Magic Carpet-e, the fourth yacht in the renowned Magic Carpet series, is a 100ft carbon racer designed by Guillaume Verdier and built by Italian shipyard Persico Marine. Built predominantly for the European Maxi race circuit. In addition, this groundbreaking yacht can race in ‘silent mode’, not requiring the use of a main engine or generator to operate, hence the ‘e’.
Define the Platform
Osprey Technical joined the project at the outset to work with project manager Ed Bell and navigator Marcel van Triest to finalise the specification of the instrumentation and communications package. All options were researched and considered on their individual merits regarding performance, weight and reliability.
Our focus at this stage was to develop a platform that would provide us with the best possible results in the long term and ultimately, we opted to go for a system based around the latest offering from B&G fresh off the drawing board – the Hercules WTP processor.
Develop
MC-e is the first race boat to launch with the Hercules WTP sailing processor and Osprey and the MC-e team have worked closely with B&G to develop the specification and functionality of the processor throughout the build and launch phases of the yacht. There are always challenges when working with brand new products, but these challenges create huge opportunity. In the long run, through close collaboration and partnerships, you end up with a better product and overall result for the project. The Hercules WTP, while still in its infancy, offers us huge potential for the longer term and we will continue refine this system with our partners over the lifetime of the vessel.
Combined with the latest sensor and display technology, the bespoke system was created. A complete system build and test was performed in our workshops in Hamble, UK before installation at Persico’s facility in La Spezia. Pre-assembly of the complete system allowed us to do all of the detailed configuration and troubleshooting in a controlled environment and optimised our time onboard at the factory.
Connect and Integrate
In addition to the instrumentation, Osprey designed and supplied the IT infrastructure that brings together all the systems onboard. Our partners at Cariboni and Williams engineering have critical systems onboard that require 24/7, secure, remote access. Using our Vessel Fusion VPN service, we provide this managed service which is invaluable to a vessel packed with highly complex systems. We connect the expertise to the vessel wherever and whenever it is needed.
A Dream Job
Being involved with the project from the outset, understanding the client’s requirements and the requirements of the other technical partners significantly contributed to the overall success of the project. It is a dream job for us to work with other experts at the highest level across the industry. The project management from Ed Bell was masterful and the professional and positive approach from all involved made the project a standout success.
Magic Carpet-e has now launched and in training with a focus on the Maxi Worlds in September and home regatta, Voiles de Saint-Tropez, in October.