OPAL
Elliott 57S
In December 2010, construction began on a 57′ racer with canting keel based on a design by New Zealand designer Greg Elliott. The 17.40 m long and 4.40 m wide yacht, painted entirely in white, was delivered at the beginning of September 2011. With a weight of only approx. 10 tons, the Elliott 57S has the potential to be a fast regatta yacht. The hull, deck and interior were built using carbon sandwich construction.
High-precision molds were first cut for the hull and deck. This work could be carried out in-house thanks to the three CNC-controlled 5-axis milling machines in Knierim's tooling department. Layers of carbon fiber were laminated over the molds with epoxy resin, foam was glued on top and laminated over again. The fuselage reinforcements made of foam and the bulkheads made of sandwich were also milled with tenths of a millimeter precision, which made it much easier to adapt to the shape.
The yacht's equipment is extremely functional, whereby the installation of the canting keel with the associated hydraulics and electrics was one of the most complex jobs. The deck layout is clear and uncluttered, with the halyards running concealed from the mast to the aft stoppers. The sprayhood also disappears into the superstructure when it is not needed. The winches and deck fittings are optimally positioned. The anchor and anchor winch are stowed in the anchor locker. The bowsprit can be retracted so that it does not get in the way in the harbor. The 3-saling rig is made of carbon and also painted white.
Depending on the owner's wishes, the yacht can be comfortably sailed by an experienced crew of two for day or weekend cruises. The yacht is equipped with bow and stern thrusters and the central hydraulic system not only moves the keel from one side to the other, but also drives the winches, backstay, boom vang, traveler and mainsheet. The spacious cockpit also offers enough room for a full regatta crew.
The interior design also reflects the different purposes. The living area, i.e. the owner's cabin with double berth and storage space as well as the wet room, is located in the foredeck. Behind this is the saloon with galley and navigation corner. The crew is accommodated in the aft section. Simple but comfortable tubular bunks are installed here.
Specification
| Year built | 2011 |
| L.o.a. | 17,40 m |
| Beam | 4,50 m |
| Draft | Canting Keel |
| Displacement | 10 t |
| Design | Greg Elliott |
| Main Sail | 109 m² |
| Fore sail | 81,5 m² |
