Pelorus Yacht

Design & Construction

Designed around a displacement steel hull and an aluminium superstructure she features a 17.2m beam and a 4.66m draft. The yacht is built over 6 decks with an internal volume of 5,403 GT (Gross Tonnes). The design also incorporates a heli-pad.

Construction started in mid 2000 with the keel laid under the project name 'Coral Island II'. Launched in May 2001 this yacht undertook sea trials over the following months. She was delivered to her owners in May 2003.

Exterior Design

With an imposing and striking presence on the water, Pelorus is characterized by her high sheer line which allows for four full-width decks within the hull. The sheer line is slightly reversed, with the bow and stern lower than amidships, endowing Pelorus with a powerful aesthetic usually reserved for high-performance powerboats. This design also enhances forward visibility from the bridge.

The exterior design, masterminded by renowned British designer Tim Heywood, incorporates what he refers to as the 'armour belt line', which curves downwards towards the water from amidships. This unique design element was inspired by HMS Belfast, the Second World War heavy cruiser moored on the River Thames.

From her rectangular windows to her pulled-down brows, Pelorus possesses a serious, commanding presence. Built at Lürssen subsidiary Krogerwerft, which has access to the deep water of the Kiel Canal, this exceptional yacht took three years to complete.

The vast deck space is one of the yacht's outstanding features. Several sea terraces - doors that open out of the hull side to provide an open verandah - provide an exceptional connection with the ocean. One of the most remarkable of these is located in the VIP stateroom, where almost the entire side folds outwards to create a teak-decked balcony completely open to the elements.

The exterior of Pelorus is not just about grandeur and design. It also boasts impressive functionality. For instance, the yacht is equipped with an array of hydraulic systems that power an extensive range of features such as the four cranes, two davits, three gangways, six terraces, three doors to the tender garage, two retractable stabilizing fins, two passenger lifts, a telescopic foremast, two boat booms and the enormous opening platform in her stem. The yacht also features an air-conditioning system with 10 air-handling units, ensuring comfort in all areas.

Interior Design

The interior design of Pelorus, conceptualized and executed by Terence Disdale, reflects the essence of a luxurious beachside villa rather than a grand palace. This informal style directly contributes to the welcoming, comfortable environment that the yacht exudes.

The yacht offers several sea terraces - doors that open out of the hull side to provide an open verandah. The elegant guest accommodation features a variety of natural materials and exotic textures, creating a rich and visually stimulating atmosphere. The upper deck staterooms, with walls covered in individually upholstered woven fabric squares and ceilings made up from patterns of leather segments, showcase Disdale's attention to detail and his ability to seamlessly blend different materials and textures.

The owner's suite is part of a private deck and is accessible via hydraulic cantilevered doors, ensuring utmost privacy. The suite's bathroom is a modern work of art with a white stone floor, an egg-shaped bath, and washbasins made from blue-green glass, raised above a white stone counter on stainless steel pillars.

The dining room on the yacht is another example of Disdale's innovative design. The room features woven rattan, granite-topped tables edged with vellum, a leather ceiling, and louvred teak shutters. Angled mirrors on the inboard side of the room ensure that those seated with their backs to the windows can still enjoy the view. The versatile layout allows for different seating arrangements, catering to both large groups and smaller, more intimate gatherings.

The main deck saloon, with its hand-tufted carpet carved with an abstract wave pattern, is a versatile space that can be transformed into an open-air area on both sides, thanks to the innovative sea terrace feature. This design element, along with the overall informal style of the yacht, ensures that guests aboard Pelorus can enjoy an unprecedented level of comfort, luxury, and flexibility.

Aside from the stunning interiors, Pelorus also offers a variety of entertainment options. From a big-screen cinema and a fully equipped gym to a comprehensive spa area complete with a steam room and plunge pool, the yacht has been designed to cater to every need of its guests.

Accommodation

This remarkable vessel boasts an impressive accommodation capacity, able to comfortably host up to 22 guests across its multiple decks. These guests are attended to by a dedicated crew of 42 and up to eight additional staff members, ensuring a level of service that is nothing short of exquisite.

The owner's suite is a sight to behold, featuring a private deck and panoramic views thanks to its semicircular design and expansive windows. This suite exudes a tranquil and restful atmosphere, with its soft contemporary design complemented by a uniquely designed bathroom with a state-of-the-art bath and washbasins.

In addition to the owner's suite, there are two superior suites located on the upper deck. These suites benefit from large square windows, allowing guests to enjoy breathtaking views right from the comfort of their rooms. The lower deck staterooms are not left out either, situated well above the waterline and thus receiving plenty of natural light. One of these even boasts a sea terrace, offering occupants the luxurious option of diving straight into the water from their bedroom.

The crew accommodation is equally as impressive, designed to cater for the needs of the dedicated staff ensuring the smooth running of the yacht. These provisions allow for a high level of service, ensuring guests have a truly unforgettable experience aboard the Pelorus.

Performance & Capabilities

Pelorus is powered by two 3,900kW Wärtsilä diesel engines which drive her at a top speed of up to 20 knots. These engines are typically fitted to small commercial or military vessels where reliability is of the utmost importance and high utilization is the norm. The engines run at a medium speed of 1,000rpm and have special features to ensure long life, such as a lubricating oil purifying centrifuge that keeps the 2,500 liters of oil in each engine perfectly clean without the need for disposable filters. This makes it possible for major maintenance tasks, like replacing piston rings, to be carried out at sea.

Pelorus has a cruising speed of 16 knots, giving her a range of 6,000 nautical miles without refueling. Engine efficiency is further enhanced by the use of variable pitch Lips propellers, which can be controlled from the bridge. This system allows the engineers to fine-tune the power and propeller revolutions for the speed required, and also enables the yacht to run on one engine without incurring huge drag from the dead propeller.

For maneuverability, Pelorus is equipped with two 294kW electrically driven bow thrusters. These also use variable pitch propellers and are duplicated for reliability. The yacht's rudders are larger than normal and can turn through a greater angle, which, combined with the ability to operate individually, helps push the stern sideways. A computerized Lips-stick system integrates all these elements, allowing the vessel to maneuver in any direction.

In terms of stability, Pelorus features longer and more efficient stabilizers than usual, which fold into recesses in the hull side when the yacht enters harbor. To improve the efficiency of the hull, the forward waterline is extended by a huge bulb almost as long as the bow overhang.

Pelorus is also equipped with a range of technical systems that can be operated and monitored by computer. These include a high-end air-conditioning system with 10 air-handling units to distribute chilled air to all areas, and extensive hydraulic systems for powering various features like cranes, davits, gangways, terraces, and stabilizing fins.

Pelorus also boasts an impressive safety feature in the form of a foam generator in the engine room to cope with the possibility of a fuel fire in the bilges. The engine room and generator rooms are air-conditioned to keep the temperature under control, and all cooling and bilge water is led to a common manifold and discharged below the waterline, so that water will never be seen splashing down the hull side.

Amenities

The yacht features a well-equipped gym, allowing her guests to keep up their fitness regimes at sea. For the ultimate relaxation experience, the yacht plays host to a luxury spa. Waterfront living can be enjoyed to the fullest, thanks to a large beach club and connecting swim platform with plenty of space for sitting back and admiring the sea views. A sumptuous cinema suite allows for movie nights at sea and also a dancefloor, where her owner and their guests can enjoy party nights. The yacht features a tender garage with storage for a range of toys and accessories. Air conditioning offers increased on-board comfort, while underwater lights create a dazzling light display when the sun goes down and an elevator makes the yacht fully-accessible. Pelorus also features deck jacuzzi which provides excellent views.