NEW 2024 T-2000 Voyager. 20m High performance, long range blue water explorer catamaran revealed.

The T-2000 ‘VOYAGER’ is a Safehaven Marine designed high speed, long range, blue water explorer catamaran. Its main design remit was for a vessel providing the best efficiency, economy and range in its size bracket at higher cruising speeds circa 30-40kts, but also be equally efficient and economical at lower planning and semi-planning speeds right down to displacement speeds, and to be capable of, due to her large fuel capacity of an extremely long range at these speeds: (1,000nm+ at 30kts and 1,700nm at 16kts and over 3,000nm at 9-10kts). As such Voyager is capable of crossing the Atlantic Ocean non-stop. The T-2000 Voyager perfectly fulfils the role of an ‘Explorer’ yacht and will appeal to an owner looking to explore remote and occasionally inhospitable locations but who, on occasion wishes to get there fast and take advantage of favourable weather windows, but not at the sacrifice of comfort and excitement.

Combining potentially a very high speed capability of well over 50kts when fitted with the largest engine options, with exceptionally good seakeeping abilities enabling high cruising speeds of circa 30kts+ to be maintained in even moderately rough sea conditions. Blue water cruising can inevitably mean bad weather is encountered simply due to the long distances involved, and when encountered a true blue water yacht must be able to deal with such situations. Drawing upon Safehaven Marines 25 years of experience in building commercial all weather pilot, S.A.R. and patrol craft, Voyager is capable of true ‘all weather’ operation. The design also draws from Safehaven’s experience in setting multiple UIM World long distance speed records: In 2021 Safehaven set a World record in their XSV20 demonstrator Thunder Child II for crossing the inhospitable North Atlantic from Ireland to Iceland, an 862nm voyage at an average speed of 30kts. As such Voyager will be well able to deal with hard weather, and able to safely weather a storm at sea and do so in comfort, as the interior design incorporates a high degree of luxury in its fit out and will be equally at home cruising and entertaining in the Mediterranean.

Below: A couple of examples of Safehaven’ Marines more than 150 all weather commercial vessels, an Interceptor 48 and HMS Magpie built for the Royal Navy, together with the UIM World record setting private motoryacht XSV20 Thunder Child II

Hull Design. The T-2000 Voyager features hydrofoil supported symmetrical semi-wave piercing hulls that combine an inverted bow with traditional topside flare. The inverted bow provides a very fine waterline entry to cut through waves but also maximises waterline length, thereby increasing its displacement hull speed and corresponding efficiency whilst the topside flare keeps the boat dry, throwing spray clear. The bridge deck is terminated 3.5m from the bows to eliminate the possibility of waves slamming on the bridge deck in large steep head seas when inevitably forced to slow down, (traditionally the Achilles heel of catamaran designs). Additionally the bridge deck to waterline clearance is substantial, being a minimum of 1m at the transom in order to prevent wave impact on the bridge deck. Overall the visual design of T-2000 is very graceful being exceptionally sleek, far removed from the typical boxy looks of most catamarans and in side profile has the looks of a sports monohull yacht. A hydrofoil is optionally incorporated which improves efficiency at higher speeds by as much as 20% with little low speed penalty, lifting the hull out of the water at speeds over 20kts reducing drag and resistance. Its design and position being optimised through CFD, as were the hulls spacing which, at a 6.2m beam proved optimum for wake interaction, and 6.2m, (which could be considered moderate for its length) provided the best compromise between static stability and dynamic behaviour in waves. The moderate beam eliminates the sometimes uncomfortable motion very wide beam cats can have in a seaway on certain courses, whereas the T-2000 in essence rides like a monohull that doesn’t roll or yaw in beam and following seas, or slam in head seas. Its moderate beam also makes the T-2000 ‘marina friendly’.

Being fully custom built Voyager can be specified with a range of engines and propulsion systems. Alternative propulsion systems such as Volvo IPS, Waterjets and conventional shaft drive are available where still very fast maximum speeds of circa 40kts are adequate.

With an L.O.A. of 20m the Performance of Voyager for her size is extremely impressive. The first of class being powered by a pair of MAN V12 1,550hp engines and Twin Disc MGX5146A gearboxes with surface drive propulsion from a pair of France Helices SD5 drives. Surface drives were chosen as they provide the best efficiency at higher cruise speeds (circa 35-40kts), and the surface drives props are vented for smooth low speed operation. A maximum speed of well over 50kts makes her one of the fastest boats of her size around, comprehensively fulfilling the ‘high performance’ brief and providing excitement in abundance, yet the design almost uniquely also offers ‘Trawler style yacht’ range and ocean crossing capabilities. Close quarters manoeuvring is assisted by large and powerful twin bow thrusters and twin stern thrusters incorporating ‘variable speed’ capability, allowing the vessel to be held against the quay or marina whilst being tied up or cast off, a real advantage when short-handed or mooring in adverse conditions. The powerful thrusters combined with the gearboxes ‘Quick shift’ low speed function ensure the T-2000 is very easy to operate when berthing.

Above, the main cabin arrangement and below the forward accommodation sleeping areas.

Accommodation: The very spacious and luxuriously appointed main cabin features a central helm with a two seats, and a navigators seat to st/bd, all being air suspension Grammer shock mitigation seating. The helm position features a ‘floating’ console wide enough to house the three Garmin 19” displays in a glass helm effect. A lower dividing console between the seats houses the dedicated Empire Buss touch screen boat systems control panel, allowing all the boats various systems to be monitored and controlled from the helm. A navigators position features a glass digital chart table housing a 40” touch screen, allowing route planning to be comfortably undertake. To port alongside the helm area is positioned a lounging settee with a table seating 2-3, this provides a sociable area forward allowing passengers to also enjoy the view forward underway. Aft lies a full comprehensively equipped galley in a ‘U’ configuration. The inboard side of the worktop incorporates a concealed 42” TV electrically lifted and viewed from the elevated large five seat dinette seating opposite. The table here is a split design on electric pedestals, allowing the area to convert to a large berth. A unique feature of the main cabin is the ‘Glass floor’ section behind the helm, giving a spectacular view of the hydrofoil in operation at speed underway, as well as providing a cool ambience to the cabin when moored from LED lighting within the bridge deck.

Sleeping accommodation is provided between three cabins in the forward hulls, one being a spacious master’s cabin in the st/bd hull with the large king sized bed extending over the bridge deck. Outboard here is a lower seating area with a bureau and provides a great view just above the waterline through windows. The masters cabin features large bathroom and shower compartment. A VIP guest cabin is situated in the port hull with its own ensuite bathroom and shower. Both Master and VIP compartments are accessed from the main cabin via sliding doors and steps. A third separate crew cabin fitted with twin bunk berths and a bathroom / shower compartment is accessed via a hatch on the foredeck. Utility multiple air-conditioning units ensure a comfortable environment and a 30l/phr water maker combined with a 400L fresh water tank provides the necessary capabilities for fresh water during long voyages. An 18kw 240v AC generator and 5kw inverter provides AC power aboard both underway and at anchor. A very spacious aft deck area incorporates a ‘U’ shaped seating module with storage underneath and a large folding table on a pedestal for both comfortable underway seating and moored entertaining. A module incorporating a barbeque, sink and fridge provides dining and entertaining facilities for the aft deck. A 250kg SWL slewing deck crane with winch is fitted across the transom enabling easy launching of a 3.5m RIB which is stowed outboard off the transom on support arms forming a cradle, the arms are hinged allowing them to be stowed back against the transom when not in use. The RIB is stored very securely high above the waterline for safety in heavy weather. A forward lounging area with removable cushions and table is situated in a well deck quickly drained through the bridge deck by two large 4” scuppers, allowing the well area to be cleared of water in 8 seconds. Each bow is fitted with an anchor and windlass (two anchors for safety) and a bridle system. Large anchor lockers also provide a storage area for fenders, warps etc with the st/bd compartment also housing a workshop. Stern to mooring is assisted by two capstans at the transom quarters and a Hydraulic extending Besenzoni Passerelle fitted to the transom.

A flybridge is accessed from the aft deck via a substantial stainless steel ladder with wide teak steps and hand rail. The flybridge incorporates a two seat helm position, the console being electrically adjustable for height allowing a sporty low seating position for helming underway, but can be raised 50cm to allow standing at the helm when undertaking close quarters docking manoeuvres. A large ‘U’ shaped seating area with a table allows for comfortable lounging and entertaining underway. Each hull incorporates a large dive platform. The aft, side decks and forward decks as well as the flybridge are laid in teak and holy synthetic decking for low maintenance and durability with the side, foredeck and aft deck areas being enclosed by railings .8-1m, high ensuring all deck areas are safely accessed by the crew. The first of class T-2000 is fitted with a valved exhaust system, incorporating by-pass valves allowing switching between watertrap silencers for quite running or straight through, allowing the exhaust note from her V12 engines to be appreciated when offshore emitting a fantastic exhaust sound befitting her extreme performance.

Below the first T-2000 under construction July 2023 showcasing its graceful lines, its MAN V12 engines and surface drives. Safehaven’s first of class demonstrator is scheduled for launch mid 2024.