1998 Custom 8MR13m

Spazzo is a modern International 8-Metre yacht built to the design of  Ing. Juliane Hempel. The hull is the result of extensive tank testing at the University of Kiel, Germany. The yacht is uncompromisingly built to the highest standards using the best material available. The yard of Josef Martin is well known for their first class and impeccable quality of workmanship following generations of yacht building on the shores of Lake Constance.

 Spazzo has been constructed according to the 1993 International Eight Metre Class Rating Rules in cold moulded mahogany. The construction followed the Lloyd's Register Rules for the construction of wooden yachts 1957 and the building survey and classification has been performed by Germanische Lloyd from Hamburg. (Reg. No. 92728)

In 2001 Spazzo became the first training yacht of Team Alinghi on Lake Geneva after they had input their challenge for the America's Cup 2003. As we all know now, Alinghi surprisingly won the cup in Auckland and brought it back to Europe for the first time in history. Spazzo is at the beginning of that historical achievement.

Before the Alinghi team had their own big-size AC boat, they practiced with the team on 8-metre yachts, since they behave very similar on the water as the AC class boat did in 2003. Also, it was convenient for them to be able to start the campaign on their home waters in Lake Geneva.

The Alinghi team trained for 6 months on Lake Geneva with Russel Coutts being the helmsman of Spazzo and Jochen Schümann the helmsman on the other 8-metre Yquem. In return Alinghi provided a lot of experience in optimizing Spazzo. 

Hull construction

Vacuum cold moulded construction using West System Epoxy resins. 7 Layers of diagonal mahogany, the last layer in carvel. The hull thickness depends on the position, on average 26,5mm. Underwater the hull has been additionally reinforced with 2 layers of biaxial glass and epoxy. The hull has been vacuum pressed. The keel is built from laminated mahogany and extra reinforced at the keel bolt area. Two strong laminated ring frames have been placed in the mast area. The shelf is built from light weight and defect free spruce. The bulkheads have been constructed from water boil proof plywood AW100. The load bearing bulkheads are 18mm, the light bulkheads are 10 and 12 mm.

Deck construction

The deck construction is a high tech foam laminate. The deck was vacuum laminated in a composite of:

1. Underdeck 4mm 3-layer plywood
2. 18mm Herex 80 hardfoam
3. Top deck 4mm, 3-layer plywood
4. Teak deck, 6mm bent strips

The deck beams are of light and defect free spruce, clear varnished. The bottom of the deck has been varnished high gloss white. The teak deck is finished with mahogany linings. The cockpit and stern are also in clean varnished mahogany.

Cockpit

The cockpit is not self draining and constructed in a light weight foam composite. Teak veneer walking floors combined elegance with excellent anti slip properties.

Coachroof

The coachroof is built from selected quarter sawn mahogany. Laminated construction ensures strength and minimum weight. The accommodation is to the minimum requirements, two fixed berths midships; in addition a light weight pipe berth is installed in the fore castle.

Keel and ballast

The keel is cast from antimon hardened lead. The keelbolts are in stainless steel 316. The trim flap is also cast in lead. The wings are laminated and ballast neutral.

Rudder

Narrow and deep rudder following the latest developments. Constructed in glass fibre with reinforcements in AIMg Si1. The rudder has a core of Airex C70/90 hard foam. The rudderpost is made of glass fibre and has a Speedwave pendule bearing system.

Mast and rigging

Tapered aluminium mast made by Speedwave from a Proctor extrusion. Boom made by Speedwave, also from proctor extrusion. Double spreader arrangement with jumpers. Speedwave rod rigging. Speedwave hydraulic system for adjustment of boomvang, mainsail outhaul, mastfoot and fore stay. Carbon fibre spinnaker pole, oval and tapered section.