Conceptual design of a blue water cruiser based on the Storm Bird

Abstract: This report describes the process of developing a conceptual design of the Storm Bird, a long distance sailing cruiser. The starting point was a boat designed in the mid nineties by the famous Swedish naval architect Håkan Södergren and the aim with the project is to present an idea as to the renewal of the design in a more modern boat. The new Storm bird was supposed to be a full on blue water cruiser concept, a boat that the presumed owner would not have to change in order to set off on his trip.To get insight in the minds and the needs of long distance sailors an extensive market and customer analysis has been undergone. This together with experience in the design team is a base to the thoughts and the ideas incorporated in this design.The hull design was limited to the existing hull moulds meaning that no changes in the hull shape could be made. An alternative however was the transformation from negative to positive transom which proved a very effective way of making the boat feel bigger.The design and layout have been focused on making an effective, well planned but most of all social yacht. The clear boundary between the inside and outside has been removed thanks to a large opening to the cockpit with big windows and good connection. The cockpit and interior areas have been focused towards each other so as to create one big social area, boundary free.Further on the living quarters, as the rest of the boat, are focused on the main idea of the customer being mainly a cruising couple. Therefore an optimal interior layout with focus on the one master cabin has been developedIn the cockpit, seats are comfortable as well as facing forwards and everyone onboard can follow what is going on through the forward placed navigation central. The wide opening between cockpit and interior makes traditional rope handling impossible. All controls are led aft through a clever arrangement to clutches and winches placed on either side of the cockpit instead of on the deck house. This way all functions are in the right position, close to the helmsman. The ropes are later hidden in boxes to ensure a tangle free cockpit.An intelligent overall solution when it comes to onboard systems has been developed as well. Key words have been weight distribution, serviceability and ease of installation. Stowage space and tank volumes correspond to the yacht’s intended use.The structural design has been carried out focusing on arriving at a realistic weight calculation in order to be able to determine centers of gravity and place equipment and ballast to achieve a working concept. Material and manufacturing techniques have been chosen so as to fit the expertise available at the company.Appendage design has focused on modernizing the underwater body by incorporating a new keel and rudder. The performance of the boat has been increased significantly whilst not making it too extreme for its intended purpose.The finished design concept is believed to be a really attractive choice for a blue water sailor.