New production-built Ker cruiser racer
Thursday October 12th 2006, Author: James Boyd, Location: United Kingdom
From the design house responsible for top Rolex Commdores' Cup racers like
Magic Glove
and
Fair Do's VII, Ker Yachting have launched a new 39ft production cruiser-racer, to be built by CMI, the high tech composition yachting facility in Thailand (read more about CMI
here).The boat is a natural development of their cruiser race range which started with Colm Barrington's 39 footer
Flying Glove in 2003.
Ker Yachting describe their new 39 as: "The Ker39 is designed for the owner who wants the highest level of competitiveness in an IRC yacht matched with the ability to cruise in comfort and style, at a highly competitive price and excellent build quality, delivering many years of sailing pleasure and solid long-term resale value."
Built to ABS requirements for Offshore Racing Yachts, the hull and deck and all other primary structures are constructed using a wet-impregnated epoxy/glass/PVC foam sandwich cured under vacuum and post-cured. The rudder stock, blade and quadrant, twin steering pedestals and wheels are all carbon fibre, the T-shaped lead bulb providing a high ballast ratio.
The spar package is also all carbon comprising a 7/8ths-rigged mast with twin spreaders swept back by 20° and a permanent hydraulic backstay. The mainsheet uses the 'German' system - the twin ends led forward up the boom, down laterally either side of the mast to the deck and then channelled back to the cockpit below deck. The boat comes as standard with a conventional pole arrangement but can be fitted with a restractible bowsprit as an optional extra.
Ker Yachting continue: "The design represents the fourth generation of IRC Cruiser Racer from Ker Associates and while drawing from the experience gained by the racing of the previous generations, this design represents more than a just a refinement of the present concepts which have been tank-tested at 1/3rd scale. Extensive CFD research during 2006 using America's Cup technology has led us to advance this design significantly, leading to an even faster, more competitive and easily handled yacht. Keel and rudder areas are generously sized to ensure that the excellent upwind performance will be easily achieved." Jason Ker is Chief Designer for Team Shosholoza.Tank testing of one third scale models was carried out at BHSC in Bulgaria.
On deck the cockpit and anchor lockers provide for practical cruising stowage while there is liferaft locker under the cockpit sole also accommodating the hydraulic backstay adjustment ram. The cockpit sole and seats are laid with teak and, as has been standard fit on most of the recent Ker designs, halyards and control systems lead under deck, giving the yacht an ergonomically and aesthetically clean and uncluttered look.
Interior design of the Ker39 is by Design Unlimited, who having been responsible the interiors of both Fair-Do’s VII and Magic Glove as well as other production designs. The accommodation comprises three double cabins - designed to sleep eight in cruising mode or four up to windward (with optional pipecots above each aft bunk) - a saloon area with a centreline drop leaf table (the twin settee backs are hinged enabling them to be uses a sea bunks), a fully enclosed head and a fully fitted out galley and chart table areas. Panelling is in E-glass/foam sandwich for lightweight.
The Ker39 base price is €239,950 price excluding sails, electronics, delivery and tax, although there is a whole roster of interesting optional extras. In addition to the retractible bowsprit these include a trim tab on the keel and its control system (fitted on most of the new Ker cruiser racers), a high modulus carbon rig, race fairing of the keel fin and bulb, upgraded winches, electrically powered hydraulics, removable bow roller, etc.
Ker Yachting says they are very confident that the Ker39, being both highly competitive and with it top specification will deliver great satisfaction to owners looking for a new yacht in this size range.
Complete spec here....
More images on the next page....
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