The boat is a completely new design from Professor Bob Cripps, former Technical Director of VT Halmatic. It has been designed in the UK and is being built by the Aluminium Boatbuilding Company in Hampshire, out of marine-grade aluminium. The metal was produced using recycled metals and cut by specialist firm Aalco in Southampton. The boat encompasses “an exceptionally efficient hull”, which will cut fuel consumption by up to 30 per cent.
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Just like every performance sport, Formula 1, the America’s Cup or Tour de France this record is all about the numbers. This is why Alan and his team have spent months reviewing every inch of the boat, to save weight. They will use special mattresses that save 270kg compared with standard ones and have removed cooking equipment and the “heads” (otherwise know as the toilet). All the food on board has been freeze dried, while water for drinking, food and washing will be made on demand using a desalination machine.
Fuel stops have been cut to just seven, by enlarging the six fuel tanks, giving the boat a range of nearly 4,000 nautical miles. Global logistics and shipping company GAC will ensure that all the stores and bunkering will be ready at the quayside of each stop, while the specially designed venting system will allow the boat to be refuelled and ready to go in just a few hours.
All of this will help Team Britannia cut up to 10 days off the current record of 60 days, 23 hour and 49 minutes.