OnBoard Magazine - Issue XI - Summer 2019

BAR Technologies has been at the forefront of high-speed yacht designs and played a starring role in the most recent America’s Cup series which featured flying catamarans. These high-speed sailing cats used composite foils and daggerboards developed by BAR Technologies and exceeded speeds of 40 knots on the race course. Naturally, when Princess wanted to extract more speed and stability from their revolutionary sport yacht, they sought expertise from BAR Technologies. HIGH-TECH FOILS & PROPULSION In addition to using carbon fiber throughout the entire build of the R35, Princess and BAR Technologies developed the Active Foil System (AFS). These twin foils don’t elevate the boat from the water but rather provide improved dynamic stability and increased efficiency—imagine a more pillowy ride but with the ability to carve sharp turns. Like the BAR America’s Cup yachts, this is achieved by precisely trimming the running gear with constant adjustments that can’t be left to human error. An onboard computer makes roughly 100 calculations each second, continuously adjusting the precise angle of the foils to provide ultimate efficiency through the water. Due to their superior power to weight ratio, gasoline engines were selected for this new yacht instead of diesel. The R35 is powered by twin Volvo V8’s, each developing 430 horsepower which is enough to produce speeds approaching 50 knots. The R35’s active foils make the boat very safe and easy to control, even at high speeds in excess of 40 knots. "We pushed the boat as hard as we could and tried as hard as we could,” Lawrence exclaims. “There was just no way we could make that boat misbehave! You can't put into words just how exciting this boat is to drive.” IN-HOUSE FABRICATION When it came time to take the R35 from concept drawings to physical creation, Princess did not farm out the carbon fiber duties. Instead, they outfitted their facility with all of the equipment and tooling required, including large ovens that are needed to cure the carbon fiber. This massive investment will benefit the entire Princess line from 40 feet to 40 meters, including the new skills gained by their craftsmen in composite technologies. With typical marine construction methods, carbon fiber produces an average 15-20% weight savings over more conventional fiberglass. However, these savings were not lofty enough for the Princess team. By utilizing resin film infusion techniques when working with carbon fiber, the R35 was able to ramp up the weight savings to 25%. Weight savings became an obsession and the extensive use of carbon fiber was not the only trick up their sleeves. The Princess team avoided using gelcoat on the boat, which would have added over 650 pounds to the finished product. Instead, the R35 is painted after the infused carbon receives a thin coat of fairing compound to hide the fiber weave from “print through.” Lawrence explains that further weight savings were achieved with materials selected for the interior. Solid surfaces use industry-leading lightweight components like Esthec floors that are both beautiful and durable. The final look of the interior is every bit Princess—flawless fit and finish with an impressive collection of color options for both soft and hard surfaces. A foil system with automated adjustments provide the R35 with amazing handling. 22 BLUEWATER