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JANUARY 2006 NEWSLETTER

We recieved this complimentary letter from Nick Longfield, the owner of Barinthus, an Interceptor 42 operating as a survey vessel from Conway, North Wales. Nick encountered some serious weather recently, prompting hime to send us this testimonial. Thanks Nick.

A Modern Day Epic Voyage

To All Interceptor Owners and Prospective Owners,

On the 17^th of July 2005 , the vessel “Barinthus” departed on the hunt for the site of the Santa Maria Delarosa on the West side of Ireland .  The “Barinthus”, built by Safehaven Marine and dedicated to survey work, was chartered to go hunting for a Spanish Galleon lost off the West side of Ireland .  The morning of the 17^th, we departed Conwy, North Wales and made passage to her home port of Cobh , 220 miles in all.  Because of fair weather and perfect sea conditions, we made this journey in a fast 9 hours and 35 minutes.  The morning of the 18^th of July, we woke up to a brisk Westerly breeze and departed Cobh for Dingle.  The forecast wasn’t looking good but our confidence in the boat meant that we pushed on and upon reaching Fastnet we were facing 25+ knot winds, 15 degrees off the starboard bow.  As we turned North, the wind swung with us and stayed that same 15 degrees for the rest of the trip.  We were pushing up into a good 2 to 3 metre swell, which as we passed the headlands, grew to become a very confused, broken and peaking sea of at least 4 metres.  At this point, you think to yourself, have I bitten off more than I can chew and where can I run to.  But my confidence in the boat’s abilities dictated that we would push on and see what the day brought.  By the time that we reached Dingle Bay , the 2 crew with me were useless objects lying on the deck having emptied out all previous meals.  The only really unnerving part of the trip was to come.  As we turned in the North part of Dingle Bay to run in with the swell, which was now breaking heavily, we were altering our speed from about 10 to 12 knots climbing the back of the swell to a record breaking freefall down the front of one wave which hit 37 knots.  Upon reaching the trough of this wave the boat did as she always does, ploughed her sharp bow into the back of the next swell, then lifted herself clear and we were climbing again.  I’ve been skippering boats around Europe for 20 years and this day will probably be one of the ones that will be remembered for a long time.

In my opinion, Frank has built a very sea worthy vessel in the Interceptors and I would have no hesitation in saying that they are probably one of the best small, fast boats around. 

Nick Longfield

Skipper/Owner

M.V. Barinthus  

Storm photos & video of ' SUSSEX '

 Speaking of Rough conditions we recently sea trialed 'SUSSEX'  our most recently launched Wildcat in gale force conditions, in preparation for her voyage home to the UK's South Coast.  We managed to capture some spectacular shots demonstrating the WILDCAT's outstanding stability and sea keeping. She was mighty impressive is these ‘serious’ conditions!

CORK PILOT BOAT UPDATE

The new Cork Pilot boat is coming along nicely on schedule. The engines have arrived and are now being fitted. The main fendering is due to arrive any day now and the decks toe rail is fitted. Her forecabin and main cabin interior are about halfway complete and the carpeting of the main cabin has commenced. Below are some pictures of her at the moment.

Below, pictures of her engines being fitted through the acces hatch in the cabin roof.

John Hutchinson’s 42 nears completion.

The engine, fuel tank, deck beams and interior are all completed, she is about 2-3 weeks from launch and looking very good. Gaybriel has almost completed the electrics. Here she is below being transferred between buildings.

Garda Clubs 28 ready for launch.

A bit delayed but ready for launch now, the Dublin Garda Clubs 28, which has been built to comply fully for an Irish P5 Dept of Marine commercial licence for 6 passengers. Below she is seen being moved from Little Island to Cobh .

New INTERCEPTOR 36 ' GENESIS' begins development

Development has commenced on our replacement for the old Interceptor 38 model. An all new Interceptor 37 called the 'Genesis' will commence production this summer. Closely based on our hugely successful Interceptor 42’s hull, but incorporating a number of refinements to provide even higher levels of performance and seakeeping. Her beam is a wide 3.65m moulded, (12ft 7” overall) just 150mm short of the 42’s beam, and much wider than the old 38’s, providing her with high levels of both static and dynamic stability. With a GM of 1.5m she has high reserves of stability over an anticipated large displacement range, as indeed she will form the basis for a new 37’ft Pilot Boat to be offered alongside the current Interceptor 42 ‘Pilot Boat’. Her waterline entry has been made finer at 50 degrees to cut through waves even better, and she has the same midships deadrise of 22 degress meaning she will not slam in large waves. And of course her steeply raked stem and cutaway forefoot means she will have the same excellent handling in following seas. A full length deep keel will ensure slow drift speeds and keep her head up into the wind, very important for angling on the drift, and her unique double chine hull design means she will be an exceptionally dry boat.

We have chosen an Island Wheelhouse design for her superstructure, taking advantage of her wide beam, it provides loads of gunwale space for angling and a large deck area, but still provides good accommodation space, which can be varied to suit her intended role Both long and short cabin versions will be available.

Her aft deck will be flush, and accommodate either single or twin engine options. The most likely engine option being Caterpillars new C9 at 575hp, but with options from a Cat’s 3126 350hp engine in single installations up to a pair of 440hp Yanmar’s for maximum performance of over 30kts. Overall the new model will combine excellent seakeeping and performance with Safehaven’s now expected style and graceful looks, in a smaller, more compact vessel ideally suited for commercial charter work, or recreational use.

Below are some early pictures of her hull mould being constructed and we will soon have a page dedicated to her on our web site.