Nautical Structures
Press Release - M.Y. Fair Lady Refit Project

Nautical Structures and NonStopYacht SL were recently involved with an interesting project for the 45-meter (150-foot) Camper & Nicholson classic motor yacht “Fair Lady”. NonStopYacht represents the interests of Nautical Structures in Europe. The challenge was to replace an existing telescoping crane with a capacity of 800 kg (1800-lbs) with one of 1300 Kg ( 3000-lbs) built to Mega Yacht Code / MCA regulations. In order to keep the above-deck weight to the minimum an EZ-3000-FB fixed boom unit was chosen. Due to the very limited space available (and so as not to spoil her beautiful lines!) the exact length and height of pedestal had to be very carefully calculated. Paul Metcalf of NonStopYacht created a 3D CAD model of the deck layout and tender dimensions to assist with this. In order to reduce further the weight of the crane Nautical Structures made a finite element analysis of the crane arm and incorporated lightening ports and other manufacturing techniques to lighten the crane. Instead of using conventional wire rope in the winch rigging Spectra composite fiber line was used – reducing the weight of the crane’s rigging by 70% and providing a safety factor of over 8:1.

The crane underwent extensive testing both at Nautical Structures factory and then onboard the yacht by the MCA surveyor. The Captain and owner were very pleased with the quality, attention to detail, finish and operation of the crane. The Captain was particularly impressed with the controlled rate gravity fall system built into the linear winch system that he finds makes tender launching both much faster and safer. This was originally developed for emergency operation of the crane, but due to its easy operation the crew uses it as an every-day part of the crane’s launching operations.

Additional features included in the construction of the crane included a halogen floodlight built flush into the underside of the crane’s boom, a fold-under boom extension feature that provides 1.5-meters (60”) of additional outreach at a reduced capacity of 455-Kg (1,000-pounds) when needed, both primary and emergency hydraulic power units and a 24-month extended warranty.