BARRACUDA YACHT DESIGN

BARRACUDA YACHT DESIGN
BARRACUDA 48’:
Barracuda Yacht Design have completed both interior and exterior design for a stylish
looking new 48ft/14.5m family orientated performance cruising yacht, currently
undergoing construction at Universal Yachts in Seville to CE category A Ocean.
Due to Barracuda’s experience with similar yachts and from playing a pivotal role in the
Spanish entry on the last two Americas Cup challenges, solid performance will be
available from an easily driven hull.
A fairly plumb bow, narrow bulb keel (with deep & shallow draught options) and a
spade rudder for improved balance, efficiency and easier close-quarters
manoeuvrability will add to the sporting pretensions of this handsome looking yacht.
The hull and deck will be a sandwich epoxy construction with additional Kevlar in the
stressed areas for a generally ‘stiffer’ and better performing hull.
This aspect combined with top level deck hardware and ancillary equipment will set the
boat quite apart from the normal run of production cruiser-racers.
The new 48’ will carry a 9/10ths fractional rig offering an optimum compromise
between performance and an easy to handle sail plan. There will be a carbon fibre mast
option available and owners will be encouraged to up-grade the quality of their sail
cloth in line with the performance potential of the rest of the yacht.
The hull moulds were created from CAD drawings using CNC (Controlled Numerical
Cutting) for absolute precision. This will be reflected in the structural integrity of the
finished hull and will result in a better fit and finish for across all areas of the yacht
including the internal joinery.

One of the most striking aspects of the exterior is the large and welcoming
‘Mediterranean-style’ aft cockpit, where crew will find plenty of space to relax after a
pleasant day’s sailing.
Inside the cockpit twin tables join together to form one big table for dining outside and
fold neatly away when under sail. There is easy access from the cockpit to the water via
a fairly wide boarding platform and plenty of room behind twin helm stations. Teak is
standard in the cockpit area but remains an option for the side decks and coach roof
top. Protection can be provided by a large canvass screen, folding neatly away into a
zipped-up recess when not in use.
The intention was for a safe and fairly clutter free deck area and this has been achieved
by concealing control lines led aft from the mast underneath the coach roof top, where
they re-emerge within the cockpit. Furthermore, the lower diagonal shrouds are
attached to the first spreader for less fore-and-aft obstruction and a relatively short
125% Genoa is led in-between the two shrouds for easier handling.
Internally the traditional layout of twin aft cabins sharing one heads/shower room, galley,
spacious saloon area and one en-suite master cabin in the bow section was adopted
because it is very well proven and works best for family orientated yachts of this size
range.
A forward facing chart station and settee style seating both to starboard complete the
layout, designed with a contemporary feel. Options will be made available for using
different woods, veneers and fabrics so that owners can personalise their new yacht as
much as reasonably possible. In other words, the interior on the new Barracuda 48’ will
be a blend of style, practicality and comfort and will refrain from being too minimalist or
overly cold.
Such has been the emphasis placed upon ‘user friendliness’ on virtually all aspects of the
design that owners, family members or guests will want to spend as much time on
board the new Barracuda 48’ as possible.
LOA 14.50m / 48ft
Waterline Length 12.40m
Max Beam 4.30m
Draft 2.30m / 3.20m
Displacement 12.00Tm
Ballast 4.40Tm
Sail Area 122m²
Fuel 265litres
Engine Max 75Hp
Design (Int & Ext) Barracuda Yacht Design
Builder Universal Yachts Ltd