The Maricuda Challenger Trimaran

This 80 metre Maricuda trimaran power boat is designed for both commercial and multiple military roles and will be capable of 70 knots while crossing oceans and shrinking the world.

A 220’ wave-piercing trimaran is to be constructed in the UK, that has automated fast-response hydraulic systems and dynamic attitude-sensing controls.

Powered by two gas turbines this exciting all-weather craft will carry a fuel load sufficient to complete the 3000mile trans-Atlantic crossing in under two days.

The MAC hull design has been dubbed, ‘The Concorde of the Seas’…

David Aitken, Managing Director of Maricuda Marine Technology, comments on the Atlantic Speed challenge:

“Maricuda are now poised to embark on what is possibly the most exciting marine event of the decade, to win the Hales Trophy. The concept design has been widely received with interest in all quarters of the marine fraternity, even resolute yachtsmen have expressed their support and wished us success with the project.”

The proposed and unique Atlantic Challenger will be capable of passenger or load-carrying at high speed over long distances without re-fuelling. This vessel is being specifically designed for post-Hales Trophy life and its capability will attract commercial interest from international fast-ferry operators, the military and private operators.

The craft is to be an 80 metre twin gas turbine driven trimaran that will ensure safe, exceedingly fast travel for cargo or passengers, in all-weather conditions across oceans without re-fuelling. 3000 miles in under 2 days.

The Maricuda Atlantic Challenger Power Boat

Devonport Yachts Involvement:

Devonport Yachts situated in the famous UK Pendennis shipyards of Falmouth Harbour will work in conjunction with Maricuda to bring this project to a successful engineering conclusion. Under the guidance of Stephen Hills, MD, it is anticipated that Devonport Yachts will manage the construction and development of the MAC craft, through all stages of the build process.

The Military Version of the Maricuda Wave Piercing Trimaran:

The military version will be offered with multiple variants capable of operating in different roles and theatres worldwide.This extraordinary design, dubbed the ‘Concorde of the Seas’ is awaiting commission and construction. As a private superyacht it fills a remarkable niche as a desirable ocean traveller. In its military role it will provide a much-needed ultra-fast, long distance, multi-purpose response craft. In its commercial capacity it will bring high-speed, safe, long-distance travel in all weather conditions to operators and passengers the world over.

History of the Challenge and the Maricuda Vessel:

In 2004, Maricuda Managing Director, David Aitken produced the concept design for the 170ft twin gas turbine powered trimaran in a bid to compete for the prestigious Blue Riband.

The craft was designed to complete the journey from the Ambrose Light to Bishops Rock in under two and a half days and was also set to win the Hales Trophy by crossing the Atlantic Ocean in the fastest time. The record stands at 2 days and 20 hours. The 2004 attempt was abandoned due to the unexpected loss of a major institutional backer.

The Maricuda Atlantic Challenge

More About Maricuda Marine:

Maricuda is an exciting new marine design and technology company, based on the UK South coast, with a naval architect-designed portfolio of marine concepts.

Maricuda is currently assembling for the Maricuda Atlantic Challenge (The MAC), a diverse range of sponsors, manufacturers and marine suppliers to create an extremely innovative, design-led vessel.

Attempts to win the coveted Hales Trophy, the Blue Riband of the marine world, have been numerous and the record is currently held by a commercial fast-ferry catamaran with an average speed achieved of 41.28knots. The event is a test of endurance and reliability.

Maricuda excel in both innovative marine technology and bringing designs to reality. With safety as the key to successful acceptance of new technologies, Maricuda are introducing new technologies and developing many enhancements to known engineering practices. The result will be the Atlantic Challenger, the proof that innovative thinking has the power to revolutionise ocean travel.

Maricuda’s goal is to produce a craft that will sustain 70 knots over long distances, will ensure the safety of its crew and passengers and will exhibit remarkable new designs.

The Maricuda Team:

David Aitken

Managing Director, MSc (Brunel), CEng, MIMechE, MICE, AMRINA, A professional career engineer turned entrepreneur, formed Maricuda Ltd in 2009 for the purpose of marketing his long list of inventions and original designs related to the marine industry.

In his role as key decision maker, David is responsible for setting company policy and thereby steering the Maricuda business towards a successful financial future.

David has been responsible for the project management and financial control of multi-million pound engineering projects and brings to Maricuda the skill set which fits the current drive to bring innovative marine technology to life and deliver the designs to market.

David Aitken was the Naval Architect who designed the 2004 Blue Riband Atlantic Challenger, a 170ft twin gas turbine trimaran. American sponsorship was withdrawn at this sensitive political time and the concept remained on the drawing board.

David, re-invigorated has re-designed the original craft and added significant high-technology, patentable features which will have wide post-event appeal to the military and commercial sectors.

These features represent a huge leap in fast craft design and passenger safety.

The engineering project management function for this Maricuda Atlantic Challenge is provided by David to ensure that the finished craft is produced to the required specification, on time and within budget.
Martin Spooner

Director of Maricuda and Invest Dorset, Martin is a professional entrepreneur from the hospitality industry, skilled in managing people, projects and time, cost-effectively.

A keen sailor for over 40 years, Martin recognises the value of achieving high standards of safety at sea and the huge merits of bringing innovative concepts to life.

Inspired by David’s ideas, Martin is the co-ordinator, organiser and administrator behind Maricuda and the Atlantic Challenge. Close co-ordination of the commercial aspects of the project and ensuring that all sponsors, manufacturers, specialist suppliers and the media receive excellent communications.
Mark Lello

LL.B, BMLA, BMF, Skipper

Mark is a qualified Yachtmaster with Commercial Endorsement. A grandson of the Chief Electronics Designer of Concorde he is also a veteran of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge of 1984. He is Managing Partner of Parker Bullen LLP, a law firm that is committed to the marine industry, including advising designers and owners of yachts, super-yachts and other maritime craft.
Peter Knightbridge

Documentation Control Engineer

Peter has been Project Manager on major ship repair works Southampton Docks; Works Manager in Portsmouth Naval Dock Yard; Contracts Manager, Babcock and QC Project Manager, BAe Systems, Portsmouth. Peter will compile and file all relevant documentation for the craft.

Charlie Charles

Gas Turbine Engineer

Royal Navy Chief Engineer on the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious, working with Rolls-Royce; Worked with NATO as a generator and air-conditioning engineer, Rolls-Royce Ex Olympus engines (as used on Concorde); BAe Systems QC Engineer, Portsmouth

Toni Ferraro

Sonar and FLIR Engineer

RAF Trained Aircraft Electrical/Avionics QA Engineer, QINETIQ Boscombe Down has worked on Airbus and Helicopters,  BAe Systems QC Engineer
Adrian (AJ) Filer

Radar and Comms Engineer

Ex RAF Avionics Engineer has worked for BAe Systems, Raytheon and Lockheed Martin; PADI Diving Instructor and Medic First Aid
Tom Simpson

Systems and Control Engineer

Lead Avionics and Electrical Quality Engineer for BAE Surface Ships in Portsmouth; Member of the design team for the air intake control system for Concorde; Has worked on helicopters, satellite systems and submarine towed array.
David Lunt

Audio visual Engineer

British Aerospace trained to high MOD standard. Has worked on a number of prestigious projects which include £15M mansion on the isle of Jersey, with AVE Systems, Surrey and Joint Services Command Staff College, Shrivenham, Wiltshire; BAe Systems QC Engineer, Portsmouth.

Richard Slee

Director of Lookout Media, a video production company using professionals from BBC and ITV to record each significant stage of the Maricuda Atlantic Challenge project.

For more information about the Maricuda Boat and the Atlantic Challenge visit the infromative official blog.