YACHT & POWERCRAFT DESIGN SERVICES

MICHAEL PERHAM CLAIMS ATLANTIC RECORD ON A TIDE 28

Yacht & Powercraft Design Services Ltd
 Email:  info@yacht-designer.co.uk
Tel. 44 (0) 1489-583346   Fax. 44 (0) 1489-583346   Mobile  07803-724317

On January 3rd 2007, 14-year old Michael Perham became the youngest person to sail solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Not only is this a fantastic achievement in itself, but he did the voyage in “Cheeky Monkey”, a standard British-built Tide 28 lifting keel trailer-sailer that can be sailed almost anywhere and then taken home on its trailer for the winter.

Congratulations, Michael!

We are very pleased to have been invited to provide naval architecture services and technical assistance to Tide Marine Ltd during the development of the Tide 28 class over the two years from Nov. 2004 to Nov. 2006.

Our work started with the production of a 3D computer model of the yacht.  Then, with data derived from a practical inclining test carried out on the prototype in late 2004, the large angle stability characteristics of the yacht were carefully investigated using computer simulations.  These analytical studies confirmed the provisional Cat B compliance of the Tide 28 against the ISO 12217-2 standard for stability and buoyancy. Different keel ballast weights were also investigated.

When the Tide 28 had been further developed with a smart new moulded interior, an excellent drop-in sailing rudder connected to the hydraulic wheel steering, integral telescopic legs for drying out on beaches and an ergonomic deck layout, a second inclining test and stability study was performed on the first fully-fitted production yacht to check and update the initial findings. This first production model  became Peter Perham’s “Arcturus” which was also sailed single-handed across the Atlantic as the escort vessel for Michael’s challenge.

Then, when Michael Perham’s Tide 28 “Cheeky Monkey” was being fitted out, we were asked to inspect the hull for structural integrity and build quality, looking for potential problems that might emerge during the rigours of the Atlantic voyage.  

The Tide 28 was designed by Nigel Harley & Peter Perham.  It is built by Harley Racing Yachts at Cowes on the Isle of Wight. Through a careful and painstaking development process, including analytical studies, RCD assessment, extensive trials and two solo Atlantic crossings, it is clear that this is a yacht with enormous potential.  It is truly multi-purpose and can be sailed across oceans, motored at up to 18 knots with a 70hp engine, sailed single-handed or with a crew, and then, when the season is over it can be taken home on its trailer behind a 4x4 vehicle.  

For more information please contact Peter Perham at Tide Marine, Tel. 01707-661141 or click here to email peter@tide28.com   Website: www.tide28.com

The original Tide 28 prototype afloat at Cowes in Nov 2004, ready for the preliminary inclining test.

The first production Tide 28 was on show at Beale Park, Pangbourne during the 2005 Thames Boat Show.

Smart and comfortable moulded interior.

Excellent modern galley with full headroom.

A clever rudder system with hydraulic wheel steering for both the motor and the sailing rudder.

The first complete production boat  “Arcturus” at Warsash in June 2006 for a further stability check before the solo Atlantic crossing.

The 3D computer model used in the design development when simulating large angle stability.

Michael Perham’s now-famous Tide 28 yacht “Cheeky Monkey” at Cowes before launching.