Wheeler Yacht Company has begun initial sea trials for the Wheeler 55, its newest luxury yacht.
The cold-moulded wooden vessel built by the Brooklin Boat Yard has achieved its early performance goals.
The official launch is scheduled for July 30.
“We’ve had a tremendous media response to our first yacht, the Wheeler 38, so crafting a 55ft model built to accommodate more living space with high-end technology and bespoke luxuries was the natural next step,” said Wes Wheeler, president, Wheeler Yacht Company. “Seeing the Wheeler 55 in the water and running her for the first time on the Reach was an incredible moment for our team in Brooklin.
“This yacht represents the pinnacle of our dedication to quality, craftsmanship and innovation, and we’re thrilled to share this magnificent yacht with the industry.”
The Wheeler 55 is built with laminated Douglas fir structural elements, mahogany plywood hull, Sipo mahogany house, Sipo interiors and all-teak decks.
Constructing a yacht with this much state-of-the-art technology while maximising the living area was a masterclass in craftsmanship and planning.
Brian Larkin, CEO, Brooklin Boat Yard
The yacht is powered by twin 1,000hp v8 MAN engines and straight shafts and will cruise at 25 knots at 2300rpm. Other features include synchronised joystick controls with bow and stern, a Seakeeper gyro stabiliser and Zipwake systems.
“Constructing a yacht with this much state-of-the-art technology while maximising the living area was a masterclass in craftsmanship and planning,” explained Brian Larkin, CEO, Brooklin Boat Yard. “The carpenters, machinists, mechanics and electricians worked like a team, negotiating for valuable space on board. The engine room alone is a work of art. They built a small city in just 19 months.”
The Wheeler 55 was designed by naval architect Bill Prince and Brooklin’s design team, with interior design by Martha Coolidge and construction by the Brooklin Boat Yard.
The Brooklin Boat Yard team included their president, Brian Larkin, its chief operating officer Nick Carter, in-house designer Will Sturdy and project manager Eric Blake.
The Wheeler 55 is inspired by both the 1931 Wheeler ‘Playmate’ model and its contemporary, the 38ft Wheeler ‘Legend.’
