Vicem Yachts has been developing the Vulcan line for over two years, with an eye towards creating fast yachts built with cutting-edge composites for both charter and recreational use. Built in Antalya, Turkey, this series is intended to have both high speed and long-distance oceanic capabilities—two traits which are often mutually exclusive in a mega yacht. The latest in design and construction, however, make it a reality in the Vulcan.
A Vicem team of over 400 craftsmen worked to get the first Vulcan 46 M prepared for launch. Though this is the first Vulcan to hit the water, its two smaller siblings are expected to be launched within a year.
The Vulcan’s hard-chine semi-displacement hull is designed to run at up to 25 knots. Just as importantly, at a displacement speed of 12 knots, expected range is 4,000 nautical miles. Low draft was also considered an imperative for cruising, and was kept to just over 2 metres.
The 46 M is built entirely of Core-Cell and epoxy resin, to ensure the best strength-to-weight ratio; it weighs in at 417 tonnes. The hull and superstructure were also post-cured with heat blankets, to ensure a fair, smooth appearance.
The tri-deck layout includes six guest’s cabins with accommodation for a dozen people, plus crew’s quarters. The Aft deck houses a tender garage. The engineroom houses a pair of 3,650 horsepower MTU diesel engines for propulsion, as well as a pair of generators.
The yacht is designed for entertaining large groups, with multiple indoor and outdoor lounges, a gourmet-worthy galley, and a dining area that seats 10. A sun deck sits atop the upper deck, providing unmatched views.
To bring together the best of modern technology and creative design Vicem brought in naval architect Frank Mulder, who has designed such iconic high-speed mega yachts as Octopussy, Moonraker, and The World is Not Enough. Additional collaborators include Wetzels Brown Partners and Ken Freivokh.
The interior décor is designed by Art-Line Interiors, and of course, is completely customisable. Vicem notes that interior and exterior colors can be fully integrated, since their construction techniques allow for the use of dark and/or metallic colors.
The master is not a stateroom, but a suite, which runs the yacht’s entire 9m beam. Highlights include a Jacuzzi, a private gym, and a CEO’s office. Natural lighting is ample, as it is in the rest of the yacht, thanks to the open atrium design with 16.5m of unbroken natural lighting.
After launching, the first 46 M remained in Antalya for final fitting-out, until its world premier at the Monaco Yacht Show. It, as well as the soon-to-come 35 M and 32 M, are RINA classed and MCA compliant.
Vicem takes an important step with the 46 M, its largest composite mega-yacht to date. Though built on spec, it was sold before completion. And if the 46 M’s reception in the marketplace is any indication, it’s a fair bet the 35 M and 32 M will find homes just as quickly.
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