Sojana, Farr 115 - the first Superyacht to be built in Cowes

by Olly Seton on 23 Aug 2003 September 12th sees the official launch of one of the largest sailing yachts ever built in Cowes, Peter Harrison's Farr 115 ketch, due to be named
Sojana. Harrison, founder of GBR Challenge, will benefit from America's Cup technology that enables this super world cruising yacht to have potentially very high performance. In the right conditions, Sojana will be capable of achieving speeds of up to 25 knots.

An extremely hi-tech structure, the hull consists of a pre-impregnated carbon laminate and Nomex honeycomb core, similar to the technology used in
America's Cup yachts. Green Marine Ltd, world experts in composite technology and the builders of high performance yachts such as Stealth,
Leopard of London, Assa Abbloy and Prada, completed the composite structure in June 2002. Using this aerospace technology engineered by SP Technology, allows Sojana to be strong and light with exhilarating performance in mind.

The world's foremost racing yacht designer, Bruce Farr, created the hull design, foils and sail plan. The ketch rig, built by Hall Spars in Rhode
Island, was selected as it offers a flexible sail configuration. This allows her to be easily handled in various conditions and sailing modes, but also gives a large sail area with tremendous power in reaching and running conditions. Sojana has a tall mizzenmast, well separated from the main mast, which minimises interference between the rigs.

Additional stability for cruising is achieved by specifically designing the tankage systems to allow the transfer of fuel and fresh water to windward when necessary.

The cockpit was designed to be both efficient for cruising and crewed racing, with a spacious seating area aft for dining, which also gives
protection to the non-sailing crew. There is also a spacious cuddy providing guests with panoramic views in air-conditioned comfort.

The interior design and styling combines the dual roles of fast offshore sailing and safe family cruising. Interior designers and stylists, Design
Unlimited worked closely with the owner, to achieve a layout, which meets all the demands for luxurious living yet, is still practical for the
racecourse. Constructed from Sipo Mahogany by Die Oldenburger, the classic style interior has been built within strict weight tolerances, so behind the beautifully crafted interior joinery is a mass of hi-tech nomex structure.

Elegant marble vanity tops are only 3mm thick supported on aluminium honeycomb, gold plated light fittings have been specially developed in
aluminium and the soles are veneered foam cored carbon. As a result the entire interior weighs only 4 tonnes instead of the expected 10 tonnes for a conventional interior.

The building of Sojana was started at Green Marine in September 2001 with the composite structure completed a year later. The fit-out, managed by Fast Cruising Ltd, has been completed in the GBR yard in Cowes. With 45 employees
directly employed by Fast Cruising in Cowes and more than 70 people working on the completion of the yacht, the build demonstrates the skills and
experience of local people and has directly benefited the Island economy.

Sojana, an acronym of the names of Peter Harrison's three grandchildren, will have a permanent crew of five, skippered by Marc Fitzgerald. Peter Harrison's family and friends will often enjoy the magnificence provided by
Sojana but she will also be available for luxury charter and guests are sure to enjoy her sleek elegance, and appreciate her responsive, sailing
performance. Sojana is available for charter in the Caribbean this winter and the Mediterranean next summer.

However, Sojana also plans to compete in various regattas around the world such as Antigua Sailing week and the Nioulargue in St Tropez. In racing
mode, she will require 27 professional race crew to ensure that she is a serious contender for the trophies on offer.

John Bremner, Project Manager of Fast Cruising commented, ‘We are thrilled with Sojana as a finished product and proud to have built one of the largest sailing yachts ever in Cowes.

Our employees and sub-contractors have worked
tirelessly in her production. We believe that she will be hugely successful as a charter yacht due to her traditional, elegant feel, but will also be competitive in regattas around the world. Peter is delighted with her and
cannot wait to put her to the test.’

Sojana - Preliminary Specifications
Length Overall 34.97 M 114.73 ft
Length Waterline 30.00 M 98.43ft
Beam 7.68 M 25.20ft
Draft 4.50 M 14.76ft
Displacement 96 tonnes