Huge schooner for S&S

Famed New York naval architects Sparkman & Stephens have announced they are working on the largest schooner yet to be commissioned at the yard.

The as-yet-unnamed vessel is a three-masted, Bermudan-rigged schooner that will measure an eye-popping 75 metres (250 feet). But, despite its impressive size, the yacht will have a lifting centreboard so it can reduce its draft sufficiently to enter almost all harbours and safely cruise the world's most popular tropical waters.

Images of the new vessel have not yet surfaced (the 170-foot Nazenin V by S&S pictured), but as is expected of modern sail boats today, all the sail handling will be automated with powered winches and in-boom furling. The towering masts will be constructed from carbon fibre to reduce weight aloft. The sail handling and rigging plans should ensure that the sweeping decks are kept absolutely clear of clutter and ropes.

Below decks there will be a full-beam master suite and three guest cabins that can be arranged either with twin beds or a single queen sized berth. Each suite will have a private ensuite bathroom.

So the eight lucky people in the owner's party don't have to worry about where their next meal or sundowner is coming from, the plans call for a captain and 11 other crew members.

While Sparkman & Stephens say the design is virtually complete, no boatyard has yet been named for the project.

Check out the Sparkman & Stephens.com website for details on its other projects.