Designer John Butler is using advanced technology and construction methods to create this large, stylish cruising yacht, which he calls “a sports car of the seas.” Butler has drawn an easily driven shallow hull form with a fine entry forward, a flat run aft, twin rudders, and twin lifting ballast keels.

The keel configuration, says Butler, is expected to produce excellent windward performance in addition to reducing draft. When the boat is heeled, the leeward keel and rudder become more vertical and extend deeper into the water; the windward keel, of course, is raised to reduce wetted surfaced area. Both keels are asymmetric and are angled to the centerline. The angle of the working keel reduces draft and leeway, and its asymmetric section improves lift. The net result is that the working keel area can be smaller than that of a single central keel. With both keels lowered, directional stability and resistance to rolling off the wind are improved. Maximum upright draft with the keels down is 10 feet, 9 inches; when they are raised it is 3 feet, 7 inches. Construction is in advanced composites with bi-metal foils (stainless steel and lead) running in aluminum frames. Internal ballast is lead.

The carbon-fiber rig features a full-batten mainsail and in-boom furling. The jib is self-tacking, and a simplified sail-trimming system makes the sailplan easy to handle. An asymmetric spinnaker can be flown to improve light-air performance off the wind. There are three separate cockpits, each with a different function; the circular bridgedeck cockpit provides sheltered seating close to the interior spaces and is ideal for nonsailing guests and children. The helmsman’s cockpit is all the way aft and contains twin steering wheels. Just forward of the helm station is a crew cockpit with push-button winches for the sheets and halyards.

Interior spaces are organized around a raised deck saloon whose shape offers good all-round views and lets in plenty of natural light. A large engine and machinery space under the deck-saloon floor can be accessed from behind the steps to the forward and aft accommodations.

The owner’s cabin and one guest cabin are situated all the way forward. Just aft is another guest cabin with head and shower; a single guest cabin is directly adjacent to it. The galley, service area, and crew quarters are aft of the main saloon.

John Butler & Associates, Box 36, Dartmouth TQ6 9YP, England; tel. 011-441-803-752-930