12.10 YACHT OPERATION DURING NAVIGATION

WARNING

Persons operating your yacht must never be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The yacht’s pilot should be experienced in the use of all instruments and controls, and know the handling characteristics of the yacht at all speeds and sea conditions.
You should be certain that persons intending to operate your yacht are completely knowledgeable about its proper operation. If you are not certain about an individual’s qualifications or competence, the person must be supervised by a qualified operator.

The yacht is very efficient and is equipped with very responsive rudders; nevertheless, because of its size and performance capability, only persons experienced, competent, responsible, cautious and with necessary qualifications should operate the yacht.

The yacht is manoeuvred by means of the steering wheel in the helm station. The steering wheel operates the rudders by means of an electric system. The steering gear operation is independent from the engine operation. Never leave the steering wheel unattended when the yacht is navigating.

Keep in mind that the rudder effect is proportional to the propeller rpm and the yacht’s speed, especially when moving forward.
As a consequence, the rudder efficiency is high at high rpm and speed.
On the contrary, when the engines are idling and the yacht’s speed is low, the yacht’s reaction to the tiller angle is almost negligible.
If necessary, or when in restricted waters, you can steer the yacht with the engines by varying and/or reversing the engine speeds and alternating power from port and starboard engines.

At low rpm, operating on a single engine, alternating port and starboard engines and using the “back and fill” method for turning the yacht is the recommended practice. Learn and practice the skills for handling the yacht at low speed and engine rpm.

When the yacht’s speed increases, the transition of the hull from displacement mode to planing mode is a critical phase.
The transition to the planing mode should be done as quickly as practical to achieve fuel efficiency and provide a comfortable motion.

The minimum planing speed depends on yacht’s displacement, on load distribution, on interceptor position and on sea conditions.

Adjust speed and interceptor position according to sea conditions and to the loading conditions of the yacht, in order to ensure an easy yacht movement and to avoid stress to the structure due to the effects of sea conditions.

WARNING

At high speed, the use of the autopilot is dangerous and not recommended. Anyway, be always very careful during navigation also when the autopilot is in use.

The high quality engines allow the yacht to be run safely at cruising speed for extended periods of time.