Today, I invite you to join me as we celebrate a new addition to our fleet - the LRC-65 Explorer Yacht. Launched at Aluboot in the Netherlands, this vessel is ready to conquer the challenges of high-latitude sailing.
As Rob Westermann, CEO of Artnautica Europe, and a dear friend of mine describes it, the LRC-65 is a 'self-righting, long-range cruising boat, equally at home coastal sailing or crossing an ocean'.
So, buckle up, and let's embark on the journey of the LRC-65, from blueprint to launch.
The first LRC-65 from naval architects Artnautics has splashed! Hull was laid down in January 2022, and she was just launched in September 2023.
LRC-65 is the largest LRC design range from Artnautica, including the LRC-58. One LRC-65 is launched today, and another is in production at Aluboot. Its nearest competitive example is probably the FPB-65. Though their designs differ significantly, both display the high length-to-beam ration hulls that exemplify economy and sea-keeping abilities.
Two weeks will be needed to complete antifouling before returning to Dutch yard Aluboot to complete her outfit. To be added are deck cover, ground tackle, soft furnishings, and navigation mast.
Sea Trails is set for October 2023. There follows a description by her owner, my friend, and CEO of Artnautica Europe, Rob Westermann.
LRC-65, Rob Westermann
"The design of the LRC65 passagemaker by Dennis Harjamaa of Artnautica Yacht Design (NZ) was finished in August 2021. It is a CE-A certified, self-righting, long-range cruising boat, equally at home coastal sailing or crossing an ocean.
The designer kept the hull as narrow and low volume as he thought he could get away with, making the boat feel more proportioned than the LRC58. The hull’s length is 20m and 5m wide, including the rub rails. This allowed the boat to fit into European harbors and sail the French canals easily and, of course, passage-making. The draft is approximately 1.1m. The alloy weight estimate is 8.2 tonnes, compared to 5 tonnes for the LRC58. The displacement will be 22-25 tonnes, depending on her payload. The LRC65 is CE-A certified. For more detailed or supplementary information, visit HERE
Description
The extended wheelhouse roof allows the installation of 16 solar panels (155x105cm) for a yield of 6,8 kWh (and counting). Using walk-over panels on the foredeck, an extra 1 kWh can be added for a total output of 7,8 kWh. The aft deck ends with a bike locker (2 bikes). This locker can also be used to store dive gear.
With her fuel tanks topped off, clean bottom, and sailing 9,8 knots on average, her range is 4000 nm. Slow down to 8 knots, and her range extends to 6300 nm.
Build & specs
The LRC65-01 BUILD started in January 2022 and splashed on September 1, 2023. LRC65-02 has been since March 2023 under construction at Dutch Yard, Aluboot, The Netherlands. Her main engine is an Iveco N40, 110 kW (147 HP) @2,800 rpm, 4 Cylinders, 3900 cc with a CPP Helseth 3H60-830 HS, Shaft diameter 60 mm, 3-blade Propellor 830 mm. Her navigational systems suite is from Furuno, and her 48VDC electrical equipment (power & lighting) consists of Victron units.
Yard
Aluboot (“Aluboat”) “with over 40 years of experience,” has specialized in building privately owned sailing yachts as well as motor yachts, the hull being built entirely in aluminum. The company has also produced over 20 lifeboats for the Dutch SAR organization KNRM. Aluboot is a full-service yard, which means that every part of the LRC/XPM is constructed to order in-house.
Accommodations
The layout comprises a master and guest cabin with an ensuite bathroom. A small lounge and a twin single-bunk sleeping cabin are positioned in the front. This area can be reconfigured as a crew cabin with an ensuite head and shower. The guest cabin downstairs has more than generous standing headroom at the entrance. The guest cabin either comprises twins or a double bed.
Under the galley is a spacious basement with a battery compartment, room for air conditioning units, an extra fridge/freezer, and additional storage possibilities. The workshop/utility space is quite big. Access to this space is from the cockpit, with generous standing headroom. In the case of the twin-engine setup, there is also internal access to the engine room through the day head shower."
Rob Westermann - info@artnautica.eu.
