Open Ocean 500
Two of these yachts have been built following an extensive revamp of the original 47 ft catamaran, designed by internationally acclaimed naval architects, Simonis Vogdt. The hull and top deck were constructed using a sandwich of balsa core,vacuum bagged between layers of stitched multiaxial glass. Materials used are Lloyds approved. The catamaran hull provides excellent stability and accommodation space equivalent to far larger monohull vessels. The high bridge deck clearance ensures a quiet and comfortable ride during extended passages, particularly during inclement weather.
The yachts was launched in April 2006 and November 2008. After sea trials in Cape Town the first boat,Max,spent time cruising the East African coast before changing hands and sailing on to the Thailand area. The second boat, Two Oceans, sailed via Durban and Richards Bay directly to the island of Mahe in the Seychelles where she was used privately, to cruise the inner and outer islands of the group before returning via Madagascar and Bassas de India to Cape Town in July 2009. Two Oceans has also changed hands and now operates in the Bazarouto archipelago.
The design layout of these boats is such that the main deck incorporates ,the saloon with table/drinks cupboard, U shaped seating, the navigation station and the open plan galley. Good ventilation and unobstructed visibility are available through marine hatches and toughened glass used on all the saloon windows. The sponsons are configured to each accommodate two en-suite double cabins with a day bunks/storage lockers in each midships companionway.
The aft deck cockpit is spacious offering easy access to the engines, control station and the deck gear. The fore deck is uncluttered and affords safe and easy access to the trampoline, mast, anchor locker, windlass and sail lockers.
