78-3 Construction Update 12/14

Todd Rickard (FPB Team) was in New Zealand recently and sent me the following pictures of our new lady. Not much to see yet but it won’t be long before there is an opening in Circa’s fabrication bay and the parts will begin to take shape.

Cut files are generated directly from the 3D CAD models and the aluminum is cut on a CNC plasma cutter. All of the aluminum plate that is used on the boat is mill certified and is traceable. We have also engaged MECAL (a British Marine Consultancy firm) to monitor progress milestones and certify that all work is performed in accordance with specifications. This will also include radiographic and dye penetration testing of critical welds. While I will not initially proceed to full certification, the boat is being designed and built to meet Lloyd’s MC0 certification – one of the most stringent standards in the world.

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Initial fabrication has begun on some of the structural components. Shown below is one of the bulkheads.

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I believe this is one of the lower hull section reinforcements.

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Part of the matrix deck roof assembly.

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The Chippies (Kiwi for cabinet makers) are at work on some of the interior furniture modules. The following is a drawer stack.

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One of the hull side locker frames.

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And the master berth.

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The interior woodwork is a combination of red cedar (drawers and lockers) and the exterior faces are a beautiful, uniform grained Australian Oak. Actual finish has is yet to be decided but our inclination is to leave it close to natural. The FPB team has made a substantial investment in rendering software so after the first of the year, we will be modeling our interior selections to see how everything looks.

More to come.

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