Custom Shadow Vessel Design for a World-Class Sailing Team
- 14 hours ago
- 2 min read
In 2008, I had the privilege of participating in a challenging and rewarding project: the design and coordination of the construction of a 63-foot shadow boat, built to provide logistical support to a prestigious Spanish sailing team. Below, I share some technical insights into this project, which combined naval design, project management, and customized high-performance solutions.
Project Concept and Scope
The assignment involved transforming a bare 53-foot planing hull into a fully operational support vessel. To achieve this, I carried out a complete structural redesign that included:
Extending the hull by 9 feet, reaching a total length of 63 feet.
Full design of the deck, superstructure, and interiors.
Designing the mast, which not only supported antennas and meteorological sensors but also served as a structural support for the helm station.
Designing a custom rack for secure sail transportation.
Preparing the construction drawings for builders and contractors.
Installing two 450 HP engines to ensure high speed and operational efficiency.
In addition to the design work, I also served as Project Manager, coordinating the integration of the shipyard teams, system suppliers, and builders involved in the construction.
Main Functions of the Shadow Boat
The design had to meet several operational needs of the sailing team, including:
Transport and secure storage of sails.
Meteorology and computing center for race planning.
Logistics and operational support during training and racing events.
Key Technical Challenges
The project presented a series of challenges that required precise technical and construction solutions:
Structural hull extension: ensuring structural integrity and maintaining dynamic performance after the hull lengthening.
Space optimization: maximizing the functionality of interior and storage areas without compromising maneuverability or weight distribution.
Assembly of the helm station: achieving a precise installation of the upper helm station over the meteorology room, which were initially built separately.
Structural design of the mast: capable of carrying antennas, sensors, and acting as a load-bearing element for the helm station.
Team coordination: ensuring effective integration of the design, construction, and systems installation teams.
Although structural and performance calculations were carried out by another naval architect, my contribution in detailed design and project management was critical to the successful delivery of the vessel.
Conclusion
This project not only strengthened my experience in the design of specialized support vessels but also deepened my expertise in managing complex marine construction projects. Over the past 17 years, I have continued to apply and refine this experience, working closely with shipyards, technical teams, and owners on custom marine solutions.
If you are looking for tailored naval architecture services or technical support for special marine projects, I would be pleased to collaborate.
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