The long-awaited discovery yacht, Scenic Eclipse has moved one step closer to her official launch in August after successfully completing extensive sea trials.
Originally slotted to launch in late August 2018, the game-changing new build will feature helicopters and a submarine for prime viewing in the Arctic and Antarctica, setting a new benchmark in design, innovation and luxury.
The ship has faced multiple delays due to Uljanik Shipyard’s ongoing financial challenges, strikes and manpower shortages.
“Sea trials are a critical milestone in the construction process as it is the first time all the ship systems are operated together and is a key opportunity to confirm the theoretical information from the tank tests and computer modelling. The results from these trials surpassed every expectation,” said Captain James Griffiths of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours.
“I have worked extensively with Azipods on other ships like Scenic Eclipse’s, and these sea trials confirmed to me how incredibly versatile and powerful they are, particularly when coupled with our oversized Bow Thrusters.
“I was also delighted with how quiet the ship is. She was vibration free and virtually silent during all our trials, exceeding our expectations in terms of stability, manoeuvrability and performance.
“Scenic Eclipse really does manage to combine small ship manoeuvrability with big ship levels of comfort and quietness; it’s quite remarkable to experience it,”
With sea trials complete, Scenic Eclipse will now undergo the final touches to its interior and exterior and the final training of the onboard teams before the official launch and commencement of schedule of sailings on 15 August 2019.
