Onika

The sea trial was pubblished on Superyacht 47 – Autumn 2015

A timeless gentleman’s classic yacht designed and built by a Seattle shipyard for a loyal client and discerning yachtsman.

“Onika” is an elegant motor yacht featuring that special type of timeless classic design which doesn’t go unnoticed and is still fashionable. Delta Marine have built this yacht in composites a material in which they are experts.

The yard has also built steel and aluminium models as well. “Onika” is 40 metres long, and it possesses innovative complex engineering concealed behind its traditional appearance. Following the owner’s requests who’s already been a returning client of the yard, the in house Delta Design Group team of technicians was asked to deliver a hull which could guarantee the same sea-keeping qualities of a displacing vessel but with a hull draught which can cruise in shallow waters.

Thanks to complicated studies conducted by computational flow dynamics (CFD) and extensive tank testing with physical models the goals desired were achieved. Jay Miner, Delta’s Chief Architect commented on the studies carried out for the hull as follows: “The new Delta hull design combines the best in long range passage making capability and fuel efficiency along with moderate draught to allow the owner access to the shallower water destinations that otherwise might not be accessible. In profile, the bow has a long overhang, with enough flare to keep the decks dry and present an overall classic look.

Below the waterline the hull form has round bilges with a bulbous bow and a long easy run to enhance comfort and reduce fuel consumption. Much attention was paid to the flow line patterns along the hull surface to ensure that all appendages were precisely aligned.

The propeller tunnels are well blended into the hull, with a gentle transition resulting from studies conducted both by computational flow dynamics (CFD) as well as a traditional battery of physical model tests in a tow tank facility.

The final result is a handsome design with the ability to cross oceans efficiently, in comfort and in style”. Onika’s exterior elegance is repeated inside. On entering the quality of the materials deployed, the fine joinery is immediately noticeable. The lobby area sporting a fine central stairway is enriched by marble looking cream coloured marble flooring with fine diamond shaped blue sodalite gemstones and with Khaya mahogany faced bulkheads.

The stairway sports inlaid wood handrails with a metal adorning base which are prime examples of elegance and class, which is a recurrent theme appearing for the whole length of the entire deck from the main saloon to the principal dining area where some of the furniture from the owner’s antiques collection add an Edwardian touch to the area. Both the saloon/living room and the dining area are further embellished by precious impressionist paintings from the owner’s private collection.

The layout for these two areas were as the owner requested, devised in such a way as to make socialising easier given their formal context. Another request from the owner’s list was for the night quarters to extend along the whole of the lower deck as they’re considered as being more comfortable underway. In fact the owner’s full beam suite is amidships of the lower deck and so are two large guest ones.

The decor in this area differs from the main deck’s. Honey coloured oak panelling from Germany accentuate the interiors brightness, while the furniture and detailed mahogany and chestnut accessories with Anigre wood inlays elegantly and stylishly disperse a sense of monotony.

Having said the main deck is clearly formal in term of decor at least, while the lower one is devised to offer privacy, we still have to talk about the upper deck, where in addition to the helm controls station and captain’s cabin, the owner requested a sky lounge in which to relax with a convivial and entertaining atmosphere. The decor chosen for this area is softer and casual, recalling the sort of laid back surrounding atmosphere typical of the houses in British West Indies.

Obviously open air spaces are plentiful, here too great care has been devoted in producing elegant finishing touches which are on ‘par’ with the interiors. The sundeck hosts and enhances outdoor living thanks to several divans, a table seating up to eight, a bar cabinet a television set and several chaise longue from which to enjoy the sun; while back in the cockpit area astern “Onika” is ready to offer a dining area in residential style.

With a pair of caterpillar C32 engines, “Onika” is capable of topping 16 knots and 12 in econ cruising mode for up to 4,000 nautical miles. Quantum Zero Stabilisers ensure comfort underway and when lying to an anchor.

For Further information: Delta Marine

Text by Daniele Carnevali – Photos by Jeff Brown, Martin Fine

The sea trial was pubblished on Superyacht 47 – Autumn 2015