First Vicem 50 Classic en route to the U.S. with four other units in production
by Vicem Yachts 16 Dec 2020 06:22 PST
The first hull in the new 50 Classic line from Turkish yacht builder Vicem Yachts has completed factory sea trials and is currently en route to the United States for delivery. The owner of hull #1 will assume ownership after Vicem's stateside representatives, Semmes Yachts (in Annapolis, MD), and Vicem's Production Manager, Yigit Akbarlas, put the vessel through a thorough commissioning process after arrival in the US.
Vicem Yachts completed sea trials prior to shipment, providing the first clues to the vessel's performance characteristics, including speed, range, and fuel consumption. Though the first hull was well-equipped with heavy after-market equipment that includes gyro stabilization and a transom-mounted dinghy lift, the vessel performed to company expectations with her standard twin IPS-600 435 HP powerplant.
In 4-foot seas, the 50 Classic hit a top speed of 25.4 knots and is projected to maintain a range of 477 nautical miles at a slower cruising speed of around 8.5 knots. Expectations for a lighter-equipped vessel and/or a vessel with the more powerful optional engine package should push the top speeds to the predicted 28-knot or higher range.
Vicem has taken orders for the first four hulls in the new line, while a fifth hull is slated to begin construction soon. Estimates for customer deliveries for hulls #2 and #3 are tentatively planned for the early part of 2021, while the fourth and fifth hulls are estimated to launch sometime in the first quarter of 2021.
Noelle Semmes, a principal at Semmes Yachts, believes that this vessel customization to suit any type of owner is an important story behind the early success of the new 50 Classic line. "The Vicem 50 Classic will have the beautiful craftsmanship and seakeeping that are trademark features onboard all Vicems," says Semmes, "but Vicem's willingness to work with owners on a wide variety of customization options is what really sets the vessel apart in its class." Semmes adds that customers can choose to have tunnels added for reduced draft, or even straight shafts for owners who prefer a more conventional drivetrain. "Other than the saloon versus flybridge option," Semmes says, "customers will also have the option for galley up or down, or the standard two- or optional three- stateroom accommodations layout, plus a wide range of options from cabinetry and countertop surfaces to cabin sole flooring. Vicem took great care to think about all types of customers and their style preferences."
Principal Dimensions:
- Total length: 52' 0" - 15.85 m
- Beam: 14' 5" - 4.41 m
- Draft: 3' 8" - 1.12 m
- Max. persons capacity: 8
- Fuel Tank: 528 gals - 2000 l
- Water Tank: 200 gals - 757 l
- Maximum Speed (knots): 28
- Cruising Speed (knots): 24
- Exterior Design: Vicem Yacht Design Team
- Interior Design: Vicem Yacht Design Team
- Engines: 2 x VOLVO PENTA IPS 600
- Construction: GRP, Sandwich PVC, Vinlyester Resin