yacht air draft

Calculate Clearance Under Bridges & Cables

• Post author: Noel Hutchinson
• Post published: October 25, 2019
• Post category: Uncategorized
• Post comments: 0 Comments

This article will show you how to calculate clearance under bridges & cables. We often need to do this in order to see if our vessel can fit underneath. Or we may have to work our when our vessel can fit underneath as it may need the tide to fall to a certain level.

When working out this puzzle, the first thing we need to do is find the charted height of the bridge or overhead obstruction. We can either find this on the chart itself or by looking up the information in an almanac or pilot book.

Overhead clearances under bridges & cables are measured above something called HAT or Highest Astronomical Tide. This is the highest a tide can rise due to influence of celestial bodies and weather. For a reminder of the different tide levels take a look at the image below or click through to the video.

So the next step is to find the height of HAT from the tide tables. Once we have done this we know the height of the bridge and the level above which it is measured.

The thing with HAT though is that it’s not that common. HAT is the highest a tide can be expected to rise. However, the tide often falls short of that level. This means that we often have some extra space. This space comes from the difference between the height of tide (HoT) on the day and HAT.

In order to find this extra bit of space we need to use a tidal curve or an App to get the height of tide. We can then take the height of tide off of HAT. This is our extra bit of space.

HAT – HoT = extra space

You can refresh yourself on tidal curves here if you need to:

How To Use Tidal Curves – watch the video

The Final Calculation

To calculate clearance under bridges & cables then, all you need to do is add the charted height and the extra bit of space together. This will then give you the total space available for a given time on a given day.

In order to see if you will fit under the bridge take the air draft of your vessel from the total space available. If the answer is positive then you can make your way underneath safely. The air draft is the height of the vessel from the waterline to the very top.

Here’s a summary of the steps to take:

• Get the charted height from the chart or almanac
• Get the level of HAT from the tide tables
• Calculate the height of tide (HoT) using the tidal curve (or use an App)
• Take the HoT from HAT to work out the extra space
• Add the extra space to the charted height for total clearance
• Take the air draft of the vessel from the total clearance to see if the vessel can fit

Calculate Clearance Under Bridges & Cables Cheat Sheet

As always, we have produced a free cheat sheet for you to use. It will make the steps super simple and help to keep you organised as well. We find the best thing to do is laminate it. Then you can use it again and again with a dry wipe marker pen or china-graph pencil ?

Please don’t forget to like, comment and share.

Our complete set of Knowledge Cards are available from our shop

Noel Hutchinson

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AIR YACHT CHARTER

81m  /  265'9   feadship   2011 / 2017.

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Special Features:

• Dutch Pedigree Superyacht
• Modern Sleek Design
• Unique Matt Black Hull
• Full Size Helipad on Foredeck
• Large Swimming Pool

Superyacht AIR features a highly sophisticated minimalistic design with a stunning interior with rare materials including palladium leaf & back-lit white onyx.

The 81m/265'9" motor yacht 'Air' by the Dutch shipyard Feadship offers flexible accommodation for up to 12 guests in 7 cabins and features interior styling by Remi Tessier.

Built in 2011, Air is designed for exquisite indoor/outdoor living and boasts voluminous interior and exterior spaces across several decks: ideal for bronzing, lounging or entertaining. Her features include a helipad, beauty salon, movie theatre, spa, elevator and gym.

Guest Accommodation

Air offers guest accommodation for up to 12 guests in 7 suites comprising a master suite, one VIP cabin, four double cabins and one twin cabin. There are 8 beds in total, including 1 king, 5 queen and 2 singles. A crew of twenty-two, who specialize in creating exceptional charters, are on hand to provide guests with a yacht charter vacation to remember.

Onboard Comfort & Entertainment

Keeping comfortable and entertained on Air is easy thanks to the available amenities such as a state-of-the-art movie theatre for movie nights. If you're in need of indulgence, the beauty salon offers a range of treatments to pamper and restore. Take a break from a busy itinerary in the steam room or elsewhere, kick back and relax in the well-appointed spa. Take a plunge in the pool under the sun and you can visit the well-equipped gym so that you can keep up with your fitness routine at sea. Soak up the bubbles in style in the deck jacuzzi.

Whatever your activities on your charter, you'll find some impressive features are seamlessly integrated to help you such as an elevator, making any part of the yacht quickly and easily accessible. The yacht features a helipad, so you can arrive in ultimate style and comfort or elsewhere, stay connected to the outside world on long voyages with satellite communications. With Wi-Fi connectivity you don't have to lose contact with the outside world, unless you want to and you can stay comfortable on board whatever the weather, with air conditioning during your charter.

Performance & Range

Built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, she offers greater on-board space and is more stable when at anchor thanks to her full-displacement hull. Powered by twin MTU engines, she comfortably cruises at 15 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 17 knots with a range of up to 5,000 nautical miles from her 177,000 litre fuel tanks. An advanced stabilisation system on board reduces the side-to-side roll of the yacht and promises guests exceptional comfort levels at anchor or when underway.

Air has aboard a plentiful range of water toys and accessories ready to entertain you and your guests whilst on charter. Principle among these are two Laser sailboats to bring out the explorer in you. Take to the sea on a Jet Ski offering you power and control on the water. You'll be loving the huge adrenaline rush as you zip over the water on one of the two WaveRunners. If that isn't enough Air also features waterskis, a Kite Surfer, scuba diving equipment, wakeboards, kayaks and much more. When it's time to travel from land to see, it couldn't be easier with a 10m/32'10" Southern Ocean Marine Open Tender.

Special Features

Air was the first superyacht ever built under Annex 2 of LY2 to have a fully certified commercial helicopter pad. Her unique matt black hull was painted with a specialised and eco-friendly nano coating technique.

Air is available upon request for charter this winter. She is already accepting bookings this summer for cruising in the Mediterranean.

With its superlative combination of luxurious styling and superb amenities, motor yacht Air has everything you could possibly want for unforgettable yacht charter vacations.

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Stand Out Features

Fully compliant helideck

Take advantage of the freedom to explore with easy access to a dedicated heli landing area on the foredeck.

Split level master suite

The spacious split level master suite provides sweeping vistas of the forward deck from a private observation lounge.

Cinematic jacuzzi

Relax in the Jacuzzi with champagne while watching a blockbuster on the retractable TV.

Amenities & Entertainment

For your relaxation and entertainment Air has the following facilities, for more details please speak to your yacht charter broker.

Air is reported to be available to Charter with the following recreation facilities:

• 2 x 10m  /  32'10 Southern Ocean Marine Custom Banfield Design Open Tender Yanmar 300 HP engine

For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

Air Awards & Nominations

• The World Superyacht Awards 2012 Best Displacement Motor Yacht of 1,300GT to 2,999GT (approximately 60m – 84m) Finalist
• The ShowBoats Design Awards 2012 Naval Architecture Award: Motor Yachts Finalist
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For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

PADI CERTIFIED TRAINING CENTRE

Your family and friends could learn to scuba dive on your charter vacation onboard this luxury charter yacht. Motor Yacht Air is a certified PADI Dive Centre yacht so you could obtain your PADI diving card .

APPROVED RYA WATER SPORTS CENTRE

Your family and friends could learn to use the water toys on your charter vacation onboard this luxury charter yacht. Motor Yacht Air is a certified RYA Training Centre yacht.

'Air' Charter Rates & Destinations

Summer Season

May - September

€925,000 p/week + expenses Approx $1,004,500

High Season

Cruising Regions

Mediterranean Croatia, France, Italy, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro

HOT SPOTS:   Amalfi Coast, Calvi, Corsica, French Riviera, Ibiza, Sardinia, The Balearics

Winter Season

October - April

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bloodyhornet New Member

I currently have a 28' cabin cruiser and love it. I'm looking into buying a liveaboard motor yacht in the next year or two. I have a ton of research left to do but I really like the ones I've seen on YouTube in the ~45ft range with aft cabins. One requirement I have for my boat is that I can get it from the ocean to my hometown. The lowest bridge clearance on the route is 17' and the minimum draft is 6'. How much will this limit my choices? It seems like the 6' draft is doable for most but I can't really find a good guide for typical bridge clearances on motor yachts of this size. Any advice or thoughts?

olderboater Senior Member

6' draft is not an issue in that size boat, although I'd ask is 6' the design of the canal or river to your hometown or the low water including shoaling. But most boats in that range will come in at 5' or less. As to air draft, most flybridge models will have a problem with 17'. Now some do have or can be modified to have folding arches so they could be lowered and clear. Standard most bridges are in the area of 19-20'. Even the shortest often have electronics on top that make their air draft more. You'll have to be very diligent in getting specific drawings from builders.

Pascal Senior Member

It really depends on the boat, which ones are you looking at? 17’ air draft shouldn’t be a problem depending on exact boat. Some may have a bimini too which can easily be folded down to get under a bridge. Others may have a low profile arch and clear. Finally a fixed arch could be hinged so it can be lowered. My older 53 Hatteras draws 4’ and has an draft of 16’ with an easily folded bimini In any case, double check the specs and don’t trust brokers listing information

Thanks for the thoughts! So far it sounds like "totally doable with some forethought" so that's great to know. I should have mentioned that the canal system is dredged and pretty well documented. I found that they recommend 5' draft for the whole system, leaning toward 4' to be super safe, but the minimum draft in the sections I plan to go seem to document 6' as the minimum. As you both mentioned, it seems like many yachts of this size may even have <4' draft so I'm sure that won't be a problem. As for the bridges, I also should have mentioned that I really only plan to take the route twice per year - once to come back home in the spring and once to leave in the late fall. So the fact I may need to take down some equipment, electronics or fold a bimini / arch twice per year isn't so bad. Any more advice is certainly welcome, I will be attending the Miami boat show this week so looking forward to getting to see some boats and come up with more questions for you all

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

A look on board the extraordinary 86m Aquijo, the world’s largest ketch

• Helen Fretter
• February 25, 2017

The biggest ketch-rigged yacht on the water, Aquijo is designed to push boundaries and horizons. Helen Fretter talks to her designers

The largest Bermudan rigged ketch ever launched, the 86m  Aquijo was designed by Bill Tripp and launched last year.

The build came about through a new collaboration between the two Dutch yards of Vitters and OceanCo, combining the former’s superyacht expertise with the latter’s custom motoryacht knowledge to create one of the largest sailing yachts in the world (see video of Sailing Yacht A, the world’s largest sail-assisted vessel, during early sea trials) .

The scale of Aquijo is remarkable: at 85m her LOA is considerably greater than the 60m superyacht designs Vitters is more accustomed to working on, hence she was built at OceanCo’s larger seafront site in Alblasserdam, the Netherlands. A steel hull and aluminium superstructure give a gross tonnage of 1,500.

Her twin carbon fibre masts reach 91m above the waterline, with matched main and mizzen. North 3Di sails of over 1,100 square metres each, give a total sail area of 3,247 square metres. Add in a code sail, and the canvas area tops 5,050 square metres. According to Vitters, Aquijo ’s lifting keel is the largest ever designed, at 220 tons (200 tonnes) of lead, with a minimum draught of 5.2m and maximum of 11.6m.

The yacht’s range under engine at 13 knots is 3,200 nautical miles and she has accommodation for 30 in total (12 guests, two owners, a captain, three officers and 12 additional crew).

However, her designer Bill Tripp says that it was sailing performance that drove the design. “We designed Aquijo around sailing loads and sheet loads, to keep them in a range that was controlled. She started design life as a sailboat that encompassed the machinery of a motoryacht, but she is not shaped as a motoryacht – she is easily driven.”

He adds: “Aquijo is also a sophisticated machine and brings most aspects of a 1600GT motoryacht with her. But she is for getting out there, and for going sailing. In Greece [last] summer, she would go out for an afternoon of sailing in a 35 knot Meltemi because it is so much fun to sail at 20 knots as if on rails.”

The new ChessieRacing designed by Bill Tripp is a true designer daysailer, but what is she like to sail?

Sail controls

Aquijo is designed for long distance bluewater exploration, hence limiting the air draught to fit through the Panama Canal (46m) was no longer a consideration. That freed up the design team to create one of the largest true sailing yachts ever conceived.

To make raising the enormous sail area possible, sophisticated reefing and sail handling systems have been developed. In-boom furling system allows the main and mizzen sails to be furled or unfurled in just four seconds. Custom built carbon and aluminium 40-ton winches control the sheets and halyards.

“When we go head to wind we hoist the main and the mizzen together, and I’d say on average that’s a six minute process,” says Tripp. “Then once they’re up you just bear off, and roll out the jib – 30 seconds say. And then you’re off, you have three sails up, and you’re only thinking about those three sails. It means going sailing is pretty easy.”

When sailing at this scale, manoeuvres take a degree of forward planning. “Because we have a staysail, and a heavy weather jib, we have to furl the big jib when tacking,” explains Tripp.

“Vitters organised a system that keeps just a nice amount of tension on the jib sheets furling in and out so that they are not flailing about. It’s not a dinghy tack, but it is safe and orderly. The spinnaker is on a fast furler and furls up in 30 seconds, making gybes less complex.”

Designed to function at up to 20° of heel, Aquijo ’s hull has been tested to withstand the full force of rigging and keel, including mast compression and the effects of her 200-tonne keel, in a knock-down situation. Vitters custom designed a steering system to give direct feedback of the hydrodynamic pressure on the rudders to the twin wheels to create the elusive sailing ‘feel’. There are two submarine anchors in a compartment concealed behind a flush hull closing plate.

Consistency of style

The owner’s cabin is situated on its own top deck, with a private outside area. Robert Voges, of Dølker and Voges, which designed the interior, says that the whole upper deck abaft of the wheelhouse is the owner’s area.

The sociable main deck includes the dining room and main saloon, linked to the outside deck by an inside-outside bar. The yacht’s real showcase feature is the ‘beach club’ on the lower deck, which includes a jacuzzi, sauna, hammam/Turkish bath, rainfall shower, and room for gym equipment, with an open walkway through to the transom swim platform. There is a further whirlpool spa bath on the outer deck.

A consistent aesthetic style has been adopted right throughout the yacht, according to Voges, who comments: “The brief from the owner was the whole area should look, if not the same, but be one language. All the details are the same, even in the crew area.”

Materials are luxurious; as the mast runs through two interior decks it is clad in flawless high shine stainless steel complete with integrated LED lighting – the single biggest technical challenge of the interior build according to Voges.

But it is the sea itself that provides the main focal point. Voges comments: “One of the most important things that the owners asked me for was to make everything feel open, to feel that there is not a difference between inside and outside, so you can feel the ocean.

From each position where you are sitting – dining or in the salon, or in the cabins – you can always see the water. We have planned the windows so even from the bed, you can see the water.”

Ambitious plans

Aquijo is available for charter, but the owner also has some ambitious voyages of his own in mind, not least a trip around Cape Horn.

Asked what inspires people to build a yacht of Aquijo ’s stature, designer Bill Tripp comments: “They’re not looking for the sure thing, they’re really looking for the unknown. They don’t know what it’ll be like sailing in South Georgia, or diving on a reef with hammerhead sharks at night. These are experiences they will remember all their life.

“On a boat like Aquijo it’s the use of it, and the feeling you get. It’s not about fine wines or great speaker systems, it’s about bringing you to things you wouldn’t otherwise experience.”

A Tale Of Two Journeys: Experiencing The Great Loop On A Fleming 65

As luck would have it, while in a doctor’s office we noticed a small ad in a magazine for a handsome, salty looking boat called a Fleming. It was not a brand with which I was familiar, but alertly noticed that the dealer was local to the DC-Baltimore area, we proceeded to contact Burr Yacht Sales in Edgewater, Maryland. After being disabused of our interest in other boats by Ray Currey, we became the fourth owners of Fleming 53-017. While that sounds pretty straight-forward, the entire process took about a year, several boat shows and much hand-wringing to accomplish. In truth, the Fleming had us at “Hello”. It provided three staterooms, two heads, pet safety on-deck, and several capacious levels that would allow the five of us to live in close proximity 24-7 for 9 months.

Two decades and two Flemings (55-123 and 65-023) later, we decided to experience the Great Loop again. Things are decidedly different this time, including a new set of challenges. The Fleming was still named ASLAN, but it was now a Fleming 65 with an 18’8” beam to squeeze through tight canals and an air draft of 24’ to duck under low-clearance bridges. We had lots of new bells and whistles but did not have three teenagers to help and we were now in our mid-70’s instead of mid-50’s. Despite the challenges to overcome, it still seemed like a cool adventure to revisit and a lot of the original ideas and plans from the first trip were still operable.

The staff that worked the locks in Canada told us that our Fleming 65 was the largest private boat to travel the canals so far this year. To no surprise, we were advised by several Canadians not to try the Rideau Canal, but we handled it easily. The controlling depth for the two Canadian canals is 5 feet, the draft of all Flemings. The full keel of the Fleming is appreciated here because we did bump the bottom a few times but with no damage. We occupied most of each lock on the Rideau because of our size but that was not a hinderance to our travel. “Locking through” could take up an entire article in itself, however the truth is almost any couple can do it. A third person makes it easier since a hand is needed at both bow and stern. But a spry captain can set the boat against the lock wall and quickly move to the cockpit to handle the stern line. I should note that the cockpit controls are particularly useful to move the stern back to the wall when you miss the arresting cable.

As always, marina space needs to be planned in advance when travelling the Great Loop. We found that space was usually available on the approach walls to the locks but 50A power availability can be iffy, even in marinas. Our Fleming was well equipped to handle these small inconveniences with its generators and water maker – a nice accessory to have for some of the more remote areas we’ve traveled. One such area along the Great Loop that happens to be special for us is Snug Harbor. This small cove can be found on Badgeley Point west of Killarney, Ontario on the North Channel of Lake Huron. During our first Great Loop trip 20 years ago, we spent the night at Snug Harbor on our 30th wedding anniversary and revisited the spot for our 50th anniversary. Another spot not to be missed is the Bad River Channel of the French River on Georgian Bay. Shooting the Liley Chutes rapids with your tender is a real hoot.

Of particular pleasure were the non-stop hand waves, compliments, and “thumbs-up” we received regarding our Fleming from the vacationers, locals, and other boaters at the locks. We discovered there are few ocean-ready Flemings on the Great Lakes, so we were treated almost as royalty at all of our stops and anchorages. Our Fleming 65 turns a lot of heads and despite its size, is very much a Great Loop worthy boat. With the help of both Burr Yacht Sales and Fleming Yachts, we were able to make this revival journey as memorable and seamless as the first. The Great Loop is an adventure that every Fleming owner should try to experience at least once, maybe even twice!

Ray, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the extraordinary “new owner” training program that Burr offers.  Julia and I just spent 4 full days with Kevin Althoff on our “previously cruised” Fleming 55 and were overwhelmed with his patience, his expertise and his insistence that we go over absolutely everything.  I have […]

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GARCIA 60 Exploration: the all-terrain vessel of the sea

Garcia is fearless in its path; its distinctive aluminium cruising yachts have gained a strong reputation over the past 50 years. The latest model, the Garcia 60 Exploration , is a shoal-draught expedition yacht that will take you anywhere around the globe. As I discovered, sailing in more confined waters, she is also responsive and incredibly fun.

“Nowhere you can’t go” is the philosophy of the French shipyard Garcia. Jean Pierre and Jean Louis Garcia in 1974 founded the brand for bluewater aluminium yachts. In 2011 the new Exploration yacht was the result and influence of a long-distance navigator Jimmy Cornell and the passion of the Garcia team.

Jimmy Cornell , Yachtsman and bestselling author of World Cruising Routes , said, “I was looking for a sailing boat adapted to my trips that combined sailing at high latitudes and in the tropics, but was unable to find a solution on the market. I decided to design a new boat that would come close to being the perfect cruising sailboat. I was immediately very enthusiastic; they were the best builders of aluminium yachts in France, and they had with them one of the greatest naval architects Olivier Racoupeau. Without a doupt they were going to build the boat of my dreams.”

Discovering the Garcia 60 Exploration

It’s mid-March, and a few storms have hit France, so when Grand Large Yachting invited us to test the Garcia Exploration 60 , we were excited; it’s not often you get to try a sailboat in moderate wind.

We arrived bright and early in Cherbourg, France, jumping at the gate to climb aboard and get underway. What struck me first was the size of this aluminium beast; she’s 19.5 meters long by 5.4m in the beam , an absolute monster and by far the most significant sailboat I have tested to date.

I spent some time with the skipper familiarising myself with the technical workings of this Garcia 60 Exploration before we set off; it is something I like to do on all sailboats. It’s an excellent task, but Garcia has made this easy with its intelligent systems and ergonomic cockpit design.

All systems can be operated from both port and starboard helm pedestals. The central hydraulic servo system runs your forward sails fullers, windlass, centre board, genset, and vang. Time to go; we expect winds from the southeast between 15-20kn gusting to 28kn, so a good breeze to get this 33T lady moving. Manoeuvring out of a marina with twin rudders is not my favourite sport. Still, with the bow and stern thrusters, my five-year-old would make it look easy. If you’re worried, The aluminium hull is 5 to 12 mm thick. It is charitably dimensioned right down to its ribs and stringers, assuring foolproof impact resistance. For even more peace of mind, the structure includes a watertight bulkhead at the front and the rear, upstream of the steering system. A fin protects the shaft. The rudders are made of aluminium and preceded by a protective skeg; They also have a composite sacrificial zone in their upper part. In case of a violent shock, if the rudder stock should bend, the hull is protected, and the rudder remains functional. you don’t pierce your hull if you hit anything, don’t forget this is a first-class blue water sailboat, after all.

I appreciate with a potential shallow draft of 1.50 m; shallow anchorages stay accessible to such a sailboat. Moving away from tourist areas and choosing less frequented zones is possible. Going up rivers or rias is also likely. And most explorers will also be able to adventure into areas that still need to be appropriately mapped. It is reassuring the possibility of being able to reach shelter zones. With its modern and stable hull – designed by “ Olivier Racoupeau ” – and its generous sail plan, the Exploration 60 has high average speeds that shorten distances. The centring of the weights (chain wells at the foot of the mast, centred tanks) limits the Boat’s pitching and supports its seaworthiness and sailing comfort. Sailing downwind with the centreboard up, speeding up on the wave remains safe, and the movements are smoother without any hooking effect. Similarly, I expect the Boat to move freely between the waves in extreme sea conditions, less exposed to their power, but I have yet to find out.

While we are on the subject of stability, The Garcia 60 Exploration holds up to 800 litres of fresh water and 2,200 litres of diesel, and all the tanks are fixed centrally in the hull. You add 450KG of Anker chain by the mast and spare parts and copious amounts of stowage; all the technical equipment is grouped in a dedicated area, a properly Soundproofed engine room, easily accessible for maintenance and any repairs. This provides comfort for those living aboard.

The Garcia 60 Exploration also has an actual workshop. The tools and spare parts storage area is spacious enough to work in and care for the Boat. With its many interior storage spaces, large sail compartments and voluminous exterior storage spaces, the Exploration 60 has an exceptional carrying capacity of 4 tons. Water sports equipment such as paddle boards and scuba tanks can be taken on board for leisure or exploration.

Below decks

As she settled into her rhythm, it was time for a well-earned cup of tea and a little poke around below decks to see what this lady had to offer.

Moving forward, I found my spot for passage-making. In the raised salon (port side), you will find one of the USPs of Garcia, The chart table; it is like a wheelhouse, with all your instruments and engine controls. I have a 270° view here looking straight out the Double glazed windows. Whatever the weather conditions, the boat can be piloted from the inside, and the inverted shape of the roof prevents reflections. I can feel myself daydreaming about all the possible places we could adventure with this sailboat. I have never liked the cold, but imagining the look on my daughter’s face seeing an iceberg for the first time makes me smile and think of the possibilities and destinations. 

This full-width cabin can be set for two classic cabins or a double cabin and a technical area. You can customise this area as much as you like, but I would like it like this. There is more storage than you need, and every drawer has a sea bar lock so that nothing will open by itself. This owner had asked for an on-sweat head fitted to the starboard side of their cabin with a separate rain head shower. The volume of the boat is impressive, with a minimum under-ceiling height of 2 m everywhere. With portholes more than 40 cm high around the roof, light is everywhere inside the Exploration 60. The materials are chosen with taste and assembled with care.

Below the saloon, a double cabin can complete the sleeping space for guests or be reserved for a crew member. The owner can thus accommodate a skipper or a crew member to accompany them on their voyages. 

Time to get some sea air again

The cockpit is protected by the elegant hard-top that runs far aft, which is my second favourite spot on this boat; as it started to rain, I can tell you it was out of the weather, but you feel part of the action, especially as once again you have a dedicated area to starboard with all your instruments so keeping watch hear will be a dream for most sailors like me.

Our cockpit area was fitted with side covers for added protection and insulation, making it feel more cosey; It is an additional living space, a natural second saloon, with a neat design, accessible by only three steps from the interior space. All too soon, it was time to gybe and head back to port. I feel robbed as we change course; this boat invites you to daydream about what might be possible on your adventures through life and unlimited destinations.

Garcia 60 Exploration: in Conclusion

This is a boat-borne of considerable experience and attention to detail , taking a proven concept and refining it to a new level . There are many small but clever touches that may take time to be noticeable but make a difference to life on board. So it offers a big step forward compared to the other blue water sailboats on the market. In particular, the more significant owner’s cabin makes living on board for extended periods more civilised. At the same time, the more oversized cockpit will work just as well in the tropics as at high latitudes. It’s a supremely capable yacht with long legs that effortlessly puts in good daily mileage when crossing oceans. Yet, it will also be fun to sail in your home waters. However, what’s unique is the combination of Garcia’s Four signature features:

• Rugged aluminium construction.
• Shoal draught with the ability to dry out.
• The protection offered by the cockpit area.
• Compleat autonomy on Expeditions

This latest edition to the Garcia fleet is a credit to their passion and expertise in building ultimate explorer sailboats. I am sure other shipyards will watch Garcia closely and adapt their sailboats to catch up.

This boat has left me wanting to sell everything I own, pack my family on board and see where this magnificent blue water sailboat will take us.

Having read closely this article written by a sailor with passion I am in a dream like state. This wonderful yacht is just that, a floating home to claim ones wander lust. This is undoubtedly the finest yacht to fulfil those aspirations. I concur with the writer. Sell up and explore the world. One has one life , just do it. .

Thank you, Mike; I am glad you enjoyed the article. Yes, the Garcia 60 is a real game changer; if it were within budget, we would be planning our world expedition. We feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to review this magnificent sailboat.

Great boat great article. Some errors in the copy possibly due to language not fully translating. I can find nothing regarding the power source. Is it a gen set powering electric drivetrain. Is it a normal engine driven prop. Does it regen using the prop to generate electricity to replenish battery banks? Where exactly is the laundry room?

Great review of an amazing boat – this ticks so many boxes for remote exploration and diving trips, both tropical and high latitude. Thanks!

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• Search forums
• The Thames Forum

Air drift height

• Thread starter misty morning
• Start date 23 Sep 2020
• 23 Sep 2020

misty morning

Hi I am looking at buying a boat to use on the no tidal river thames and want to be able to stop at onsney bridge oxford.does anybody know the max air drift to clear the bridges to that point. I have been looking at sealine 360,princess 435,410 and the 360boats along with some brooms.It seems very hard to fine the airdrift for these boats but i have had some help from princess boats but still can not find the princess 435 air drift.Any help with this i would be very helpfull.  

Well-known member

Welcome to the forums. If you search for air draft (draught) not drift you might find the info you are looking for. Maybe your spell checker isn't helping!  

SaltIre said: Welcome to the forums. If you search for air draft (draught) not drift you might find the info you are looking for. Maybe your spell checker isn't helping! Click to expand...

The River Thames Guide app, gives the bridge clearance for all the Thames bridges, well worth downloading. Can’t help with the air draft of the various boats you mention though.  

Princess Model History | Princess Motor Yacht Sales 435 well down the list look around 1987. AD about 4.1 m or 13.4 ft. .....................................all the other boats there as well. Will not go under Windsor or Henley or that super low footbridge with all those bolts sticking out. 12.6" ???? Hack off the arch and get another metre ? Only downside with the 435, some have small engines( 306 HP ) not lot considering all that weight being pushed around. Bit slow offshore perhaps ? Early Brooms tend to have removable top hamper the newer ones do not ?  

Leighb said: The River Thames Guide app, gives the bridge clearance for all the Thames bridges, well worth downloading. Can’t help with the air draft of the various boats you mention though. Click to expand...

oldgit said: Princess Model History | Princess Motor Yacht Sales 435 well down the list look around 1987. AD about 4.1 m or 13.4 ft. .....................................all the other boats there as well. Will not go Windsor or Henley or that super low footbridge with all those bolts sticking out. 12.6" ???? Hack off the arch and get another metre ? Only downside with the 435, some have small engines( 306 HP ) not lot considering all that weight being pushed around. Bit slow offshore perhaps ? Early Brooms tend to have removable top hamper the newer ones do not ? Click to expand...

misty morning said: Hi I am looking at buying a boat to use on the no tidal river thames and want to be able to stop at onsney bridge oxford.does anybody know the max air drift to clear the bridges to that point. I have been looking at sealine 360,princess 435,410 and the 360boats along with some brooms.It seems very hard to fine the airdrift for these boats but i have had some help from princess boats but still can not find the princess 435 air drift.Any help with this i would be very helpfull. Click to expand...

• Sticky Fingers

SaltIre said: Sealine 360: Sealine 360 Ambassador For Sale | Norfolk Yacht Agency | NYH1854 Air draft 3.76m according to that Broker. Sealine 360 For Sale | Norfolk Yacht Agency | NYB1266 3.0m according to the same broker - so not always the same! Princess 435: Princess 435 Link is to a thread on here from 2010. Click to expand...

Fairly sure non of those boats will get under Folly bridge, so that will be your limit.  

• 24 Sep 2020

Chris_d said: Fairly sure non of those boats will get under Folly bridge, so that will be your limit. Click to expand...

Considering the length of the Thames , what exactly is in that last few kilometres that is so vital, which a bus cannot reach.. Shame to eliminate some very comfortable and capable boats and have to choose a very unsuitable boat in almost all other respects due to a bridge. Presume this is not an attempt to keep a boat nearbye to employment to live aboard. If so, there may be one or two other little problems ahead. ! No mention of research regards cost or availability of moorings especially for that size of boat up there.  

Portland Billy

Active member.

Between Teddington and Oxford the minimum bridge clearance is 12ft 5ins - Culham lock cut and 12ft 6ins at Cookham. Also the air draught of boats advertised is not always the minimum attainable with masts etc folded. Plenty of boats like the ones you mention are on the upper Thames.  

Bridge heights here River Thames: distances and measurements for boaters As above Folly is 10'3" which will defeat most larger cruisers of the type you are looking at, most will make it up to Abingdon with small mods but not much point going any further as Oxford's riverside is not very friendly these days.  

• Outinthedinghy

That is actually one reason to want a boat which can pass Folly bridge. The moorings just above Osney are massively more pleasant and also more convenient than the ones below Folly bridge. The latter seem to be constantly occupied and there are some asbo issues around there where as the former often have space and seem more pleasant. Not that I have stopped overnight above Osney myself. I've only ever had boats which fit under Osney bridge and up to Lechlade anyway so I don't really know about the selection of taller boats but I do understand the desire to be able to moor just below Osney bridge if needed because it is a good mooring and may be much better than the straggly towpath moorings below Salters/Folly bridge.  

Outinthedinghy said: That is actually one reason to want a boat which can pass Folly bridge. The moorings just above Osney are massively more pleasant and also more convenient than the ones below Folly bridge. The latter seem to be constantly occupied and there are some asbo issues around there where as the former often have space and seem more pleasant. Not that I have stopped overnight above Osney myself. I've only ever had boats which fit under Osney bridge and up to Lechlade anyway so I don't really know about the selection of taller boats but I do understand the desire to be able to moor just below Osney bridge if needed because it is a good mooring and may be much better than the straggly towpath moorings below Salters/Folly bridge. Click to expand...

Portland Billy said: Between Teddington and Oxford the minimum bridge clearance is 12ft 5ins - Culham lock cut and 12ft 6ins at Cookham. Also the air draught of boats advertised is not always the minimum attainable with masts etc folded. Plenty of boats like the ones you mention are on the upper Thames. Click to expand...

oldgit said: Considering the length of the Thames , what exactly is in that last few kilometres that is so vital, which a bus cannot reach.. Shame to eliminate some very comfortable and capable boats and have to choose a very unsuitable boat in almost all other respects due to a bridge. Presume this is not an attempt to keep a boat nearbye to employment to live aboard. If so, there may be one or two other little problems ahead. ! No mention of research regards cost or availability of moorings especially for that size of boat up there. Click to expand...

no liver board just to spend lots for weekends on the river.thanks for your input very helpful  

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Sirena 48 | Sirena Yachts

Dream voyage, about sirena 48.

Wake up and Dream Your Voyage

sirena 48 Serenity

MASTER CABIN

Technical Characteristics

Freedom to explore

Navigate shallow waters with confidence, access secluded anchorages, more marinas, and shelter in river inlets at a moment’s notice if the weather changes without warning.

Experience the best of both worlds. Enjoy the accessibility of a shallow-draft yacht with exceptional sailing performance and luxurious living spaces.

BLUEWATER ADVENTURE

The world awaits, the oysters 495 is a true bluewater adventure machine, equipped for any voyage, built to withstand the harshest of ocean environments..

Our bluewater cruising DNA is rooted in 50 years’ experience, over 100 circumnavigations and over 20 million bluewater sailing miles. This experience has helped us refine the Oyster 495 to ensure she is capable of sailing anywhere in the world in complete safety, comfort and safety.

Undertaking bluewater adventures requires complete trust in your yacht. Our build quality is key; it is why the Oyster 495 features a stepped-mast and DNV-GL certified hull for strength and integrity. Self-sufficiency is an essential feature, so the large volume hull is designed for generous tankage, comfortable living space and extensive stowage. Must-have bluewater liveaboard features mean the new Oyster 495 is a fully connected, comfortable and extremely practical home from home. Every need has been considered and every piece of equipment is over-specified – from sailing equipment to details like grab handles and latches. The automated sailing systems have failsafe back-ups to ensure you are never compromised or at risk. All of this is designed to give you complete confidence in her capabilities, no matter the conditions you encounter.

The Oyster 495 is packed full of exceptionally practical and useful features that you would expect to find on a significantly larger yacht.

The u-shaped galley is well designed and equipped for cooking at sea, with space for all the appliances you enjoy at home. The saloon is light and spacious, with excellent, natural ventilation from the forward opening saloon windows. It is a social space with deep, comfortable sofas where everyone can come together to relax. There is a good-sized chart table with space for a half-folded Admiralty chart and dedicated day and night reading lights. On deck, the comfortable, protected centre cockpit and helm positions, with sprayhood and bimini, are welcome features on long passages. The spacious flush decks are clutter-free to maximise safe access when sailing in heavy weather.

She is equipped to operate a range of sailing set-ups selected for typical bluewater cruising conditions. Automated sail furling/reefing make for effortless shorthanded sailing.

Every inch of the large volume hull has been considered for your living aboard, daily maintenance and stowage requirements. Extensive stowage allows for ample provision and a wide range of spares to ensure you are ready for any eventuality.

Connected, comfortable and practical, the Oyster 495 is a true liveaboard yacht wherever you are in the world.

Every detail has been considered, making life on board a real pleasure, with no compromises. The full-sized appliances, including large fridge and optional single or chest freezer, mean there is plenty of space to provision for extended periods at sea. The generous cabins, quality deep mattresses, island berths, full length mirrors and proper en-suites create living spaces that are relaxed and comfortable. The forward opening saloon windows and optional air conditioning offer excellent air circulation below decks and keep you as cool or warm as required.

At its heart, the Oyster 495 offers the self-sufficiency you need on long ocean passages and adventures in remote locations.

Prepared for adventure

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