Motor Yacht Aussie Rules
Lloyd`s Register sets the rules for Aussie Rules.
The recent delivery of the luxury motor yacht Aussie Rules, built by the Austal Group company Oceanfast, a Western Australian custom motor yacht builder, marks the conclusion to an innovative project which Lloyd`s Register has been involved in for the past two years.
The vessel is owned by Greg Norman, the Australian two-time winner of the British Open golf tournament, who also serves as the inspiration for Oceanfast`s series of Norman Expedition Yachts of which Aussie Rules is the first. The yachts represent an innovative hybridisation between the commercial exploration vessel and the traditional luxury yacht and combine the ability to undertake both traditional cruises and more specialised expeditions, including diving and access to remote locations.
Aussie Rules was designed to Lloyd`s Register`s Special Service Craft Rules and was constructed under the guidance of Lloyd`s Register`s surveyors in Fremantle, Australia.
Oceanfast`s General Manager Brad Draper says: "Aussie Rules, inspired by the man known as the Great White Shark, was designed for long-range ocean cruising and expedition voyages. It was imperative, therefore, to provide the owner with the confidence that the construction and equipment standards would conform to the most stringent classification rules in the world.
Admirably, Lloyd`s Register was fully able to satisfy this criterion."
Aussie Rules has a top speed of 17 knots and a range in excess of 8,000 nautical miles. The 69.5 metre (228 ft) yacht will carry 220,000 litres of fuel in seven tanks. The engines allow for continuous operation using twin 3516B Caterpillar engines that output 1,492 kW (2,000 hp) at 1,600 rpm. With this range and fuel carrying capacity, Aussie Rules could almost cruise from the South Pole to the North Pole without having to refuel.
Alan Williams, Lloyd`s Register`s Area Manager for Australasia, says: "This exciting and innovative project was a worthy challenge for all of the parties involved, and we are delighted that through an excellent working relationship with both Oceanfast and the owners such a fine product was achieved."
Lloyd`s Register continues to dominate the luxury yacht sector with a market share of over 60 of classed vessels and 83 of luxury motor yachts over 50 metres. In response to growing volumes in the region, Lloyd`s Register`s Australasia Office has recently increased both its hull and electrotechnical design appraisal resources in Australia.
M2 Presswire
February 13, 2003