Today is a significant day as we have inaugurated our new ASCOM 620 BHT travelift. We initiated operations with the haul out of the SY Q, marking the first yacht our new travelift has lifted and hauled out. This majestic sailing yacht measures 52 meters (170 feet) in length, has a beam of 8 meters (26.25 feet), and a draft of 4.9 meters (16 feet). The haul-out operation was highly technical and demanded our utmost attention due to the yacht’s size.
However, we can say that “everything went smoothly” and the SY Q is now perfectly settled in our technical esplanade. Following this, the inspection process begins, and then the yacht’s refit.
From Ship in Water to Ship on Land: hauling out the SY Q
The haul-out process may seem straightforward. Yet, we need to plan each step to ensure we maneuver properly and the yacht arrives safely at our dry dock. The key factor is controlling the balance and stability of the ship. For this, we must examine a series of critical points:
Analysis of the yacht design, hull design and weight distribution
We conduct this study through the yacht’s blueprints and also using 3D models. In the analysis of weight distribution, we also include fuel, equipment, and possible onboard loads. Based on the weight, yacht design and hull design, we make an initial planning of the quantity and arrangement of the supports needed. We must also ensure that these supports match the structural strength areas of the boat, such as the keel and ribs.
Control of stability and balance
When the yacht is in the water, the combination of its center of gravity and buoyancy force help it stay upright. But once it is no longer in contact with the water, the buoyancy force disappears. From this moment on, stability depends solely on how we distribute the yacht’s weight across the travel lift straps and later onto the supports on land. That’s why the correct placement of the straps and supports is critical: we replicate a weight distribution to keep the yacht stable and secure during the transfer from buoyancy in the water to physical supports outside of it. It is this process that we have followed with the haul out of the SY Q.
Throughout the process, it is very important that the yacht always remains in an upright position, thus avoiding the risk of tipping over. Any tilt towards port or starboard could compromise stability.
Once the yacht is placed on land, we must monitor its stability and make adjustments to the supports if we detect areas with excessive stress. We distribute its weight across the supports, taking into account its center of gravity to avoid undue strain on the hull.
IMAGE GALLERY AND VIDEO