Production of craft built upon Rafnar’s revolutionary ÖK Hull is soon to begin at shipyard facilities in Palma de Mallorca, firmly placing recognition of the ÖK Hull Technology at the heart of the Mediterranean superyacht industry
Following a dynamic R&D programme with the revolutionary ÖK Hull Technology over the past thirteen years in their Vesturvór facility in Reykjavik, Iceland – which has resulted in a broad range of Explorer, Coast-guard, Military, Search and Rescue, and superyacht tender RIBs – Rafnar of Iceland has moved to the next phase of presentation of their innovative and astonishing hulls.
At long last – minimal ‘bounce-and-slamming’
Now widely acclaimed amongst operators from all sectors of maritime usage for the incredibly soft ride and lack of ‘bounce¬and-slam’, and deployed for a multitude of purposes around the world, the Rafnar/ÖK Hull craft are now to be constructed under license in Palma de Mallorca, Spain (the Mediterranean capital of superyachting), and also in other centres in the U.S.A and U.K where agreements are being made with trusted and highly reputable shipyards and boat distributors.
This step frees up international distributors to produce the Rafnar/ÖK Hull craft within their specific geographical zone for the purpose, climate, and requirement of their local market. The Rafnar R&D team in Iceland will continue to provide technical support and styling and design assistance for any variations required for existing designs in the current Rafnar range.
Superyacht support craft and RIB tenders
The existing Rafnar portfolio covers craft from 8,5m to 12m, although a 15m and a 24m Rafnar support boat will soon be introduced. These craft range in design from basic Search and Rescue and Coast-guard cabin-RIBs to purpose built superyacht Explorer RIBs and open yacht-support tenders. Ruggedness and functionality can be balanced with customised luxury features and styling as required by the purchasing clients.
The Palma de Mallorca production facility will be offering craft in both composite and aluminium construction (a first for Rafnar production), and there is already a strong shift towards presenting and promoting Open and T-top craft styled and designed for Mediterranean and Caribbean leisure usage. The iconic 11m ‘Leiftur 1100 Rafnar Cabin Explorer RIB’ (featured), as designed for North Atlantic, Arctic, and Antarctic exploration and patrol, will remain a favourite in the range.
A remarkable ride
Long recognised for the remarkable ride provided by the patented ÖK Hull, the expansion of production into the international sector is being seen as a very positive move, and will allow flexibility in design and production for all boat enthusiasts requiring the performance and functionality that the ÖK Hull provides – most notably the ability to travel long distances at sea in comfort in ‘displacement mode’ and at high speed, with little fatigue and stress for guests, crew, or the actual boat. With boat usage becoming more diverse and with related challenges faced by designers, the Rafnar/ ÖK Hull technology offers a welcome and surprising alternative for the market.
The Rafnar Licensee and Distributor in Palma de Mallorca, Just & Co, is providing a Mediterranean base for consultation and construction of the Rafnar/ÖK Hull craft.
“After being closely involved with the inventor Össur Kristinsson in Iceland throughout development of this hull technology and the Rafnar Brand right from the beginning 13 years ago, I am very proud to lead the way in beginning the first constructions and commissioning of these remarkable craft at our base in Palma de Mallorca,” comments Anthony Just, primary of Just & Co.
For more details contact:
Just & Co, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Tel: +(34) 659 011 071
Email: [email protected]
Product Development, Construction, and Sales Promotion for RAFNAR – ÖK Hull Technology
or visit www.rafnar.com