The world debut of the world class New Zealand shipyard “CIRCA MARINE” of their new 24M Ocean going world cruiser.

CIRCA Marine, which built Steve Dashew’s FPB program, has teamed up with renowned naval architects, LOMOcean.

With the first 24 metre launched, and the second being built, it is easy to see why this match of industry leaders is producing incredible results.

What sets these builds apart from other comparable blue water cruisers is the shipyard’s relationships with its clients, and the goal to provide a fully customized space within the parameters of the hull. Each client is different with their own requirements and cruising styles.

Deon Ogden of CIRCA, who oversees the relationships with the build team and clients, says, “We try to say “no” as little as possible. If it can be done, we will move mountains to achieve what the clients are looking for.”

LOMOcean has designed a hull so efficient, the fuel figures are staggering. The first 24m has been spec’d with twin SCANIA 250HP, which may not seem a lot of horsepower for a boat that is nearly 26m (LOA has a gross tonnage of 70,000kgs, and almost every luxury imaginable. But this behemoth burns less than 8GPH (total) at a cruising speed of 11.5 knots. 

It doesn’t compare with other production boats in its class. That’s not what CIRCA is either - “a production boat builder”. CIRCA is able to customise the layout and interior and some aspects of the exterior to suit the owner’s exacting standard.

The first two builds are vastly different. The first has an open, free flowing approach with just the two large cabins, and a clean, bright white interior. The second boat (currently in build) commands a more contemporary approach with exotic woods and designer furniture on the direction of the Belgium owner’s interior designer. It comfortably maximizes passenger numbers with four cabins plus an internal staircase to the fly bridge. In short, you really can configure the layout and cabin numbers to the owner’s request, which is the beauty of these boats.

CIRCA is all about customization, extensively researching its customers’ requirements. The long-range cruising market has some heavy hitters, but all seem to use the cookie cutter approach - one or two layouts and then an options list. If you’re lucky you can pick your carpets and benchtops. This project is similar to building a custom interior from one of the few northern European super yacht builders just on a smaller scale.

The beauty of customization is the customer can see true value for money, and owners can use their wealth of experience and cruising knowledge, guided by the build team, to produce something special.

It’s not just the styling and the custom layouts and final spec that that set these boats apart - that’s the tip of the iceberg. These boats are built tough, all boats have the same 12mm hull plates and 8mm topsides for strength, and the hull structure is designed and built to exceed LR Special Service Craft code with G6 notation (unlimited offshore). It doesn’t stop at the aluminium either. All the thermally toughened safety glass meets ISO offshore standards for thickness and strength. Combine these standards with 5 watertight bulkheads would give any seasoned mariner undertaking long distance offshore passages comfort that the safety, reliability and comfort of these vessels are paramount.

When it comes to build quality and innovation, Director and Naval Architect Craig Loomes gives full credit to CIRCA.

“Circa have done an incredible job on the construction and the technical systems on board. They are world leading and exemplify the high standards the yard sets for itself,” he says.

The systems onboard are from world leading manufacturers such as Maretron, Simrad, Furuno & Victron, forming comprehensive but simple to operate modern, technical complete vessel systems with built-in redundancies to provide self-sufficient reliability for serious offshore adventures.

The technical spaces of these boats have benefited from years of proven experience and input from the yard and customers. Each space like the interior is bespoke and designed to be easily accessible, functional and intuitive, including the safety of well thought out back-up systems and components without excessive complexity.

They are designed to cruise for extended periods to remote locations and harsh conditions. The bare finish of aluminium is raw yet sleek, and all part of the original design brief. The aft deck is spacious to allow for outdoor entertaining and dining, with the aluminium canopy offering protection from the elements and additional dinghy storage.

The large flybridge provides the primary helm with room for guests to enjoy the uninhibited views in comfort and can be (offered) designed with or without a full walk around. The aluminium canopy also provides a spacious outdoor upper deck, great for casual breakfasts in the sun or evening wine.

Minimal maintenance on the exterior gives the owner more time to enjoy the lifestyle than worry about paint care, however if the custom OEM patterned aluminium finish isn’t for you, then CIRCA is happy to discuss other options such as vinyl wrapping or fairing and painting the vessel.

Even during a pandemic this is an exciting time for CIRCA. While the border is currently effectively closed, the Government is preparing to start reopening the country to travellers in the first quarter of 2022.

This hurdle has been easily overcome for both offshore owners of the first two CIRCA 24m, who are more than happy with the lines of communication and up-to-date progress reports.

CIRCA has experience working remotely with offshore clients, building 17 passage makers in the past few years. Is has moved with technology and developed methods to bridge geographic constraints to keep clients well informed and involved in their builds.

“It can be a very daunting process building your dream boat in another country,” says Mollymawk’s Owner.

However, the process has been very enjoyable and the relationship between CIRCA and myself has been second to none.

This new model from CIRCA will tick a lot of boxes for the long-range cruiser enthusiast. The CIRCA 24m currently forms the base point to expand the model range. There is also a 20M on the drawing board. With a slightly shorter build time, a larger version is also being contemplated, giving more volume and opportunities to house a larger family or optional crew.

Also on the table, with preliminary designs, are low-profile versions of both the CIRCA 24m and CIRCA 20m and plenty of scope to expand the range to larger sizes.  Enquire today for build slot availability or more information.