Cu Lir
Aluminum sailing long duration research vessel
Cu Lir
The Good Hope 56 goes to work
LOA: 56'-3" LWL: 50'-2" Beam: 15'-10" Draft (keel up): 3'-2" Draft (keel down): 8'-10" Displacement (max): 71,500lb Ballast: 21,460lb Sail Area(IJPE): 1490sq ft Fuel: 600gal Water: 350gal Engine: John Deere 4045TFM85 125HP@2500RPM + Baumueller electric propulsion
There is a large hole in the market for offshore research expeditions. For long duration trips, the only vessels that are fully equipped to accommodate any type of equipment that a scientific party might bring on board are large, impersonal, and cost prohibitive ships.
To take advantage of this opportunity, the managers of ORCA Research Ltd of Killarney, Ireland saw in the Good Hope 56 the perfect boat to build from the keel up as dedicated to conducting long term, working research expeditions. The name Cu Lir was chosen in honor of the hound that protects the mythological Irish sea god Lir.
Scantlings and safety features meet the rigorous requirements for the Irish government’s P6 ComSail Offshore Service as well as the EU Recreational Craft Directive Category A.
The focus on work starts in the cockpit. The aft portion features a large fold-down dive platform and a hydraulically operated A-frame with a 500kg lifting capacity. Under the seat to port is a custom, heave compensating CTD winch with the ability to connect a variety of sampling instrument packages and remotely operated vehicles. There is a also a work table and a high capacity seawater pump nearby. The forward part of the cockpit is dedicated to operating the vessel with the twin helm stations and sail controls located here.
The interior and machinery are designed for maximum flexibility to operate whatever equipment a group of researchers may bring with them. Two cabins to port are convertible for use as staterooms or research laboratories with adaptable instrument mounts. Beneath the pilothouse in the engine room are two generators so that virtually any piece of equipment can be powered regardless of its voltage and frequency demands.
In addition to the trusty John Deere 4045 diesel engine, there is a custom engineered parallel electric propulsion system that gives Cu Lir the ability to run silently for several hours or, with the aid of bow and stern thrusters, to hold station indefinitely.
KM Yachtbuilders in Makkum, Holland were selected to build the hull and deck. Final fitout is being accomplished in Bantry, Ireland under the direction of maestro Tony O’Reilly of Derry Connell Marine, who also designed the electrical power and propulsion systems along with Baumueller, Gmbh.
Build progress can be followed and future expeditions arranged at CuLir.ie
