Trends in Modern Yacht Design- Interview with a Naval Architect- Sailing Vessel Delos 

For those of us gearing up to buy a boat and get out there, these videos are like gold. Keep up the great work!

it is absolutely wonderful that this man wants to sit down and listen to some salty sailors and listen to what they think good or bad!! this is why he is a legend in the business.. he designs a boat that is lovely, but rugged and practical.. amazing guy with a unbelievable talent

Nothing but love and respect from my tiny flooded house in Houston. You guys are important to us idiots who haven't broken free yet. Please continue your voyage as long as possible. We live vicariously through you and love everything you post. That "one day" may never happen, but living it through you seems to make it slightly acceptable. Fair winds my brothers

Lucky you are. Not only visiting Amel yards, but meeting with Olivier Racoupeau, from famous Berret-Racoupeau Yachts Design. Fantastic ! I sailed from Jean Berret a First 32 and later from Olivier Racoupeau a Wauquiez 40 PS. Perfect yachts. 25 years ago, I would have said that Amel were rather yachts for old cruisers. I experienced a few years ago with some friends a Super Maramu, and now that I am 60, I am on watch for an Amel yacht. By the way, I finally, got comfortable with the time lag of your videos. Never too late. Keep going Delos Team !

Very interesting! If I only was fifty years younger but with the money I now have, what a great life. I'm living it through you guys, thank you!

It aint the boat, its the sailor! it aint the guitar it is the musician, it aint the surfboard its the surfer, it aint the skis, its the skier, but by gawd give this man and his world class crew a fine vessel, and they will outclass them all, because they are the key. And the truth is: give them a crummy vessel and they will still outclass the entire field! Your Delos boat is Awesome! You are awesome! fun to see modern yacht design talk. good video.

Very nice segment it is always nice to hear from an Engineer instead of a Marketer. Love Delos and it was interesting to hear about the 4 tons you guys put on with not too much loss of performance you picked the right Blue water boat.

Wishing The Crew of SV Delos continued success and safe travels. If you are ready for a new boat, you certainly earned it. It’s your adventure, continue to live it your way!

This is the way you do great videos that aren't blatantly an ad. It is what interests the Delos crew which is interesting to us!

Not only do I thank you for letting me live Vicariously through your adventures ; but I am amazing of how much you guys teach us land lovers about sailing with the interviews you film ! Thumbs up and fairs seas !

It is a conundrum, having a boat that works well enough...then seeing a new boat, with improved...everything. It is easy to get stuck in "This is how we do it", and forget that it is possible to learn different ways of doing things...There is always a trade off when going with something different and new, the learning curve is steep...Knowing what you know now, with all the experience you have gained in the last several years...It would be very interesting to take one of the new yachts, and put it through its paces, around the world...What a great learning experience it would be for the company to have the video documentation of a boat doing a real "Shakedown Cruise" Perhaps Amel, will give you a boat to trail, and in return they can refit delos and bring her up to new standards, of performance and comfort.

Great interview, it's always nice to see the process behind something. It gives the average guy/gal perspective, in this instance, what makes a boat tick. I really liked the part when you told the designer how much in stores you packed into Delos. He leaned back and you could see the wheels turning inside his head trying to picture the 1000 cans of beer, and 3+ tons of other stores all tucked away. And he really got a kick out of the mizzen mast being used as a laundry. Nice job guys, thanks for the insight.

So much goes into designing a boat. The thought process of span, load, center of gravity etc.. are all the things I love about it. So many aspects are similar to my first love aviation.

Man, that vid went fast. Interesting! "Rhino" was the inaudible CAD program he mentioned. The term he used twice inaudibly was "sailplan." When he talks about the 55 being bigger than the 54, he's getting at the idea that similarly shaped boats will grow with the cube of the LWL. That's not to say that a different shape won't offer more volume with a shorter WL, like the 50 we looked at. A lot of guys would agree with the virtue of a lower, more flexible sailplan with two masts. In fact, some NAs advocate for three-masted schooners with lower overall heights but same sail area, saying it makes for more manageable canvas and less heeling moment. If sails are more manageable, then sometimes you can trim with block and tackle rather than electric winches. Then if you can drop sail into lazyjacks, you've just cut the complexity of in-mast roller-furling, lightened your mast scantlings, etc. If you have two or more masts, then jury-rigging is easier in a dismasting situation. Yes, the sloop was the right calculation for the Amel 50 and its target market, but that's not necessarily a general solution. Every electric gizmo on deck or inside (i.e., raising tables or flat screens) is another repair liability. Because you're an EE, Brian, you CAN fix all his stuff, but do you really want to? A systemic approach advocating simplicity will ease repair burdens and bring down the overall cost of cruising. It's like going old-school with new high-tech components. Visit tadroberts.ca for good explanations from a NA, to read essays and blog posts, and generally to soak up useful knowledge without marketing hooey. It's as good as a textbook, but lots more fun. Your midships cockpit has many advantages. Better might be a fully-enclosed helm station, especially if you're aiming for higher latitudes with monkeys in your rigging. Also, you'll want low-tech cabin heat that will work no matter what else breaks. RE: Rudder sheer and flooding, be mindful that there are countless extertal rudder types that design around this danger. Again, don't be afraid to think old school especially if it's going to simplify and lower costs. Ports versus storage cabinets -- their first job is to sell boats, including to customers who lack your cruising experience and the priorities you've made. If a "light, bright main salon" sells more, that's what they'll build. Buyers will cope with storage challenges after purchase. ; ] Thought the cat versus mono was a forgone conclusion. Bry's explanation convinced me, as much as anything, of the additional margin of safety afforded by a mono in a big blow, his "fuse" concept. Never go for a boat that floats more stably upside down than upright. Bry, loved your Q re: isolated ER/gen and the answer, "It's still an Amel." It was SO strong in your recent ep. to pull a gen without cutting a deck. Wonder how the 50 will carry PV panels/turbines and solve for dinghy. That aft cabin is so large that you could make two cabins out of it with bunk berths. Your NA's first point was the best: Develop your design program FIRST and then seek a boat that fits it. I believe that you want more crew to share burdens and have more fun moments with guests; room for monkeys; maybe even a dedicated video editing suite. You want lots of batteries and onboard power generation, esp. PV and wind turbine. Start there. Lotsa love to you guys!

Hey DeIos! That was interesting. I think you guys are right about the advantages of the ketch rig for long distance ocean cruising. There seems to be an obsession amongst designers with upwind performance and airy cabin space, when as popper cruisers you plan to go with the wind whenever you can because no matter how fast the boat or how high it points, upwind sailing for any length of time becomes wearing and tiresome on both crew and boat. From experience I have found that moving the max width of the beam aft is fine in optimal conditions, but in rough and confused seas any windward sailing results in the bows taking off and slamming down so hard that threatens to break the boat in two and downwind you lose directional stability. Its ok having all this electronics and machinery to make handling the huge sails of an enormous sloop rig easy, but when they fail in the teeth of a gale and you need to handle the sails manually, you're stuffed if you haven't got a crew of "fore-deck gorillas". The one certainty of a long ocean voyage is things will break - look at your own experiences; you look after your boat and keep on top the jobs but things still fail. On top of that, the more complicated they make it, fixing it at sea or in some harbour in the back of beyond becomes impossible. That designer really did swallow hard when you pointed out you crammed over 4 tons of supplies into Delos.

Thanks for posting this sweet insiders look at these industry leaders. We appreciate the straightforward and uncomplicated discussions you guys bring to your videos, very helpful, Thank you so much!

I was paralyzed from my shoulders down in 1999 I was 20 years old I missed my dream so thank you for taking me on yours much love and prayer for you guys

This is a brilliant episode , so good to hear this guy talk , thanks folks.

I think my two favorite design features of the super maramu is that the steering wheel is centralized, covered, and out of the the way making it feel like a wheel house. And my second favorite part is the design of the transom, with the way it’s sloped and has steps for ease of access. I really wish more boat designers would incorporate the style of cockpit that Amel does...

Just finished every episode of Delos and looked for more viewing goodness, that was a wicked interview with Olivier and I could listen to him talk boats for ever! Great guy.

Delos, you hit the ball out of the park with this video. The architect must have been fascinating to interview, especially with his range of designs. Fascinating developments with new designs.

Gorgeous, I'm soaking this up like a sponge. Learned heaps, thanks so much

Great video! I love the interview videos. There's so much to learn from others and these videos break up the sun, bathing suit, Brady's junk, binge drinking, wave slapping normal videos. Keep it up!

Great post -- As a yacht designer and builder I found this a really enjoyable vid. Loved the new 50

Great skills are more and more shining through. Delos and Amel are becoming stronger brands every step of the way.

Probably the best designer for cruising boat at the present time

Thanks for the awesome video! It is always great to see the technical stuff, hardcore sailing content, and to hear from such an expert in the field of yacht design. Cheers!

Best episode ever! What a crew!

It appears the Delos crew can hang with the Naval Architect pretty easily! I saw him impressed with them!

1000 beers?! it was fascinating to listen to the designer talk about all the variables of yacht design.

Awesome vid guys, thank you Olivier for explaining the pointing differences and why weight seems not too much issue with a keeler, increasing stability was an eye opener for me here, but guys, Delos @ 4 tonnes of provisions! Thanks Kiril great editing! (almost up to Karin's spec lol) Seems to be the way now, finer entry, beamier bum = much better pointing ability, well, look at some of those ocean racers, skiff's! skimming the tide with 2 ft of flying draft skittling along 30+ knots.... bloody great to watch! Like 65 ft moth's... I do prefer a ketch rig, with inner for-stay too, more options, as when you guys hove too, easier to do that, and the misson can be used as an 'air' rudder here. Thanks for the longer vlog guys - much prefered and very much enjoyed watching, seems you give use greater detail with this time frame too.

Delos keeps serving up the goods. Excellent information, asked all the right questions!

This is a wonderful resource!

What precision, beautiful are those boats. Thank you for the video.

The video on the 50 is very cool, the top cabinets have a drawer you can pull out and see through the glass bottom. I love too how the chart table is like a love seat, so you have a pace for two to seat there. Thanks guys and gal for the Amel tour, it is very interesting to see, bon voyage.

Great technical conversation guys! I learned a lot, thnks!

Always awesome stuff!!

this was awesome. thank you Delos

Absolutely fascinating.

That Amel 50 is definitely a beautiful boat, it's absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for doing this interview.

What a great video guys! very educational about sailing vessels. Seeing the hulls in construction, makes one think about the old giant ships from centuries ago. All that prep work, now plumbing, electrical, systems of all kinds. Sail boats have become sooooo scientific and high tech. Wow!

My favourite video for sure!

great episode, loved seeing the virtual tour at the end.

Ok, there will be lots of new modern boats in the future... for sure no one like SVDelos... not because of its design or shape, but because of its amazing, fantastic and awesome CREW. Bons Ventos! Brasil!

Absolutely awesome video. Really enjoyed the interview, very informative.

Even if I never been on a sailboat I still enjoyed this a lot! Good insight to sailing, thanks for sharing.

Thank you Delos Crew for another interesting trip to the tech side. What a wonderful vessel; it would be perfect for my needs if it only had a swing keel for shoal areas and beach parking. Also thanks for filling the 'CC' port with English....made it so much easier to understand Olivier, the very knowledgeable French Architect. I didn't know that you normally did that....

OK..I had my doubts about this video but just watched it for a second time!! I felt like it was back in college for a bit. Thanks and keep the awesome videos coming!

Just one word “awesome” thanks brothers and sister 👍

Great video on the new lineup of Amel boats. Thanks for sharing!

Excellente video exclusive info from Olivier Racoupeau - from a Naval Arc.

It's so cool that you get to meet the guys that created your boat and see how they are continuing to develop thier boats. Great interview keep up the good work.

How cool is that!!!!

Amel was brilliant in inviting them to film a video. Amel should give them a 50 to sail for a year and put it through its passes. The feedback would be priceless. It would also give a lot of cred to the boat.

Thank you for that video! Following you for many years and enjoyed your exploits and travels. Understanding designs of sailboats today (2017) versus 1990's-ish was well done. Congrats and going to buy you a beer!

Great are the French at the Amel boat plant. They show friendly way of hosting you. The interview is exelent.

Excellent. Thanks 😊

i like before i watch because i know it going to be awesome

Brilliant conversation. Maybe I'm just a geek but I really love this stuff.

Very enjoyable, and an interesting change for your videos. Thanks!

really nice technical video. Lifestyle videos are awesome but it's good to have a few of them once in a while. Thanks

Love love it... I like the technical side..We all like to learn...every day on youtube :)

Incredible

So totally on point with this excellent video, and thanks

Great video Delos crew! I realy enjoyed the details you went for in your questions. Your experience with Delos and with sailing in general made the subject matter much more interesting and pertinant. It allmosst looked like you were shopping there for a while 😜 . Althought I like the overall classic and "lived-in" look of the working boat that Delos has...the new Amels seem a bit more sterile but not to shaby none the less. Thanks for another great moment on RU-vid!🇨🇦👍🏻

Good for you, you salty dogs, getting to meet such an accomplished designer. This firm also designed Jimmy Cornell's Garcia 45 which is a cool boat. If it's good enough for Jimmy, it's good enough for me (though I still prefer the center cockpit). BTW, several of the inaudible parts of the CC are _sail plan_ . Thanks for sharing and fair winds.

I really loved this episode, Delos +Amel =perfect match. Peace from AK

Nice and interesting video , nice job Delos !

You are doing this work together with Amel, incredibly well, I find. This is extremely effective communication. It looks and feels "organic". Which, given the story of how you chose an Amel in the first place, and how you used it in the seven years since, maybe isn't surprising. But. If, ultimately, this leads to a boat deal for you, one day in the future, I think it will be a model for how to go about doing so. And I think you'd thoroughly deserve it. Moreover, Amel are thoroughly deserving of you as representatives and customers.

I woke up and saw the Delos notification and freaked out a little thinking it was Friday.

Bonjour! Thanks for this. It's great to learn some of the thought process in deciding the sail plan of a new boat, as well as the design aspects that set Amel apart. You've got me sold on Amel, for sure! Now, I just need to put together the shekels. :)

Excellent video....I only became familiar with Amel after following Delos for the last year but I have to say the new 50 is at the top of our list when we upgrade from our current boat. We love the idea of the 55 with ketch rig but when you see the actual walk through of the 50 it's amazing....has to be one of the best designs on the market in this size range!

Fun episode!

Very cool! Thank you.

Grate interview, finally a sailing channel dose an intelligent interview.

So interesting topic and complete interview !

I think this is your new boat. Can’t fool me. That’s your boat right there. I can read Brady, he gave it away.

Very cool - thanks for a great video

Excellent video , Oliver was a great straight shooting communicator , and of course you had the perfect questions , which pretty much means you asked a lot of the questions I would have :-) All the best and merry Christmas .

Next level episodes learning about Amel! I liked the windows that gave under water views on the 55 but otherwise, I will have the “old English pub” any day!

Always fun to watch an interview with a naval architect. Thanks. For the math unchallenged, may I recommend, e.g., C.A. Marchaj's "Aero-hydrodynamics of Sailing", and for the traditionalist with traditional materials, "The Bark Canoes and Skin Boats of North America", by E.T. Adney and H.I. Chapelle?

I was thinking all along they will work out a deal with you guys and you might end up with a new Amel with a serious discount. You guys are a PR wet dream for a company like that. I wonder what impact your videos had on their sales, I bet it helped a LOT.

That was cool guys thanks for sharing

Delos , you made the designer raise his eyebrows several times. 1. Nautical miles per day @ 200 his jaw almost dropped to the floor. 2. Provisioning for 7 months - he almost fainted. 3. One thousand beers in the boat - you could almost hear him say “I’m quitting my job and I’m joining this crew” Kudos Delos !!!!

Great video! amazing boat!

VERY COOOOOL

Yeah how good would it be to pick the brains of these very very clever designers. Amazing episode

Great video guys.

His face when you said 1008 beers :). Nice to hear from the creator. Thanks guys

I really enjoyed the video. Thanks.

That sloop sure looks nice

Must have been really amazing to see Delos's Grand Children :-)!

Very interesting vid! Berret/Racoupeau also designed the Garcia Exploration 45/52 series, another amazing go-anywhere vessel, it's super cool that you got to speak to them :)

I would never give up the twin pole design you have. It is so easy to deploy

Very cool. I think the designer went into that meeting like "the marketing department is making me do another interview", and came out - "holy shit, those Delos guys are the real deal", and probably went and watched some videos.

I am amazed yet again. I am maybe the furthest person from the sailing world but this was a very fascinating video to watch. Just one more reason I love your channel. I agree with other posters in regards to liking Delos but maybe these new boats will give you ideas to retrofit Delos with some updates.Thanks for all you guys do!

Great vid...fascinating...

Wow,, That is one impressive boat.

THANK YOU!

Awesome vid