Vickers 45

   
 
The Vickers 45 was commissioned in fiberglass as a modern motorsailer. We have obtained an absolutely modern  version of the traditional concept of center cockpit cruiser, with excellent performance under sail. The design was then used to develop even more modern lines for a performance cruiser with aft cockpit, the Vickers 45 AC. Both versions were later developed for steel and aluminum construction using the Radius Chine method. Lately, the plans for the laminated wood construction have also been added, only for the AC version.
 
 

 

 
The hull, identical for both versions, is modern, with a long buoyancy for large load capacities and with a considerable speed potential. At the bow the water lines are very fine for an excellent entry into the wave; the stern is large and powerful, with a section design that favors wind speed and control.
The fiberglass version has two options for the keel: 1.5 m with fins or 1.9 with fine bulb. The metal one has a fine bulb of 1.7m. There are also alternatives for the rudder: Full skeg for metal or semi-balanced half skeg for both steel and fiberglass.
The metal version is sized according to the directives of the "ABS Guide to Building and Classing Offshore Racing Yachts", (ABS is the "American Bureau of Shipping", the most important American body for the control and certification of nautical constructions).

The fiberglass construction is sandwich with Airex Core. The wooden one (AC version only) is in mixed laminated wood (cedar + plywood + e-glass)
 
 

 
A pilothouse configuration was chosen for both versions, with a windowed lounge on the high  floor and, if desired, a double internal / external wheelhouse.


The AC version (aft cockpit) has a saloon at a slightly raised level with a U-shaped dinette that covers the engine locker. On the starboard side there is the huge galley with large spaces for provisions and the generous chart table where you can install the electrical panels and all the electronic instruments, including the internal controls for the autopilot.
The spacious aft owner's cabin exploits the full width of the beam, has a man's height at the entrance, a private toilet and a large wardrobe. The forward cabins, also equipped with wardrobes, can be made with a double berth or with bunk berths on both sides. At the bow, a large toilet room serves the two cabins, with separate entrances.

 
 
The central cockpit version has the typical motorsailer configuration, revisited in a modern key.

The dinette, in an even higher position, offers a panoramic view from seated through the glazing. The engine is placed under the floor. The navigator area on the starboard side has space for the chart table and an internal wheelhouse. The galley area is a real cabin even if it is not separated from the dinette.

The galley leads to the aft owner's cabin, equipped with a large wardrobe, a sofa and a toilet. Forward there are two double cabins, a guard berth and an independent toilet

 Il Vickers 45 e il Vickers 45 AC hanno un piano velico Cutter Marconi dimensionato in modo da avere ottime prestazioni nella più ampia gamma delle condizioni possibili. Nella versione AC l'albero a tre crocette è più alto di 2 m rispetto all'albero a 2 crocette dell'altra versione.

Il Vickers 45 è un motorsailer disegnato per navigare bene anche a vela. Il Vickers 45 AC offre migliori prestazioni, con un look diverso sullo stesso disegno base. Attrezzatura efficiente e linee d'acqua filanti non rendono necessario l'uso del  motore nemmeno  con le arie più leggere. 
 
 
 The Vickers 45 and Vickers 45 AC have a Cutter Marconi sail plan dimensioned in order to have excellent performances in the widest range of possible conditions. In the AC version, the three-spreaders mast is 2 m higher than the 2-spreaders mast of the other version. 
 
The Vickers 45 is a motorsailer designed to navigate well even under sail. The Vickers 45 AC offers better performance, with a different look on the same basic design. Efficient equipment and streamlined water lines make it unnecessary to use the engine even with the lightest airs.
 
 

 
  
 
Two italian Vickers 45 AC
 
 
 
 Alisea, in steel, hull built on site, fittings completed by the owner.
 

 
 
 
 
Aluwind 45, in aluminum, revised in many details by Studio Zerbinati and entirely built in the shipyard
 

 
The construction plans of the Vickers 45 in fiberglass, even if in sandwich, are intended for shipyards that want to start a series production.
This involves a certain standardization of the hull, of the interior fittings and of all the systems.  The versions for aluminum, steel and wood are instead aimed at the construction of One-Off boats and are within the reach of valid craft yards or expert self-builders.
 
 
 
 
Characteristics
 
LOA :  13,58 m
LWL :  12,30 m
Beam :  4,20 m
Draft:  1,50m / 1,90m 
Displacement:  15.400 Kg (steel) - 13.500 Kg  (Alu / grp / wood (AC))
Ballast :  4.000 Kg  (steel)  - 5.250 Kg ( Alu / grp / wood (AC)) 
  
Sail Area (Main + Fore-triangle): 88,10 mq (45 CC)  -  99,96 mq  (45 AC)
Engine : 60 - 80 hp 
 
Wetted Surface - varies with keel choice:   from 49,50 mq
Immersion Rate:  326 Kg/cm
Fineness Coef:  0,68
Fineness Coef:  0,57