The latest design by naval architect Philippe Briand, 78-foot Whimsy, was recently launched in Auckland Bay. Built by New Zealand’s Vaudrey Miller Yachts, Whimsy is a highly contemporary design strongly influenced by the taste of its European yachtsman owner, who visualized a world sailor with the performance capabilities and feel of a racing yacht.

A composite hull and T-shaped bulb keel keep Whimsy lithe (just over 40 tons at half load), and a large sail plan in excess of 3,200 square feet enables her to reach 10 knots.

A separate maneuvering cockpit arranged around two off-center helming stations affords excellent visibility and simple control access for the helmsman.

Franck Darnet and Sopha Architectes worked together on her modern, white-and-grey hull, flush deck, low roof and relatively straight bows. These themes and colors are repeated inside, accented with anegree, rosewood and brushed steel. Three identical double guest rooms are ensuite. Crew quarters accommodate two or three. She sports a 210-hp Volvo Penta D4 engine for cruising under power.

Vaudrey Miller Yachts
64 9 838 6691
www.vaudreymiller.com