B69 is in the water. Ben, Glyn and the team have been flat-out post-Christmas to finish her in time for launching. This included painting, installing the foam fenders, systems installation and bolting the four outboards (yes, four) onto the transom. The fitting of the engines really changed her appearance; she now, very much, looks powerful and purposeful—clearly a boat of action.
One of the reasons Catalysts are the chase boat of choice for elite sailing teams is their ability to carry a heavy payload whilst maintaining performance; our recent testing has shown that with 16 people and a few tonnes of equipment on board, 45 plus knots is still very achievable.
Shortly B69 will be on the transport ship to Europe. The next time we see her, she will be blasting around the waters of Port Vell in Barcelona.
This is where we had got to in the Christmas Newsletter
1/14
So What has happened since then...
2/14
Final fairing & cabin top test fitting
Test fitting windows & windscreen
3/14
Finalisation of the helm layout
4/14
Hull painting completed
5/14
The “Go Fast” installed (the paddling pool underneath is to collect the water from cooling the engines while we test ran them)
6/14
Fitting the fenders
7/14
Looking at her head on
8/14
Sitting on her cradle, ready for loading onto the truck
9/14
Up before the birds and about to leave. Fair winds & following seas B69
10/14
Up and away
11/14
Splashdown
12/14
First sea trial about to get underway
13/14
In her element. With some fine-tuning, WOT (wide open throttle) will be very close to 60 knots
14/14
This is where we had got to in the Christmas Newsletter
1/14
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