depth. The minisub could be designed to hold between two and eight passengers, depending upon the owner's preferences. Additionally, in the unlikely event of an emergency at depth, the minisub could be used to take passengers and crew to the surface.
Forward Control Room

The forward control room is entered from the main deck through a watertight, pressure-proof door. The control room has a 2.4 meter (8') diameter hemispherical sector acrylic viewport forward and three 1.8 meter (6') diameter viewports on either side, with the foremost pair angled slightly forward.

The control room contains all of the control and navigation equipment necessary to operate the submarine while submerged. The 8 meter x 4 meter (26' x 13') area contains sufficient space to fit comfortable lounge chairs for passenger observation while underway.
Main Passenger Areas

The main passenger area consists of two decks, each 31 meters (102') long and 6 meters (20') wide. The upper deck is accessed from one of two hatches, either from the deck saloon or from a hatch to the after portion of the superstructure. Two stairways, one in the center of the deck, the other in the after section, lead to the lower deck.

The upper deck is intended to provide space for an engineering workstation, a switch and contactor room, crew cabins and mess, as well as the galley. The forward portion, which ends at a bulkhead, is designed as a room of the owner's choosing.

The main deck is situated such that the forward portion, with eight 1.8 meter (6') diameter acrylic windows, contains the living and dining areas, while the section aft of the beam houses the owner's stateroom and guest cabins. Five viewports, 90 centimeters (35") in diameter, are situated on both port and starboard sides.

Below the passenger area is the battery compartment and bilge. A narrow manway allows access through the compartment for battery maintenance.
Engine Room

The engine room is accessed through doors at the after portion of both passenger decks. The space contains the majority of the equipment necessary for the submarine's operation, including the main diesels, motor generators, drive systems, air compressors, hydraulic aggregates and life support systems. The upper level of the engine space provides access to the minisub, and in the stern section, to a diver lock-out chamber. The bottom level allows maintenance of the main engines and related components.
Diver Lock-out Chamber

A spherical diver lock-out chamber, 2.4 meters (8') in diameter is fitted above the shafts and attached to the aftermost section of the pressure hull. The chamber allows a diver to enter or exit the submarine from the area between the shafts at depths of up to 45 meters (150'). The chamber can be fitted with decompression capability if required.
Commercial Opportunities

The Phoenix would be suitable for use as an exclusive submarine cruise ship or as a charter yacht.

The estimated price of the Phoenix is $78 million.

Source

Viking 57 Convertible for the Yacht Enthusiast

Another blue-water family member, the awesome 57 Convertible. Featuring a robust hull with a beautiful sheer, a curvy, creamy smooth deckhouse with Viking’s new teardrop window lines, a low profile wraparound flying bridge and a 157 square feet cockpit, including a spacious observation mezzanine, the result is an exciting model in the convertible tradition.

Ideally suited for tournament fishing, as well as long distance cruising, the 57 Convertible features a three-stateroom, two-head layout for plenty of comfort and privacy thanks to the offset companionway, which utilizes space to its maximum efficiency. The master stateroom has an athwartship queen-size walk-around bed and upholstered headboard, with stowage below that is accented by rope lighting. His and hers maple-lined hanging lockers with built in shelves handle large wardrobes with ease. The perfect retreat after a great day on the water, you’ll relax in total comfort and enjoyment with the 26-inch flat screen television and individual air conditioning controls. The private head is large with a huge fiberglass shower stall.

A queen-size berth is the focal point in the forward stateroom, but upper and lower cross over berths also are available. Your guests will feel like VIPs when they take in the spacious surroundings. The port side stateroom has upper and lower bunks, a chest of drawers, and a walk-in closet, an unusual feature even in yachts five feet larger. Both guest staterooms share the port head and this area, too, is sizeable and inviting.

For convenience, a stacked laundry center is located in the companionway with a built-in stowage area for cleaning supplies. When you study these accommodations you can appreciate how much effort Viking puts in to creating utmost comfort. The reason is that Viking designers and engineers spend hundreds of hours fishing and cruising new models to ensure the boat truly meets all of its mission parameters.

That’s why in the cockpit the mezzanine with its tasteful and durable Sunbrella cushions pulls double duty, not only as a relaxing place to wait out a hungry marlin, but also as a convenient location to store baits, tackle and provide engineroom access. Professional fishing crews appreciate the mezzanine, too, because it allows guests to stay close to the action in the lower cockpit, but out of the way of the angler and tag-stick man. No company
even comes close to Viking’s experience in creating a tournament proven cockpit. Nothing is overlooked from the recessed insulated fish wells to the rounded coamings to the push release locker doors. The standard equipment list is exhaustive because Viking believes if it is necessary it goes on the boat, like the insulated drink box in the salon entrance step to eliminate the need for portable coolers.

The same philosophy is obvious in the salon. Air conditioning, for instance, flows from hidden registers behind the window valances for better distribution and less noise. Carpeting is wall-to-wall with lead lined padding for sound absorption. Amtico premium vinyl flooring at the salon door entrance prevents wet feet from tracking the carpet and also is used in the galley for easier clean up. The main electrical panel is located just inside the sliding fiberglass salon entrance door at eye level and is back lit for convenience and to simplify usage. The plush L-shape sofa lifts to reveal a generous stowage compartment for gear or fishing rods. A home theater system includes a 40-inch flat screen television over the dinette, along with a Bose LS18 DVD/CD player, VCR and FM stereo with surround sound for maximum performance.

The starboard side galley features Corian counter tops with Sub-Zero refrigeration below in sliding drawers. Stowage space is abundant and for cooking there is a microwave convection oven and a three-burner electric cooktop. For added convenience, an electric sub panel controls all of the galley appliances.

The 57 Convertible is available in open and enclosed bridge configurations. Both versions supply excellent sightlines and with power assisted hydraulic steering and single lever controls, the new 57 Convertible is eager to please your every command.

Standard power is MAN V12 1360 CRM diesels. A package with twin MAN V12 1550 CRM diesels is available. Speeds will range from a mid-30 knot cruise to a top end approaching 40 knots depending upon the power selection, load and sea conditions.

For more informations, click here.

All About Yacht

A yacht is a high end recreational boat. It designates two rather different classes of watercraft, sailing and power boats. Yachts are different from working ships mainly by their leisure purpose. It was not until the rise of the steamboat and other types of powerboat that sailing vessels in general came to be perceived as luxury items. However, since the level of luxury on larger yachts has seen an increasing trend, the use of the word yacht to mean any sailing vessel has been diminishing and is more and more limited to racing yachts or cruising yachts.

Yacht lengths generally range from 20 feet (6 m) up to hundreds of feet. Luxury crafts smaller than 40 feet are more commonly called "cabin cruisers" or simply "cruisers." A mega yacht generally refers to any yacht (sail or power) above 100 ft (34 m) and a super yacht generally refers to any yacht over 200 ft (70 m). This size is small in relation to typical cruise liners and oil tankers.

Yacht was originally defined as a light, fast sailing vessel used by the Dutch navy to pursue pirates and other transgressors around and into the shallow waters of the Low Countries. They were also used for non-military governmental roles such as customs duties and delivering pilots to waiting ships. The latter use attracted the attention of wealthy Dutch merchants who began to build private yachts so they could be taken out to greet their returning ships. Soon wealthy individuals began to use their 'jachts' for pleasure trips. By the start of the 17th century 'jachts' came in two broad catergories- speel-jachts for sport and oorlog-jachts for naval duties. By the middle of the century large 'jacht' fleets were found around the Dutch coast and the Dutch states organised large 'reviews' of private and war yachts for special occasions, thus putting in place the groundwork for the modern sport of yachting. Jachts of this period varied greatly in size, from around 40ft in length to being equal to the lower classes of the ship of the line. All had a form of fore/aft gaff rig with a flat bottom and lee boards to allow operations in shallow waters. The gaff rig remained the principle rig found on small European yachts for centuries until giving way to the 'Bermudan sloop' rig in the 1960s.

Charles II of England spent part of his time in exile during the period of the Commonwealth of England in the Netherlands and became keen on sailing. He returned to England in 1660 aboard a Dutch yacht. During his reign Charles commissioned 24 Royal Yachts on top of the two presented to him by Dutch states on his restoration. As the fashion for yachting spread throughout the English aristocracy yacht races began to become common. Other rich individuals in Europe built yachts as the sport spread. Yachting therefore became a purely recreational form of sailing with no commercial or military function (see, for example, the Cox & King yachts at the beginning of the 20th Century), which still serves a broad definition of both the sport and of the vessel.



source: wikipedia