Craig Loomes Design Group Ltd becomes LOMOcean Design Ltd

When Craig Loomes first started drawing boats, his small design company was logically named after its founder and sole employee and, as his work become more sought after, was formally incorporated in the early nineteen nineties. 

Just six years later, the company had delivered a significant statement to the international yachting world with the launch of the very innovative 27m Ultimate Lady – one of the first wavepiercer motor yachts ever and recipient of an International Super Yacht award in 1998.

At that time, André Moltschaniwskyj – a composite materials structural engineer who had consulted to Loomes on a number of his designs over the preceding years - joined as a significant shareholder and director, with Kirsty Loomes also appointed as a director – prompting a minor name change to Craig Loomes Design Group Ltd.

The intervening years have seen the company growing in size, turnover and market presence, with entry into a wide variety of international markets that have included work-boats, high speed para-military interceptors, passenger ferries, fire-boats, pleasure boats, motor yachts, innovative sail boats and even more innovative record breakers, such as the 24m trimaran ‘Earthrace’ and the 31m wavepiercer ‘Planet Solar’, currently under construction in Germany.  This focus on proven innovation has recently attracted the attention of the military sector, opening up a whole new market for the company.

Although Loomes continues to play a major role, the company is now a very capable organization in its own right, with a large library of tank tested and proven hull forms covering a huge range of vessel types and configurations.  The company continues to grow its in-house structural engineering capability and can boast specialist skills not only across all sectors of marine composite design, but in wood, steel and aluminium that allows the delivery of highly detailed and integrated vessel design packages.

The growing maturity and capability of the organization has now prompted another name change to LOMOcean Design Ltd, creating a new brand that demonstrates a commitment to longevity and continuity of the company and reflecting the synergy associated with a team effort from a hard working, skilled and loyal workforce.  The name borrows a little from the surnames of each of the principals of the company and blends with the word ‘ocean’ – a place that all the company’s creations are designed for - and belong to.

Please continue to our new website www.lomocean.com for more details.

27 June 2008. CLD extends a big congratulations to everyone involved in the Earthrace project. The UIM ratified world record for a power boat circumnavigation has been beaten by over 13 days! The radical design was a pet project for the team at CLD and we were always confident of her ability. Renamed the Ady Gil, unfortunately she was lost in the Southern Ocean in January 2010 afer a collision with another vessel.

04 Dec 2007. Designed for operation in the Mediterranean Sea, this 35m, 40 knot motor yacht boasts accommodation for 12 guests in luxury double suites. The arrangement features huge outdoor areas on two levels, including a spacious flying bridge and large cockpit dining area on the main deck level - an electronically actuated overhanging canopy offers shade or light depending upon the occasion.The boat will be capable of maintaining high speeds even in rough conditions. And with sleek, low profile styling, she will undoubtedly make her presence felt where ever she goes...

21 Oct 2007. 42' Wavepiercer Sport Fisher. A concept design currently under development is this high speed 42' wavepiercer catamaran centre console sport fisher. The boat is primarily intended to be outboard engine powered although an inboard engine option is also under development. Separate head and shower compartment are accessed through companionway hatches in the aft quarters. The external deck area is vast and as a big, fast sport fisher for warm climes, this design will be unrivalled...

12 Sept 2007. The 23m wave piercing catamaran being built in Egypt reaches another milestone in her construction with the superstructure mid-deck component being rolled yesterday. The team are now preparing to laminate the outside skin and getting ready to join the hull & superstructure togehter.

06 Aug 2007. The design brief for a multi-purpose silent-running superyacht tender has resulted in a light weight, low profile monohull featuring electric power, an underwater viewing room, easy water access and a large sun bathing deck.

01 Jul 2007. Local boat builder 'Allenco' contracted CLD to engineer and produce cut files for a pair of paddle wheels for this weed mulching barge. The barge has now been launched and is performing flawlessly. She is operated by Mighty River Power on the Waikato River Lakes, (mainly Lake Karapiro) to remove weed build up around the hydro-electric inflows.

25 Jun 2007. The 23m wavepiercer catamaran being built in Egypt is progressing well with the hull component being rolled yesterday.

22 Jun 2007. CLD were commissioned by the owner of this 17m offshore sailing catamaran to evaluate and engineer remedial hull additions and structural modifications after she was found to significantly exceed the original designer's weight expectations during a pre-launch weigh. The vessel was subsequently launched with the new CLD designed hulls and additional cross structure late in 2005 and has safely completed a return ocean passage to New Caledonia from New Zealand.

20 Jun 2007. The 23m wavepiercing trimaran launched mid 2006 has undertaken a number of charters carrying passengers from Mauritius to St Brandon. The 250 nautical mile open ocean passage is undertaken overnight and the outstanding seakeeping of this novel vessel allows the guests a good night's sleep to arrive refreshed at this stunning location in time for breakfast!

12 Jun 2007. An existing CLD client has approached us to custom design a 14m sedan style sportfisher. There is nothing currently available from the production manufacturers that could meet the specific performance, layout and standard of fit-out expected.

01 Jun 2007. Earthrace has pulled out of her circumnavigation record attempt. The boat sufferd damage after running into unidentified floating debris that resulted in flooding of one of her watertight compartments. With the clock ticking, the crew were unable to make suitable repairs in time to stay on track for the record. Another record attempt is planned to start in March 2008, following an interim European port tour.

30 May 2007. A fleet of 4 rapid response fire boats are planned to start construction later this year. The proven 11m CLD hull form is capable of 45 knots and provides a stable platform for the remote controll water/foam cannon. Waterjet drive units are specified to enable shallow water operations.

21 May 2007. The build of the 14m power catamaran, commisioned by the current owners of the CLD 11m version, is progressing well and delivery expected in time for the 2007/8 summer season. The owners are looking forward to the extended range and larger accomodation spaces offered by their new boat.

05 May 2007. 31m monohull motor yacht. Fondly nicknamed 'The Black Pearl" in our office, this boat is a stunner. CLD has been contracted by an Australian client to produce a preliminary design package for costing purposes. Two construction mediums are being investigated - alloy and composite. She is a relatively heavy displacement boat with dynamic stability control fitted to ensure comfortable passage making. A range of 2200 nautical miles at 12 knots is envisaged. More details to follow.

26 Apr 2007. CLD has recently submitted a tender package for a series of 14.5m high speed assualt craft for the Far East. The craft is intended to fulfil the role of a fast troop carrier for transferring operational assault personnel to and from remote strategic locations vulnerble to terrorist or other attack. The vessel shall cater to a crew of four and carry approximately 16 troops. A bow door and waterjet propulsion enable the troops to be landed on a beach. Alloy construction and composite ballistic protection is provided.

08 Apr 2007. 12m home build alloy wavepiercer catamaran nearing completion. The picture shows the hull and partially completed superstructure at the beginning of the year (before the walls of the new shed were stood up). All aluminium work is now complete and the owner/builder is currently into the fitout.

28 Mar 2007. CLD has delivered a fully nested alloy kitset and detail drawings for a 9m walkaround sportsfish trailer boat. The vessel is currently under tender and will be built in NZ or Australia for an Australian client. Twin 300hp outboards will enable the owner to get where he wants to be quickly. Interest in this design from other keen fishermen is huge!

15 Mar 2007. The locally built 12m trimaran is progressing well with the owner/builder now working full time on the project. The pictures were taken just prior to the hull and decks being joined. The driveline and major systems are now installed and fitout well underway. Launch is due later this year.

10 Mar 2007. Earthrace begins her world circumnavigation record attempt in Barbados. Despite not having all the necessary funding, or fuel in place at some of the more remote stops, thay have decided to 'fly by the seat of their pants' and organise everyhting along the way. CLD is behind them all the way and wishes the crew well - although not convinced this is the best way to achieve their objective.

20 Feb 2007. 16m High Speed Interceptor for S E Asia. Intended for coastal operations the twin 1550 hp engines / waterjet units will enable a sprint speed of 65 knots. A range of 250 nautical miles at 40 knots is possible during normal operating conditions. This craft wil be constructed in high tech composites for light weight and is a development of the well proven CLD designed 16m strike craft operated by the Royal Malaysian Customs. The low profile is intended to reduce radar signature.

07 Feb 2007. In conjunction with Diogene Marine, who launched the CLD 23m motoryacht trimaran last year, design work is well advanced on a 65 knot outboard powered trimaran day boat. This scintillating performance is balanced by a fully air conditioned interior for up to three people and overnight capabilities with a private toilet and shower compartment. Construction is high tech composites and a limited production run will commence later this year. More details here.

30 Jan 2007. CLD are currently working on the preliminary design of this 37m private motor yacht. The hull form is a displacement wave piercing catamaran intended for high sprint speed and extended passage making. The entire mid deck is dedicated to the owners suite while 4 VIP state rooms and crew accomodation are located on the lower deck. There is a dedicated enclosed garage and handling facilities large enough for two SUV's.

15 Jan 2007. CLD has welcomed in the new year with another revolutionary design. This 23m ferry / excursion boat has been developed for a local tourism operator requiring to pick up / drop off passengers on remote shoaling beaches without the need for docking facilities. Our solution - an amphibious vessel with retractable hydraulicly activated drive legs. The lower passenger deck has table seating for 96 diners, a generous galley & bar / servery. The upper semi-enclosed deck has seating for 116. Other feature include a lifting platform and a telescopic companionway.

18 Dec 2006. A concept design has been put forward to a local NZ coastguard agency. The 15m vessel has full 180 degree positive stability and all systems and accomodation spaces are designed to enable a full roll-over event to be taken in her stride. Construction will be in composites with conventional shaft drive for improved efficiency and seakeeping.

05 Dec 2006. A local NZ businessman was very  impressed by CLD's approach to their recent campervan designs with their light weight and low production costs. He has comissioned a design for a horse float. A significant feature is the novel body shape which significantly reduces drag / fuel consumption. Full production tooling has been generated and construction of the first units will get under way next year.

28 Nov 2006. CLD, in conjunction with our local representatives, have developed a preliminary design for a 23m patrol boat to be constructed in aluminium. Twin 1800hp engines will achieve a sprint speed of 35 knots.

01 Nov 2006. Construction has commenced on a composite 11m powercat for an Australian client. The same Kiwi management team who recently built the 23m trimaran in Mauritius have temporarily relocated to Queensland to work directly with the owner. She features twin Volvo D6 350hp stern drives and will sprint at 40+ knots while able to make passages up to 1000 nautical miles. More details will be posted soon.

25 Oct 2006. Congratulations to Craig & Kirsty Loomes and welcome into the world Amelie. Their 3rd child, Amelie was reverse launched (legs first) and floated above her lines with a displacement of 2.97kg.

15 Oct 2006. Hot on the heals of the hugely successful Ezy Cruiza, CLD have been contracted to design and engineer a larger sister - the Ezy Charga. CLD developed a functional interior that incorporates a 3 berth layout, toilet and shower. The layout is incorporated into an elegant and stylish exterior shell that is retro-fitted to a fleet of second hand small trucks. Modular construction reduces unit cost and light weight ensures good handling. The crisp modern looks have prooved very popular with Ezy Rentals' customers.

25 Sept 2006. This 23m wavepiercer catamaran has recently commenced build in Egypt. Accomodations for 12 guests and 3 crew are provided. The vessel is intended as a coastal cruiser with extended offshore capabilities.  She is being built on speculation by Efor (Liechtenstein), with their Egyptian partner Nautile Ltd. The supply of machinery, systems and composite materials is by Mapso Marine Propulsion and Supply sae. More details available here.

23 Jun 2006. Sea trials of the revolutionary Earthrace design has done much to convince CLD of the benefits of the wavepiercer trimaran platform and enough to create this remarkable 151m superyacht design study.  A motoryacht like no other, this monster boasts a sprint speed of 50 knots, a five level owner's suite, two huge VIP suites and six split-level apartments.  Extraordinary features include the twin skylounges perched in the dramatic arching wings linking the twin 60m long sponsons. These viewing areas allow guests to sit in luxurious surroundings whilst watching the faraway centre hull bow and the much closer sponson bow majestically wavepiercing the ocean.  As close to low level flying as you could get without an aircraft!

11 May 2006. The 23m wavepiercing trimaran that was built in Mauritius for a local owner has been launched and is currently undergoing sea trials. The owner is quoted as saying, "It's like being in an aircraft!". The NZ build management team are tying up  a few loose ends before embarking on their own build of a CLD 14m sailing catamaran.

27 Apr 2006. The New Zealand based owners of the CLD 11m power catamaran that was launched in June 2004 are upgrading to a 14m version with similar styling and more interior space. Accomodations are provided for 6 people in two double and one twin cabin. A large cockpit is set up for outdoor socialising, fishing and diving. Build is commencing next month at Calibre Boat Builders.

22 Feb 2006. The Earthrace trimaran was launched today and moved to the Viaduct harbor in Auckland New Zealand. There is still some work to do to finalise the systems and interior fit out. Sea trials will commence in the near future prior to the promotional tour of New Zealand. She is shown here in light ship condition with no fuel etc and appears to be sitting on top of the water.

15 Jan 2006. December 2005 saw the launch of this new 20m wavepiercer catamaran, replacing the vessel lost to a yard fire in 2004. Polaris was delivered to her delighted owner a week or so before Christmas, crossing the Tasman sea between New Zealand and Australia immediately after the completion of commissioning trials. Reports of the vessel’s ride quality both during commissioning trials in big seas off the West Coast and during the 1400 nautical mile passage to her home port of Brisbane have been very favourable and interest in further builds (including a two deck sedan version) using the aluminium kitset developed for the construction of Polaris is high.

19 Dec 2005. The 23m trimaran build in Mauritius passed a major milestone last week with the hull and decks joined, faired and painted and the interior and exterior fitout well under way. Updated build photos have been added. Launch is due mid 2006.

05 Aug 2005. Ezy Rentals Ltd approached CLD to design a custom high top & interior to be retro-fitted to a fleet of 100 second hand vans. The design brief was simply to accommodate a couple of people, their belongings and living requirements for camping holidays in New Zealand. The end result is a distinctive appearance, full standing headroom, onboard microwave, DVD & MP3 player, sound system, digital safe, heated towel rail, fan heater, electric fridge, dual gas hob, interior lighting and a decent sized sink with pumped fresh water. The electrical system is set up with a dual battery system to prevent running the engine start battery dry. The hard top and interior are both fabricated in full female mouldings. CLD worked hard to create a specification that fitted inside a very tight manufacturing budget with a great deal of success.

20 July 2005. The 11m flybridge sportfisher, built by Calibre boats has been launched over the weekend at Pier 21 in Auckland. She is currently under going sea trials and is performing as predicted. More pictures of the boat interior and under way will be posted in due course.

06 July 2005. Germanischer Lloyd, in conjunction with CLD, have been hard at work analysing the sea induced loadings developed on the 23m Earthrace trimaran. The animation to the left, which may take a while to fully load if you are on a slow internet connection, shows the vessel operating at 28 knots in a short steep head sea of 2.8m height and 23m wavelength. The psychedelic colours indicate the wave peaks and troughs. You could not do this in an equivalent monohull!

15th May 2005. Large scale model testing has been concluded using CLD's mobile towing rig. The reults have confirmed the powering requirements and operational speeds for both the 15m and 20m versions of this novel vessel. A video of the 2.7m long model being towed, using our calibrated load cell and real time data logging equipment at an equivalent full scale speed of 17 and 19 knots, is available for download by clicking here - (file size = 1Mb).

29th April 2005. Stand by for a  unique jewel of a boat. A Wellington based client  recently pushed the go button and has comissioned this 60 foot wave piercer catamaran. No expense will be spared on furnishing her with enough bling to sink a battle ship. Powering is by twin 565hp engines offering a comfortable cruising speed of 23 knots. An interesting feature is the discreet garaging for the diesel inboard / waterjet powered 5m tender.

18th April 2005. "Is it an aeroplane?", asked a local observer! The 23m trimaran build in Mauritius is progressing full steam ahead. The hull and deck are predominantly laminated and the majority of the bulkheads and structural members are being fitted prior to bonding together. The kiwi builders managing the project have assembled an excellent team of local craftsmen.

05th April 2005. In association with Northland Contract Boatbuilders, CLD is pleased to announce a production run of the new Esprit Catamarans' 920. The concept shares some of the packaging philosophy associated with cars such as the Smart Car or Mercedes A-class. It is intended to maximise the volume of a small package and create real, useable space without the need for high powered, heavy and expensive engines to achieve a useful cruise speed and respectable range. Please visit Esprit Catamaran's website for more details

18th March 2005. The 15m version of the revolutionary Powersail motor-sailer has started building . The exclusive international brokers, Powersail New Zealand Ltd, have comissioned the first vessel and it will be available toward the end of 2006. Please visit Powersail's website for further details.

7th March 2005. A remote island nation is currently evaluating this 22m wave piercer trimaran design for coastguard duties. The exceptional sea keeping, speed and range combined with an outstanding rescue platform will provide a unique vessel for its intended service including patrol, interception and rescue.

28th February 2005. A New Zealand couple have comissioned CLD to design a 14m live aboard sailing catamaran. The design draws heavily on the couple's extensive experience with their previous 10m catamaran and the new design incorporates all of the details that they imagined over the last ten years. Accomodations are provided with galley up and  3 double cabins with one hull dedicated to the owners suite. She will be built in Mauritius and sailed back to New Zealand.

18th January 2005. Three different trimarans have started build in 2005. The 23m version in Mauritius will be assembled from a kitset that was compiled and shipped by CLD from New Zealand. The sponson frames for the radical Earthrace, pictured left, are set up at Calibre Boatbuilders. The 12m version, pictured right, is under way in the owners shed.

10th November 2004. Another trimaran!!! The CLD office is awash with trimaran designs. This extreme concept has been commisioned by a man with a need for adrenelin-inducing-speed. The design speed of 80 knots will be exhilarating to say the least. A production run is envisaged and will be manufactured by Diogene Marine of Mauritius.

1st November 2004. The round the world record bid, being attempted by the Earthrace Organisation, is on track to commence building early 2005. Sponsorship is predominantly established and the design team are working on an evolution of the concept design. The vessel benefits from the extensive model testing undertaken by CLD and has the sponson location optimised for efficient passage making speed.

8th October 2004. Hot on the heels of the larger 21m trimaran shown below is a 12m version that has started build for a local client in New Zealand. Accommodations are provided for four people in a large open plan cabin. Propulsion is provided by twin diesels running surface drives in each sponson. Further details will be available soon.

26th August 2004. A 23m version of CLD's wave piercing trimaran is currently on the drawing board as a rough weather capable, high speed pleasure yacht. The client has selected this vessel based on his previous experience with equivalent planing monohulls and their limited comfort and speed potential in heavy seas. Accommodations are provided for 8 people in four double cabins. More details are available here.

10th August 2004. This 32m wave piercer catamaran has been designed to meet the requirements of Red Sea dive charter operations. Accommodations are provided for 24 guests, 4 crew, a dive master and captain. Guest accomodation is provided in twin cabins all with en-suite bathroom. The upper deck is set up as a large open plan dining area and an under water viewing room is provided in the port demihull.

27th July 2004. Ultimate Lady wound up her latest fishing season with a staggering tally of 405 striped marlin with an average size of 270lbs. Her best day saw 21 fish released and the average per day was 7.7. The boat is being made available for charter from January 2005. Please visit ultimatelady.com for more information.

20th July 2004. Brad, our resident design draughtsman, who is known for his early morning starts, was at the CLD office this morning and captured this magnificent sunrise over Rangitoto - a small offshore volcanic island in the Hauraki Gulf.

8th July 2004. Rupert & Donna are pleased to announce the arrival of their twin girls Ayja & Ruby. They are both doing well and keeping their parents rather busy. Now the fun begins...

14th June 2004. The 11m power catamaran built by Calibre Boatbuilders was launched at Auckland's Westhaven Marina. She is currently undergoing shake-down and fuel trials, which naturally included a short fishing and diving cruise to the Coromandel. If we had a dollar for each and every time the owner said "Amazing", "fantastic" or "brilliant", we would be millionaires. More pictures will follow.

4th June 2004. The latest wavepiercer design from Craig Loomes Design Group, a 20m tri-deck designed and built to Australian USL survey was lost in a fire at the build yard only a month before completion. CLD would like to express their condolences to all the people who worked so hard during the build, especially the guys on the shop floor, who did a fine job.

25th May 2004. This 21m power flybridge catamaran offers a large, stable platform with a spacious interior, that includes four queen sized double cabins each with ensuite bathroom.  The well proven displacement hull form is expected to be powered by twin 660hp engines, for a 20 knot cruise and mid twenties sprint speed, although offering over 2500 nautical mile range at 10 - 12 knot passage making speeds.

6th April 2004. This 16m wavepiercer debunks the common misconception that "small" wavepiercers “don’t work”.  She offers a four cabin layout – a huge master cabin with queen sized island berth, large ensuite and walk in wardrobe, a queen sized guest cabin also with ensuite, a four berth bunkroom and a twin bunk crew quarters or kid’s cabin, sharing what also serves as the day head. The cockpit is friendly to casual fishers, divers and swimmers as well as meeting the requirements of those chasing bill fish and tuna. Auckland to Fiji, approximately 2200km, capabilities at 12 knots from less than 5000 litres of fuel are possible.

20th of February 2004. There is evidently something in the water at the CLD office. Rupert and his wife Donna are pleased to announce that they are expecting twins later in the year! This is the second set of twins for the CLD team...

15th of February 2004. Preliminary design work is under way for a 29m wave piercer catamaran patrol boat destined for Indonesia. The proven rough water capability of this platform is the prefered option for the crew who regularly experience severe motions in their existing monohull craft. The vessel accomodates 3 officers and 17 crew. A 3.6m RIB is incorporated into the transom with a quick launch & retrieval mechanism.

14th of Junuary 2004. Kirsty Loomes launched the couples second child - a little girl named Chloe. The build process took a little over 9 months and she was on the slip way for only 3h50 min. She displaced 3.75kg and floated to her lines, but  like a cruising boat is putting on weight fast.

12th of December 2003. Launched on schedule and in time for a brief shake down before the owner took her for the family christmas cruise. The owner phoned the office whilst en-route from the Corromandel to Great Barrier Island and was ecstatic. The build yard, Vaudrey Miller Yachts, of Auckland New Zealand had done a fine job.

CLD has developed a dedicated 8m inshore rescue boat. The boat is fully self-righting and ergonomically laid out to perform her duties. Features include full SOLAS compliance, shallow draft, wrap around inflatable collars, twin engine jet propulsion, self draining cockpit and stretcher bearing capacity. Provision is made for on-board stowage of first aid and resuscitation equipment.

10th of October 2003. Concept design work has been commenced on a 30m power catamaran. Helicopter landing facilities are a special feature. Huge interior spaces accomodate 6 guest couples with ensuite. The master cabin, occupies the entire top deck and includes a separate office, walk in wardrobe, open fire, spa pool and private balcony. An underwater viewing lounge and extensive leisure facilities provide extraordinary entertainment for all on board. Construction is in aluminium alloy.

1st of October 2003. Construction  has commenced on the 11m power catamaran. CLD's engineers and draughtsmen pulled a couple of late ones to provide Calibre Boatbuilders with cut-files and structural drawings within a short timeframe. The vessel will be powered by a pair of 310hp volvo-D6 duo-prop stern legs, after some debate. Launch is due in March 2004. Given the progress to date, combined with the builder's track record, we look forward to sea trials at Easter.

20th of September 2003. After unprecedented feedback and enquiry since the launch of the standard water taxi, the CLD office has been approached to develop an up-market version in conjunction with Grant Reed. Performance is dramatically increased due to extensive use of carbon fibre and light weight cores in the vessel construction. Interior accommodations represent ultimate luxury. This limousine of the sea will cater for Royalty and the extremely wealthy - it  is optioned with bullet proof glass and structures. The vessel is being considered as a tender for large motor yachts, as well as a fleet operation for a multi-billion dollar water-based engineering project based in the middle-east.

1st of August 2003. A preliminary design package has been completed for a performance orientated 16m pilot-house yacht. The yacht features a high aspect ratio lifting keel, large mast-head sailplan, twin wheels and rudders and fully automated sail handling controls. accommodations are provided for eight people in 4 double cabins, two of which are provided with en-suite shower and head compartments. The other cabins are arranged with bunks to provide comfortable sea-berths. Construction is medium-tech epoxy foam composites.

1st of August 2003.  "Sampitres", our latest 25m (82') wavepiercer design, has been selected by the Nominating Committee of the Super Yacht Society as a category finalist - "Best Power 23m - 32m" - for the 2003 International Superyacht Design Awards Program. CLD was responsible for the vessel's naval architecture, exterior styling, structural and mechanical engineering and also worked on the interior styling in conjunction with Paolo Sampa. Sampitres was delivered in 2002 and has been selected due to her design excellence and innovative features. Judging will take place in October this year.

29th of July 2003. Construction has begun on a 12m aluminium wavepiercer home-build. The owner has all of the frames plasma-cut and is currently standing them up. Practically all components will be manufactured in the owner's workshop facilities. accommodations are provided for six people in three double cabins. Separate toilet and shower facilities are located on port and starboard with a galley up configuration. A jet-ski will be carried aboard together with extensive scuba and fishing gear. More details will be posted on a dedicated page in the near future.

29th of July 2003. CLD signed contracts today to produce a slightly lengthened and less conservatively styled version of the successful 9m powercat launched earlier this year. The final propulsion system is currently being determined by the New Zealand owners and will be either surface drives or stern legs. The vessel will be constructed from epoxy foam composites by Calibre Boatbuildes NZ ltd. and will be delivered in April 2004. The design brief calls for economical cruising combined with a blistering top speed to enable quick access to favoutite fishing and diving locations.

22nd of July 2003. The 15m displacement power catamaran for sportfishing charters, shown below at an earlier design stage, has progressed. The interior arrangement has evolved to take full advantage of the available volume. Full details will soon be available from our power catamaran pages or contact the office for advance details.

18th of July 2003. After many months in the design process, the Tournament 9 is fast becoming a reality.  A development of the legendary hard charging Tournament 8, this larger boat moves away from the signature walk around side decks and open transom of the 8. Instead, a large game fish style cockpit, a wider helm station and an enclosed shower and head compartment complement the two double berths. Twin and single shaft drives are available, placing the boat solidly in the small launch entry market, with particular appeal to sportfishers keen to capitalise on the well proven Tournament 8 hull's game fish credentials, whilst also catering to the needs of family cruising. Boat number one is now under construction at Sportfishers Ltd.

5th of July 2003. The first water taxi entered the water at Westhaven Marina in Auckland. The vessel is very much a protoype and will enter service in Auckland within the month. Further units are under negotiation for operations here in New Zealand, in Australia and further afield. Many people have commented on the styling that dares to be different, which originated on the drawing board of local industrial designer Grant Reed.

3rd of July 2003. Since the birth of Claude, Kirsty and Craig Loomes' first child early last year, the couple have been working and evidently playing hard too! Their second child is due in early January. The news was celebrated in classic style with a company breakfast shout with lashings of bacon and eggs. Congratulations....

1st of July 2003. The CLD team are currently working on this 15m displacement power catamaran design, which will be used for game fishing, bottom fishing, diving and cruising. The boat will cruise at around 22 knots with a sprint approaching 30 knots. 4000 litre fuel capacity offers Pacific cruising range and with a wing deck clearance of over 1m in loaded condition, this boat will offer outstanding sea keeping and ride comfort.Four double cabins, (each with ensuite bathroom), a huge galley and saloon seating for up to ten guests are provided.  The helm station is located well aft allowing good visibility not only forward, but also to the cockpit for close interaction with anglers.  Pilot berths are provided for both skipper and a deck hand, making this an excellent charter vessel for large groups.

24th of June. The 20m alloy tri-deck wavepiercer being built by New Zealand based Q-West was rolled onto her keel. This represents a significant milestone in the life of the project and the owner has since visited from Australia for the first time since building commenced. The vessel is shown here without her composite bow sections (for those of you who might think we had designed another revolutionary hull form)! The vessel will launch mid 2004.

We congratulate Tim, the newest member of our design team, who earlier this year graduated from Auckland’s Unitec Institute of Technology with a Diploma in Applied Technology, majoring in Marine. Tim was awarded top design student in the marine faculty and also picked up Unitec’s major Trust Award for the overall top student in the school of Land and Transport Technology. Tim is pictured here receiving his award from Dr. Martin Hall earlier this year.

CLD has recently been contracted to design a 20m performance motor-sailor. The brief is challenging, but the design process is well advanced due to extensive input from the owner. The vessel will incorporate many novel features in order to fulfill its intended purpose. Weight is always an issue for motor-sailors and the structural team is working hard to make sensible savings wherever possible. Build is due to commence late 2003.  The image is preliminary.

CLD have signed an agreement to develop a 42m (138ft) composite tri-deck motor yacht. The vessel will be built from a variable geometry female mold which will enable hulls to be efficiently produced from 26~42m length and 6.5~8m beam. The first vessel is intended to fulfil the role of a high quality, private motor yacht, with the necessary certification and capabilities of operating commercially in a luxury charter role supporting up to ten guests and six crew, for both short and extended cruises. The image is preliminary.

A client based in Hong Kong has requested some preliminary design work for a light weight, no expense spared, 12m day sailing catamaran with minimal overnighting capabilities. The vessel will be constructed from advanced composites with extensive use of carbon fibre, nomex core where appropriate and composite rigging. The sail wardrobe will also be high tech utilising the latest available technology. Female tooling would enable further vessels to be manufactured in New Zealand with the option to use less exotic materials. The image is preliminary.

A Tahitian company will soon commence build of a series of 12m catamaran ferries to service the local tourism industry. The first vessel will operate in the Bora-Bora lagoon between the airport and various hotels. Surface drives will propel the vessel to 30 knots and CLD has undertaken model testing for a new style of hull form for this application. The vessel will be classed under Bureau Veritas and will also comply with the local conditions imposed by the French Polynesian Ministry of Transport & Energy.

This 18m classically styled vessel is in preliminary design stage for a client wishing to combine open water passage making capabilities with European canal cruising. The slender transitional hull form will be constructed from moderately light weight materials and offers an efficient cruising speed of 16 knots. accommodations for 6 people in 3 double cabins is offerred with plenty of space for recreational equipment. A small optional rig is being investigated for off-wind assistance or silent passage making when the mood and conditions suit.

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