Mills Design has enjoyed success in recent years with purebred IRC racers. These have included the IC37 for the New York Yacht Club, the Cape 31 and the most recently launched Cape 26. But Mills also came up with the foiler “FlyingNikka” and, here and there, Maxi designs such as the Vismara or Maxi Dolphin. Now, the Irish design firm, based south of Dublin, is bringing the 62 Canting Keel to the fore, which is already being laminated by Fibre Mechanics in Lymington. As the project name suggests, Mark Mills and his team are relying on a canting keel, which is expected to lead to regatta successes in the Mini-Maxi class.
This striking racing yacht measures 18.90 metres overall and 17.80 metres at the waterline. It is 3.80 metres wide, with a draught of 3.50 metres when the keel is in the neutral position. Fibre Mechanics processes pre-preg carbon fibre to aerospace standards. The hull consists of a carbon-fibre-reinforced monocoque with integrated structural bulkheads. The hull and deck are bonded together using a structural adhesive derived from offshore racing.
High-tech design and materials
The British shipyard uses pre-preg carbon fibre for the hull, deck and all load-bearing components. Nomex honeycomb cores form the basis of the sandwich construction. Unidirectional carbon stringers run the entire length of the hull, whilst the integrated keel cassette forms a complete structural frame.
Rather than being fitted on top of the hull and deck after they have been joined, the interior is integrated into the hull as a load-bearing structure. Three cabins provide accommodation for the owner and guests. The navigation and all systems are designed for sailing with a small crew. The Mills 62 is expected to meet the ISAF Category 1 requirements for safety equipment.
The appendices to Mills 62
Cariboni’s keel pivots out to the side by up to 45 degrees. At the bow, a retractable centreboard complements the lateral plan geometry, whilst at the stern there is a twin-rudder system. The keel is operated by a 350-bar hydraulic system. The rig and sail systems utilise a separate 700-bar circuit. A central hydraulic panel brings together the controls for the crew. The shaft drive is designed to be retractable, minimising drag whilst under sail. A 110 PS FNM marine engine provides propulsion in harbour and in calm conditions.
Rigging and deck equipment
Hall Spars supplies a rig made from high-modulus carbon fibre. The mast, which features a generous amount of rake, is designed to sit almost amidships and directly above the keel. Hydraulically adjustable backstays are controlled via an integrated control panel. A fixed carbon fibre bowsprit extends the sail area forward. The deck fittings are designed for Grand Prix sailing: Harkens’ Air winches with electric drives are fitted at all positions, whilst Rigging Projects supplies blocks and fittings. All lines run into the cockpit.
The launch of the first Mills 62 Canting Keel is set to take place later this year. The broker Racing Yachts, based in Hamble, is marketing a second construction number for an undisclosed price.
Technical Specifications: Mills 62 Canting Keel
- Overall length: 18.90 m
- Waterline length: 17.80 m
- Width: 3.80 m
- Draught: 3.50 metres (keel in neutral position)
- Fuselage material: pre-preg carbon fibre with a Nomex honeycomb core
- Designer: Mark Mills
- Shipyard: Fibre Mechanics, Lymington, United Kingdom
- Engine: FNM Marine 110 PS
- Kiel: Cariboni canting keel (45-degree angle)
- Mast: Hall Spars, high-modulus carbon
- Winches: Harken Air (electric)
- Hydraulics: two circuits (350 bar for the keel, 700 bar for the rig)
- IRC rating: 1.525 to 1.550
- Certification: IRC and ORC
- Safety: ISAF Category 1 compliant
- Cabins: 3
- Bathrooms: 2
- Navigation: Garmin/Faro
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