African Queen, a 43.0 m. (140.8') fast cruising sloop, is scheduled for launch in summer 2002, from Vitters Shipyard in Holland.

The design for African Queen was developed for an owner who admired Kokomo but requested a number of changes including an increase in length to 42.9 meters. This increase allowed improvements in the significant interior spaces and the concentration of weight further amidships will give better pitch characteristic, greater stability and increased overall performance.

Further wind tunnel work was carried out on the keel design to optimise bulb shape and the semi-skeg rudder has a composite blade and stock.

The deck shape was modified to incorporate aft seating and improved tender stowage. The transom has an impressive staircase leading to the bathing platform as well as hydraulically actuated boarding stairs and a crane for the launch and recovery of the various tenders and toys.

African Queen’s sails will be operated hydraulically with most of the sheets held on drum winches concealed within the superstructure or below decks. The mainsail will have in-boom furling.

African Queen’s aluminium structure was fabricated at Gouwerok then transported by barge, in September 2000, to Vitters Shipyard for completion. The construction has been impeccable. The interior design by Redman Whiteley Dixon is beautiful and has been executed to the highest standard by the Shipyard.