How to manage large yachts?

History of the issue

If there is any trend that is common to all areas of yachting, it is that large yachts are becoming more common. Why? The answer is very simple! Developments in shipbuilding technology are helping to make large yachts fairly easy to use. Moreover, they are comfortable and practical.

Once upon a time, a 50-foot+ yacht was considered more of a “flagship” in a particular line of yachts. Now, most manufacturers have at least one model over 50 feet long. Often a whole range of models, and many of them are able to be managed by a small team.

This trend is also observed in charters. However, there are not many opportunities to be trained on a vessel of this size. We will look at some of the factors to consider when moving to a new, larger yacht.

Length

The length of the yacht itself is not the biggest problem. It is quite easy to adapt to the dimensions of the yacht. The only difficulty is getting used to leaving the marina. However, the main and main danger that should be borne in mind is blind area. The larger the tank of the yacht, the larger the blind zone.

In small marinas or areas with high activity on the water, it is important to carefully observe the situation around you. Buoys, small dinghies and tuziki may go unnoticed!

Most modern yachts handle well from the stern, and mooring in reverse is one of the easiest ways to overcome this problem. So the skipper sees better direction of travel and obstacles around. Otherwise, it is necessary to set the forecastle sailor.

If you decide to moor with your bow, then necessarily brief the crew. Enter set agreed commands and signals to simplify communication with the forecastle sailor. The sailor on the bow must count the distance to the berth and notify the helmsman of how many meters are left. 

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Displacement

Displacement increases disproportionately length. For example, the Hallberg-Rassy 412 yacht weighs 11.1 tons. At the same time, the 64-foot version of the same series weighs 36 tons. This is 50% more than the length and more than 300% more than the mass of the yacht.

The increase in mass means that there is much more power behind every maneuver. It takes some time to disperse more than 30 tons. Remember that if the boat under the motor has gained the desired speed, this does not mean that it will continue to go at a constant speed. The yacht will only accelerate, because it will be driven by inertial force.  

In order not to disperse the yacht too much, it is possible and necessary, after gaining the required speed, to go under neutral gear. So, the force of inertia will “push” it along the desired course, but the speed will not increase.

Keep a safe distance and drive carefully. Even at low speed, a 36-ton boat can do a lot of damage. So be careful with turnovers.

Time

Every maneuver on a large yacht is performed slowerthan on a small one. In addition, after the start of the movement of a large yacht harder to slow down. Taking reefs, setting up a genoa or setting up a mainsail - all these operations will also be longer.

Give yourself enough time to think through the maneuver, prepare everything you need, and provide enough space to perform it. Sufficient time will help reduce stress for both the skipper and crew, as well as for marina workers and crews of other yachts.

When can you start?

Without a doubt, the most rewarding for you will be the miles that you will pass on a large yacht. Large yachts can expand your horizons of knowledge. This will allow you to make journeys that you would not otherwise take with a team that you would not otherwise take. 

When is the right time to switch to big yachts?

• Make sure you are comfortable with smaller yachts before moving on to yachts over 45 feet.
• Take another competent sailor with you. Don't rush into the deep with a big boat and a crew of beginners.
• Gradually increase the size of the yacht.
• Experience crewing a large yacht with a professional skipper to learn some of the tricks first hand.
• If you are buying a large yacht, then invest in training on your own yacht with an instructor with experience on large yachts. This will help you to master the boat, develop skills and confidence on the water.

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21.02.2022