Radford 15.2

Radford 15.2 RUBICON aluminium expedition yacht, launched in June 2022. Designed for shorthanded, long-distance passage-making to all latitudes. The majority of the work was completed by the owner; however, the rolling and welding of the hull plates were expertly handled by Geoff Cole of Winning Yachts in Caboolture, QLD. The design is Graham Radford #80, making this the first boat built from that plan.

The vessel features a masthead cutter-rigged sloop sail plan with an overlapping genoa (71 sqm), staysail, and a fully battened Leisure Furl mainsail (57 sqm), optimized for single-handed sailing. The mast was crafted by Allyacht Spars in Brisbane, and the Dyneema rigging was installed by Superior Masts and Rigging. The Doyle sails and rig date from September/November 2022, with the exception of the boom, which was sourced from Gerry Snyders' FIKA in 2022. The boom was overhauled and modified to fit the sail plan. Deck gear is by Ronstan, including two poles for the genoa and staysail.

Constructed from 5083 marine-grade alloy plate, the hull is welded in accordance with the designer's specifications. The vessel is equipped with nine Anderson full stainless steel sail winches, including one electric winch. Reefit furlers are fitted to both the genoa and staysail, with all lines leading to the safe center cockpit for effortless single-handed sailing. A Vetus hydraulic bow thruster provides ease of maneuvering when docking. The helm features a Hydrive hydraulic steering system connected to a spade rudder, complemented by a Coursemaster autopilot. The cockpit is fully enclosed, with Aquatread decking throughout for durability and comfort.

Navigation is facilitated by a 9" Raymarine chart plotter at the helm, an i70 multi-instrument, Coursemaster autopilot, and compass. Additional instruments for depth, wind, and log are mounted on the cabintop beneath the dodger.

Anchoring is managed by a Muir VRC2500 hydraulic anchor winch with a 40kg Sarca Excell anchor, 100m of 10mm galvanized chain, and a remote control for both the thruster and anchor winch.

The engine drives a ZF 25 hydraulic transmission and a shaft connected to an Autoprop propeller with a rope cutter. The Steyr engine features an Integrated Flywheel Generator (IFG) capable of producing 300 amps at 12 volts to charge the house battery system. The electrical system comprises a dedicated engine start battery and eight Whisper Power lithium batteries (100Ah each, Dutch), supplying the 12-volt house system. A 3000-watt Whisper Power inverter provides 240-volt power throughout the main cabin. Renewable energy sources include 900 watts of solar panels and 400 watts of wind power, ensuring continuous battery charging while at anchor. The IFG offers supplementary power when required.

Freshwater capacity is 600 liters, with an additional 100 liters designated for drinking water, stored in separate systems. A Spectra Cape Horn Extreme water maker ensures a reliable freshwater supply. The galley is gas-free, featuring a Wallas diesel stove and oven, an OzeFridge chest-style fridge/freezer, a microwave, an electric kettle, a coffee pod machine, and a toaster.

Designed for high-latitude sailing, the interior is extensively insulated. The hull was treated with 300 liters of Mascoat DTM insulation paint and 120 liters of Mascoat DB noise paint before the fit-out, ensuring a dry and quiet interior. An additional 50mm layer of closed-cell foam insulation covers the main, forward, and aft cabins. The interior features Victorian Blackwood timber throughout.

Two independent heating systems provide warmth and comfort. A Wallas Spartan air heater distributes ducted heat to the main cabin, aft cabin, and wet locker. Additionally, an Eberspacher D12 hydronic system heats water and provides fan-assisted heating and heated towel rails in the forward and aft cabins. This system can be zoned for efficient climate control.

Both the forward and aft cabins offer queen-size ensuite accommodations, with the forward bed slightly narrowing at the head. The heads feature Sanimarin macerator toilets, each with a dedicated 60-liter blackwater tank, while all greywater is collected in a central 90-liter tank in the galley. All through-hull fittings are by Trudesign, with electronic monitoring at the navigation station.

The navigation station is equipped with a 12" Raymarine plotter, VHF radio with an external speaker, AM/FM wireless, all 12V and 240V circuit breakers, and a full-size navigation table. The vessel has three bilge pumps with a combined capacity of 9500 gallons per hour, plus a manual Whale Gusher pump. Twin water strainers provide redundancy, and separate fresh, drinking, and saltwater pumps are installed. There is ample under-floor and settee storage, along with gas-strut-assisted storage under both beds.

The electrical system was installed by Clow Marine (12V) and AIM Electrics (240V), with a stray current survey completed in October 2022. USB and USB-C outlets are positioned throughout the vessel. Recent antifouling was completed by JNC Marine Yaringa, and standing rigging was supplied by Superior Masts and Rigging. Additional onboard features include a wet locker with a tool storage system and a Starlink Mini.

Safety equipment includes a fitted EPIRB, Danbuoy, two Spinlock life vests, two harnesses, and four BLA life vests. A Highfield 2.6 tender with a 6hp Suzuki outboard is included. Anchoring options consist of a 30kg alloy Sarca Excell anchor with a removable shank for better stowage and an additional 30kg Sarca Excell kedge anchor with 10m of 10mm chain. Two 100m lengths of 16mm nylon shore lines are stored on drums. A full set of anodes (10 total), a spare new macerator and seat, engine filters, and a shore power lead are also onboard. The vessel comes with new navigation charts for Victoria and Tasmania.