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The Baldakin Modular Accommodation System (BMAS) Applications
The Baldakin "Explorer" Cruising Catamaran Design features
Some of the special features offered by the BMAS concept (some of which depend on the size of the BMAS cruising catamaran) are as follows:
Type of ship
All the Baldakin Explorers can be designed as Sailing and/or Power Catamarans, as shown on the attached Illustrations. Baldakin Catamaran MultiRig Spars & Rigging system
Sailing cat Sailing cat Sailing cat Sailing cat Sailing cat MultiRig MultiRig MultiRig MultiRig MultiRig Side view Top view Front view Points of Sail Point of Sail (Port tack) (Starboard tack)
Note: The following description applies only to Baldakin Explorer sailing catamarans.
In case the Baldakin Explorer is constructed as a sailing catamaran, we would recommend that it be fitted with a Multirig, i.e. an asymmetric 3-masted “Balestron” type rigging, which requires less crew to operate (This is specially useful in case the boat is due to be used as a mini cruise ship or a live aboard).
More details can be found on the website www.MultiRig.com, but some of its main features are as follows.
MultiRig is an asymmetrical combination, on a sailing catamaran, of 3 free standing, semi-balanced Balestron rotating Rigs (also known as the balanced, or swing rig, commercialised under the trade marks EasyRig or AeroRig, the award-winning rig developed by Carbospars).
The MutliRig concept can therefore be considered as a further development of the Balestron Rig, which main features can be found on the websites listed hereafter.
Multirig has been developed specially for the Baldakin Explorer range of catamarans, but it can be adapted to other catamarans, proas and trimarans.
The idea behind the MultiRig concept is an asymmetric rigging system, which allows a better capture of the wind than the traditional sole or on-line rigs, whatever the points of sail and tack.
A MultiRig is composed of 3 Balestron Rigs, of different sizes, implanted as follows:
Note: This presentation is based, arbitrarily, on a “right type” MultiRig, i.e. with 2 masts implanted on the right hull. A “left type”, with two of the masts on the left side, would of course function exactly in the same manner.
The masts can be slightly inclined towards the center of the multi-hull, so that the under-part of the boom is horizontal when it is perpendicular to the hulls.
The size and implantation of the 3 Balestron rigs, based on the standardized, scalable shape and dimensions of the Balestron rig (i.e. a boom/mast length ratio of 60%), is calculated so that:
1. The sail area of the FM is about half that of the AM and their combined sail area is approximately equal to that of the MM
2. The rotating booms do not interfere with each other
3. The booms, when the catamaran is facing the wind, do not (unreasonably) overlap the overall dimensions of the hulls
Based on a LOA to beam ratio of approximately 2, as specified for the Baldakin Explorer catamarans, the above clauses allow for the MM to be approximately equal to the hulls’ LOA, which is more or less the standard for a mono-rig.
This means that the total sail area achieved with a Multi-Rig is approximately double of that allowed by a single Balestron or traditional rig.
This eliminates totally the need for extra sails, such as Spinnakers or Geenakers, particularly for the downwind points of sail.
Furthermore, the fact that each hull supports the same sail area, gives a MultiRig catamaran a balanced sail power.
Even if and when all the 3 rigs are not used simultaneously (for example if only those on one side are in operation) a MultiRig catamaran remains as well balanced as an Atlantic or Pacific type proa.
Further advantages of a MultiRig compared to a single or several “in-line” Balestron or traditional rigs are as follows:
Furthermore, in addition to the advantages of a Baelstron rig compared to a traditional rig, the MultiRig requires much less crew compared to a Balestron or traditional rig, since the adjustment of the angle of each boom, depending on the strength and relative direction of the wind, can be coordinated by a computer, linked to an auto-pilot, commanding the captive winch of each Balestron rig, according to a program based on calculation and experience.
The furling or the “neutralization” of some of the sails can also be automated as and when required.
If the catamaran is due to be used mainly to train youngsters, a less automated, or even a more traditional rigging might be more appropriate (in which case, rigging the Baldakin Explorer as a schooner would be recommended).
Further information on the Balestron type rigs and their applications can be obtained from the following websites:
http://www.schachtdesign.com/proafile/volume_3/options_balestron.html http://www.schachtdesign.com/proafile/volume_1/U.html http://www.northsuperyacht.com/articles/jacq.htm http://www.steamradio.com/JSYD/Articles/52AeroDesign.html#concept http://www.geocities.com/jp_br/Dreampage/Catamaran.html http://www.geocities.com/jp_br/Dreampage/List-AC.html http://www.geocities.com/jp_br/Model/Model.html http://www.harryproa.com/index.htm
Baldakin Catamaran Hull Design
Hull design Hull design Hull design Hull designFront view Front view Stern view Bottom view (Detail) The same designs can also be adapted to power catamarans (with or without a flying bridge). In such a case the spars, rigging and swing keels can be made without, with a more classic and powerful motorization installed, and the stern fitted with a bulb or another wave breaking device.
The hull design described hereunder has been developed specially for the Baldakin Explorer range of catamarans, but it can be adapted to other types of catamarans.
The Baldakin Explorer power or sailing catamarans all have in common the following design features, whatever their size.
1. - The overall length of each hull is about 10 times its beam.
2. - The overall beam of the catamaran is about half its overall length.
3. - A quasi-horizontal chine runs along the internal face of each hull starting from about one fifth from the bow. This chine starts from the water level to reach the full half width of the hull, as from about about one fourth of the distance from the bow.
Swing keels (sailing catamaran only)
Swing keels, located on the internal face of each hull, so as to be easy to service, will allow for an easy beaching of the ship, combined with the liftable dagger rudders. All these are operated through stainless steel hydraulic rams.
HySuWac hydrofoil (Fast power catamaran only)We would recommend to equip the Baldakin Explorer power catamarans with powerful engines, coupled with hydrofoils such as the HySuWac developed in South Africa, which allow the following benefits:
Furher information on the HySuWac hydrofoil technology can be obtained from the following webstite:
http://www.sun.ac.za/kie/unistel/technologies/hysucat.htm
Other particular design features of the Baldakin Explorer Catamarans
- Un-sinkabilityThe space between the skin of the BM containers and the BCs would be filled with adequate (closed cell) foam, possibly pre-formed or injected in-situ ensuring not only the proper sound insulation of the BCs but also the floatability/un-sinkability of the whole Cruising Catamaran
- Education & indoor Entertainment
The larger Cruising Catamarans can offer, in addition to the extra storage facilities for the guests, a Shop with Vending/Ice machines, Several (2 or 3) Dining/Meeting/Living areas indoor plus Outdoor “café” and barbecue, a Bar/Piano/Discotheque, passenger lounges, Intranet/Cable and Home Cinema/Entertainment, Infirmary, etc.
Each cabin will be equipped with one PC (possibly multi-user/thin client), connected to a LAN, allowing access to the internet (whenever a reasonably priced connection is available) and to the ship’s intranet, hosted in a powerful server located in the Skipper’s office.
An additional LAN connection in each cabin will allow the passengers to connect their own PC/portable or to connect another PC in each cabin (for youngsters on a long stay).
This will allow the passengers to follow up the ship’s journey, the weather charts, etc., take at will some interactive courses in sailing, diving, fishing, meteorology, computing, etc., view some documentaries on the next port of call, on wildlife (whale) observation, similar sailing experiences, etc…, prepare a website based on their current trip, or simply send and receive email, chat, view satellite TV, a DVD, listen to a CD, etc… and (for youngsters on a long stay) take their usual courses.
The ship will also be equipped with Webcams located at various “strategic” points, outside and inside, not only to allow and learn navigation “by instruments” from any PC of the LAN, but also, combined with handheld video cameras, to allow professionals or the passengers themselves to edit a video of their stay.
- Large multipurpose room (80’ catamaran only)
80' Catamaran Mutli-purpose room
This room, of approx 45 sqm at floor level but 70 sqm at elbow/eye level, where it counts (Thanks to the BMAS concept), is the “compensation” for the relative exiguity of the BCs.
The central point of the vessel, it be used as a room as a classroom for 24 students, dining for 36 guests, living, fitness & dancing, show with stage for 36 persons, (Home) cinema or conference for 36 persons, table tennis, games and other sport, cultural, entertainment and social activities and performances, as shown on the attached sketch, thanks to tables (which can be stowed away on sliding rails) and stackable chairs.
- “Technical module” (80’ catamaran only)
All the ship’s machinery is housed in one 40’ ISO container frame (“technical module”) linking the two BMs, and therefore ensuring a stiff connection between the two hulls.
This module will include the two Diesel generators, the hydraulic power system, the air compressor (for diving bottles), the water makers, the Central A/C, the kitchen cookers, oven and washing machines, an ice-maker, the machinery for the Jacuzzi situated on top and all the other machinery and instrumentation required to operate the ship.
The technical module will also house the “Skipper’s office”, which will include the navigation instruments, the computer server and network and the central electrical control panel.
It represents also an extension of the Skipper’s BC, to which it connects through a private passage, thereby constituting a “suite” of approx 20 sqm.
- "Technical modules" (Larger catamarans)
All the ship’s machinery is housed in 40’ ISO container frames linking the BMs, and therefore ensuring a stiff connection between the two hulls.
These frames can be either standard or the higher hi-cube types, depending on the ceiling height required for the corresponding decks.
These technical modules will include the Diesel motors and generators, the hydraulic power system, the air compressor (for diving bottles), the water makers, the Central A/C, the kitchen cookers, oven and washing machines, the ice-maker(s), the machinery for the Jacuzzi(s) and the eventual pool and, more generally, all the other machinery and instrumentation required to operate the Ship.
- Outdoor Activities, which can be offered on board
Note: Most of the following, applies to the 240’ Cruising catamaran only. It is given as an example of amount of “shared facilities” which can be foreseen to compensate for the relative exiguity of the BCs, while taking advantage of the space made available due to the said exiguity.
- Cruising & Relaxing:
This is naturally the first outdoor activity offered on a BMAS cruising catamaran:
- Flying:
This is a totally new activity, unseen until now on any cruise vessel!
The passengers of a BMAS 240’ cruising catamaran can enjoy/learn flying and aerial exploration, thanks to its design as THE FIRST CIVILIAN ULTRA-LIGHT AIRCRAFT CARRIER, with a 200’/60m long runway, allowing the landing and take-off of gyroplanes and other VSTOL ultra-light aircrafts (and non-VSTOL ultra-lights, if a simplified catapult and arresting cable system are installed).
The median runway, covered with a heavy-duty artificial tennis-court type surface on most of its length (i.e.154’/47m), is constituted for the balance by a 1’4”/40cm deep sand pit.
This pit is intended to slow down and hopefully stop any aircraft landing too long, which would then anyway be prevented from falling at the end of the runway by an inclined safety net.
This pit can be protected with a canvas cover when needed, i.e. for example when the weather gets too bad.
Normally, the runway can be used at any time when no other activities are performed on the upper deck, even when the Cruising Catamaran is cruising.
However, it is to be noted that, in case of a “MultiRig” fitted Cruising Catamaran, the runway may be partially obstructed by the sails of the Balestron rigs at certain points of sail, in which case the obstructing sail(s) can temporarily be redirected or furled.
This flying capacity can be supplemented with seaplanes, which can be hoisted to and from the Water-sports deck and stored into the Garage and Workshop and/or with a helicopter, which can land and take off from a landing pad, which so positioned as to be usable whatever the direction of the wind and position of the Balestron rig booms.
These seaplanes and/or the helicopter can be used to ferry passengers to and from shore locations and as rescue crafts to recover ultra-lights aircrafts experiencing difficulties.
When not in use, the Ultra-light aircrafts can be lowered to the Water-sports deck with the lift located on the aft starboard side of the vessel and then stored in the Garage & Workshop.
That same lift will be used to lift seaplanes from the water level.
A “control tower”, located under the helipad on the portside at the stern of the Cruising Catamaran, allows the proper surveillance of the vessel and of the activities on the runway.
- Ferrying passengers & Shore exploration:
In addition to the above-mentioned aerial ferrying capacity, the BMAS Cruising Catamaran 240’ is equipped with two unsinkable/self bailing tenders, up to 40’/12m long, each capable of ferrying at high speed at least 50 seating passengers.
The purpose of such large tenders is not only to be able to bring to/from shore or diving/fishing grounds a large number of passengers safely and swiftly but also, by lifting up or down these tenders in a special pipe “frame” at the front, to allow for their easy boarding directly from retractable steps from the boat’s deck, to use as additional/standby power plants for moves in port and/or electricity generation, and as an additional floating central hull if/when required.
Regarding shore exploration, the vessel will hold in its garage a number of bicycles, and possibly some scooters, to enable touring of shore locations.
Furthermore, the same garage will hold a couple of four-wheel drive vehicles, which can be landed, with the help of the lift located on the aft starboard side of the vessel, either directly to the shore when the Cruising Catamaran is alongside a quay, or otherwise via a specially designed landing craft.
- Fishing:
The BMAS Cruising Catamaran 240’ has been designed to satisfy the most demanding fisherman, as well as the beginner.
One retractable fishing platform on each side, each fitted with 3 seats, allows for game fishing while the boat is cruising, while fish spotting can be performed from the look-out mast located on the right hull or the look-out post located on the main mast.
Game fishing can also be performed from the large tenders located at the front, which can in such a case be equipped with a flying bridge.
In addition to the above, the Cruising Catamaran can be equipped with a trawl net spread between the hulls.
- Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Divers, beginners or experienced, are not forgotten.
The Cruising Catamaran will be equipped with all the equipment needed to practice their sport and one or more instructors will be available.
- Sailing, Canoeing & Kayaking:
Windsurfs, sail dinghies and catamarans, kayaks and canoes will be stored in the water-sports deck and adjoining Garage & Workshop, and made available for beginners and experienced sailors, under supervision of a sailing instructor using the smaller tender berthed at the aft, by a frame fixed on the taillift/liftgate.
- Motor-boating, Jet-Skiing, Water-skiing, Scurfing, Wake-boarding, Knee-boarding, inflatable-riding:
All these activities will also be available for the guests of the Cruising Catamaran…
- Swimming:
On the Cruising Catamaran 240’, one can swim in the small fresh water swimming pool located outside, on the starboard side but also, of course, directly in the sea.
Indeed, the Cruising Catamaran is equipped with a large, shark-free, enclosed swimming area, located in-between the hulls (which also provide a relative protection from outside waves).
This “pool” covering an area of approx 130’/40m by 65’/20m, can be folded and stored under the ceiling of the tunnel between the hulls when the vessel is cruising.
Otherwise, it is lowered to water depths ranging from 4’/1.2m up to 10’/3m, depending on the required use of the relevant sections of the pool, such as swimming classes for kids or grown-ups, water polo, diving courses, kayaking or canoeing discovery lessons, etc.
Further advantages of this “pool” are to allow people to swim in a shark-free enclosure and to allow safe/supervised swimming in the dark, thanks to projectors located in the hulls.
Finally, it may be used as a floating anchor in rough weather.
The foldable side platforms of the pool will be equipped with stairs to go in and out of the water as well as with fresh water showers as well as a booth for the swimming instructor(s).
- Tennis:
A full-size Tennis-court is available on the central area of the top deck.
Thanks to projectors fixed on a pole at each corner, it will also be available at dark/night, especially when the runway will not be in operation. It uses the same area as the basketball court and therefore both sports cannot be played simultaneously.
It is, of course, also not usable when the plane runway is in operation, in which case the tennis net and the a/m net curtain are removed.
The 10’/3m high fence and net curtain surrounding the tennis (and basketball) court will be fine enough to keep most balls on the court during play.
- Beach-Volley:
The Cruising Catamaran is equipped with a full-size beach-volley court, with a 1’1/3 /40cm deep sand surface, as required by the rules of the relevant international federation.
Thanks to projectors fixed on a pole at each corner, it will also be available at dark/night, especially when the runway will not be in operation.
It is, of course, not usable when the plane runway is in operation, in which case the Volleyball net and poles and the a/m net curtain are removed.
- Track athletics:
The sand pit of the Beach-volley court can also be used as the landing area for long and high jumps, and even for triple jump.
- Golf practice:
A couple (or more) Golf-practice nets can be located on the upper deck, so as to be usable at any time by the “golf addicts” will not want to miss such an occasion to practice their swing.
- Basketball:
A full-size (AAU) Basketball court is available on the central area of the top deck.
Thanks to projectors fitted on a pole at each corner, it will also be available at dark/night, especially when the runway will not be in operation.
It uses the same area as the tennis court and therefore both sports cannot be played simultaneously. A 10’/3m high fence is running on each side of the court to prevent the ball from falling on the lower decks.
When the plane runway is in operation, the adjustable goals fixed to slides built-in the deck must be moved to the side, as well as the 10’/3m high net curtain hanged on the projector poles, behind the back-lines.
- Rock Climbing (artificial wall):
The stern of the BMAS Cruising Catamaran is fitted as an artificial climbing wall.
- Bunggy jumping:
Possibly available from the lookout post hoistable on the main mast
- Sunbathing:
Sunbathing may be performed on many locations on the BMAS Cruising Catamaran 240’.
For example, one can rest on the front net between the hulls, where one will feel a refreshing breeze (specially when the Cruising Catamaran is cruising), while enjoying a refreshment around the swimming pool, or even on the onboard sand beach, i.e. the sand of the beach-volley court…
- Jacuzzi:
At least 2 Jacuzzis will be available for the guests, for example next to the swimming pool.
- Fitness, Aerobics, Gymnastics, Dance, Martial arts:
These various group activities can be practiced outdoors (or in the fitness, gym & indoor sports room in case of foul weather or if all outdoor areas are occupied by other activities).
One or two instructors will be available for these group or private training lessons.
- Other sports…
… such as Badminton, Table tennis, Hot-air ballooning, Archery, Paintball, Roller-skating, Weightlifting, Bowl-games/ “Pétanque”, etc. can also be playable on board of the BMAS Cruising Catamaran 240’.
- Other outdoor activities…
… such as Socializing, Dancing, Barbecuing, Drinking- or Eating-out, etc. will also be available on board of the BMAS Cruising Catamaran 240’.
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