the shipyard’s first ice-classed research-type yacht.

the shipyard’s first ice-classed research-type yacht.--I dont know this sentence means?Who can help me ?THX!

 

The style of motor yachts can be said to fall into two camps. There are those which are designed freely to look like nothing else, and those who's design at least nods towards some 'working heritage'. This allows the marketeers to imply that not only have the boats inherited some intrinsic values from these 'ancestors', but the owners will also have a degree of gravitas (usually WASP type virtues) not found in the owners of the more frivolous 'other type'. You don't advertise 'working style' power yachts by draping them in young ladies with their kit off.

For a long time we have seen power boats pilfer the heritage of trawlers, pilot boats, barges and of course, tugs, even though some are no more than a pastiche of these working boats. But although this 'acquired pedigree' can be a help, being too strictly tied to these types of vessel can impede the layout and accommodation that's usable. So in the last ten years or so, a new type of 'working boat' was invented that was more amenable to being bastardised into a power yacht. This was the 'Research Vessel', which had the additional merit that no one really knew what one looked like, so the designer had a much freer hand.

They have proved to be very popular, especially with those who either want to cruise the higher latitudes, or penetrate the entry maze of the 'Royal' yacht clubs with their predominant sailing membership. These 'proper looking' powerboats are less likely to be blackballed, compared to a 'Sunseeker Prowler GT Turbo Extreme RAM jet' sportboat.

Obviously if you are going to have the marine version of a serious 4x4, you need the ultimate bit of bling, which is to have it built strong enough to be 'Ice Classed'. It is possible (just like some Range Rover do go off road) that these boats will go somewhere cold, but having 'Ice Class' construction is also useful should a cube jump and spill from your glass of G&T.

 

THX Crag Cry !

 

An ice-classed vessel is strengthened beyond a "standard" vessel. It is NOT an ice-breaker.

The MV Northern Ranger which is the main supply vessel (& passenger) on the Labrador Coast is an ice-strengthened freighter.

A good steel yacht, such as John R. Bockstoces "Belvedere", can be used with good effect in the high latitudes if reasonable caution is used by a skilled & experienced captain. His boat is not considered as ice-classed. Johns boat has completed the Northwest Passage, as well as many, many other far northern voyages.

Take care.

TGoz