U.K.’s Space-Age “Super Yacht”

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31322, 18 March 1967, Page 14

U.K.’s Space-Age “Super Yacht”

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) LONDON. British scientists have joined yacht builders to create a computer-age vessel to help defend the Admiral’s Cup from a strong Australian challenge this year, the “Daily Mail” reported.

The £30,000 super yacht to be launched at the end of th• month is the Noryema V, owned by Mr R. Arney. His presept yacht, Noryema IV, was in the Admiral’s Cup races two years ago when Britain narrowly held off the Australian challenge.

At 34ft on the waterline, Noryema V is slightly bigger than Noryema IV, mainly to provide stowage space for the enormous sails that alone cost £3OOO.

For her size, she is probably the costliest ocean racer built. Solid steel rods instead of wire stays hold up the mast when nearly 1200 square feet of sail is straining to the wind. The 800 square foot Genoa will be the main driving force. It is about the same size as the headsail in a 12-metre yacht.

In Noryemas almost fully computerised cockpit will be a mass of special electronic instruments.

They include instant navigation. a wind speed indicator to show exactly when to change the sails, and a wind direction indicator to show the correct heading, particularly when close to the wind. Noryema V will take part in the selection trials near Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, later this year before the Admiral’s Cup team of three yachts is selected.