Cu Lir a 17m Aluminium Expedition Yacht Optimised for Ocean Science and Marine Archaeology.

Cu Lir is the fifth boat built to the plans of Ed Joy's Good Hope 56. Ed's design was adapted for ocean science and marine archaeology.  

KM Yacht builders in the Netherlands were selected for hull construction and on completion at Makkum the bare hull was brought to Ireland where Derry Connell Marine undertook outfitting.

Working with Baumüller GmbH, Derry Connell Marine specifed the design of a bespoke hybrid propulsion and microgrid system which was built and supplied by Baumüller and Energy Solutions Ltd  with the electrical installation by Geen Marine Ireland Ltd.

With less internal volume, in comparison to other sailing boats employed for the same purpose we sought to optimise the capabilities of her propulsion and microgrid system to enable the deployment of a broader range of equipment. such as a work or inspection class ROVs. 

The flexibility of her propulsion, microgrid and energy storage systems offered the possibility to employ dynamic positioning in "green" or "diesel electric" mode and this has been incorporated in her design.

Attempting dynamic positioning on a hull form more suited to going to windward, belies the philosophy behind the design of  Cu Lir's propulsion ..... "to enhance the technical and operational capabilities of the boat".