POWER CATAMARANS We meet some real power cat enthusiasts

Review: 6 years on board JAMBO

A champion’s passion: research and development
It’s in his blood! The twice-winner of the Route du Rhum and holder for 10 years of every category of single-handed 24 hour speed records is fanatical about helming, but also putting extreme vessels into action. After going over to the dark side of family motor-cruising, his passion for the challenge remains the same. Half a circumnavigation later (via the Patagonian channels), “Jambo” is now being used professionally as a diving expedition vessel based out of Tahiti and operating in Polynesia’s Leeward Islands (Raiatea and Maupiti) and the Windward Islands (the Tuamotus, Australs and Marquesas), before continuing on westwards. Already well set-up from the start (see Multihulls World No.104 March 2009 edition), the prototype Sunreef 70 has undergone two further evolutionary stages, the latter requiring six months work in New Zealand. This latest phase, described by Laurent as being economically difficult to justify were it not for its specific use also bears witness to his taste for technical challenges. This little “wandering dive school” provides excellent accommodation and top of the range equipment, and its reputation extends beyond Polynesia’s boundaries (the reconnaissance for James Cameron’s future sub-marine work was done on board!). What’s more, she is championing levels of economy (for a 60 ton vessel), and is gaining respect in all her areas of development.

Jambo in her original form

3 stages of development

Phase 1: The evolution of a prototype
As we reported in our test in 2009, this was conceived as an experimental vessel , designed to serve as both a family cruising project, and also as a prototype for a future production model! Built in epoxy, and having exceptional self-sufficiency (20 tonnes of fuel) and significantly lengthened sugar-scoops, this special Sunreef 70 completed an inaugural tour of Europe at cruising speed (10 knots) and successfully handled its first severe weather in the Mediterranean. At this speed, fuel consumption worked out at 26.5 liters/hour with both motors at 2,500 rpm.
Phase 2: Accomplishing an expedition boat
During the voyage from the Baltic Sea, through the North Sea, English Channel, down the Atlantic coast and into the Mediterranean, the Bourgnon design team was working flat out and straight away came up with two points for optimization. The one concerned engine performance, and the other, the hydrodynamics. The two came together and led to a significant improvement in handling and economy. The talented team leader, who has a flair for finding the best organizations to work with, called on Sport Systèmes (a specialist in electronics management in motor racing). From the first live tests, the results immediately showed a significant reduction in fuel consumption following a torque adjustment at the desired cruising speed. The price to pay for this was the ...