RINA classes UK's new superyacht

by IBI Magazine/David Foxwell on 24 Jan 2007 Italian classification society RINA has classed the first of Sunseeker's new 37m superyachts.

Snapper is the largest and most ambitious build in Sunseeker's history. The new 37m is the largest semi-custom production motoryacht ever to be built in the UK, at just under 124ft.

Built under RINA Charter Class, the vessel has been awarded unrestricted classification for commercial service. Two further 37m superyachts are under construction by Sunseeker, both to RINA Charter Class and RINA Pleasure Vessel Rules.

Paolo Moretti, Yachting Area Manager of RINA, said: 'Our investment in knowledge and improved services for the growing yacht industry has borne fruit with these important vessels. We have a long-standing partnership with Sunseeker and we are now opening a Technical Excellence Centre in the UK to work with the resurgence of UK-based yacht building.'

'RINA updated its pleasure yacht and charter class rules for the classification of yachts for private and commercial use, during 2006. The new rules embrace a degree of flexibility which allows designers and shipyards to identify the best solutions in compliance with the highest safety criteria, while facilitating timely surveys and ensuring that the highest standards are maintained throughout the life of the vessel,' Moretti explained.

'RINA's classed charter yacht fleet now numbers 108 yachts, almost 50 per cent of which are newbuildings. The charter class harmonises the safety rules of various flag state administrations, combining safety criteria with design, construction and equipment requirements,' Moretti explained.

Sunseeker managing director Robert Braithwaite said: 'No other manufacturer in the UK is capable of building yachts of this size and type. Over the years Sunseeker has assembled a team of experts well versed in the creation and production of large, luxury superyachts that as an option can be built to meet full MCA compliance and RINA commercial rules.'

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