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Sailing fast without sacrificing range remains a complicated exercise for planing yachts over 30 meters. With its new FTX110, Humphreys Yacht Design attempts to find a compromise between transit speed, range and seaworthiness. This 33.81-meter project opens a new range, called Fast-Transit Explorer Series, announced between 50 and 110 feet.
A gliding hull designed for long distances
The heart of the project is based on a deep-V hull derived from the British firm's work on fast offshore yachts. Humphreys Yacht Design explains that it used the architecture developed for the Ermis² project, a 38 m carbon superyacht capable of reaching 58 knots.
But here, the specifications change. The objective is no longer pure top speed. The FTX110 aims to maintain high cruising speeds, with fuel consumption kept under control between 20 and 30 knots.
Tom Humphreys sums up this approach: "The FTX110 takes up this deep-V planing hull platform, but with a more moderate top speed and a focus on energy efficiency between 20 and 30 knots." explains the co-director of the British firm.
For yachtsmen accustomed to long crossings in the Mediterranean or in remote archipelagos, this philosophy responds to a well-known problem: reducing transit times without depending on permanent refuelling.
Unusual range for a 33-metre yacht
The manufacturer announces several sailing profiles. At 20 knots, the FTX110 claims a range of around 1,000 nautical miles. At displacement speeds of around 12 knots, the range would exceed 2,000 nautical miles.
In this class of 180 GT gliding yachts, these figures remain significant. Many comparable yachts focus more on instantaneous performance or interior volume, to the detriment of on-board fuel and hydrodynamic efficiency.
This autonomy opens up longer routes without frequent stopovers. An Atlantic crossing is still out of the question for a classic gliding yacht, but routes such as the Canaries, Azores or Eastern Mediterranean become more coherent with a sustained cruising rhythm.
The shipyard combines this autonomy with a propulsion system comprising three Volvo Penta IPS 2700s with an IMO Tier III-compatible SCR system. This technical choice also responds to growing environmental constraints in certain coastal areas and European ports.
The return of the rear deck to direct contact with the water
The project's other focus is on onboard uses. Humphreys features a very low aft cockpit with direct access to the bathing platform.
This is of particular interest to programs that focus on scuba diving, extended anchoring or water sports. The garage and handling areas must enable fast launching of tenders and toys.
On modern fast yachts, the multiplication of garages, beach clubs and submerged platforms often results in increased aft weight and significant structural complexity. Here, the British firm seems to be seeking a balance between functionality and seaworthiness.
The link with the water becomes more than just an aesthetic element, it becomes an argument for navigation. For crews who have to make numerous anchorages in isolated areas, the organization of the aft deck has a direct impact on the ease of day-to-day operations.
A series aimed at the fast explorer segment
With this Fast-Transit Explorer Series, Humphreys Yacht Design is positioning itself in a rapidly evolving niche. For several years now, owners have been looking for yachts capable of a rapid succession of sailing areas, while retaining the ability to stay at anchor for extended periods.
The explorer yacht market is still dominated by displacement or semi-displacement units, often limited to speeds between 12 and 18 knots. The FTX110 attempts to offer a faster alternative without falling into the excess fuel consumption associated with larger sports yachts.
This hybrid positioning between fast offshore yacht and deep-sea explorer also reflects the evolution of cruising programs. Sailing to remote areas, diving holidays or itineraries with multiple long legs are becoming more common among owners of large yachts.
Founded in 1974, Humphreys Yacht Design remains best known in the world of offshore sailing and racing. The British firm has notably worked with Oyster and Arksen, two brands associated with long-distance sailing and exploration programs.
