710071A Proof-of-concept Dragon yacht to comply with the Recreational Craft Directive.ClosedGRD Proof of ConceptInnovate UKThe Dragon is a vintage racing yacht first designed in the 1920s. As such, it does not comply with the modern-day Recreational Craft Directive 94/25/EC (RCD), which sets minimum safety requirements for all watercraft. The Dragon yachts Petticrows manufacture fall outside the scope of the RCD because they are intended for racing purposes. However, in 2009 a public consultation of the RCD suggested its scope extend to include racing crafts. Although no amendments took place, it highlighted the vulnerable position our business is in if the RCD were to change in the future. Therefore, we need this project to design and build a prototype Dragon that proves the concept of compliance with the RCD. We need to prove the concept because we are restricted in our approach by the stringent class rules, set by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), which all Dragons have to adhere to in order to qualify in the class. Meeting the ISAF class rules is of equal importance as meeting the RCD but we are unsure if we can design a Dragon to meet both. Petticrows are the leading manufacturer of the Dragon yacht in the world. We spend over £1 million throughout our UK supply chain per annum and export 90% of our sales. The aims of this project are to: - Digitalise the design of the Dragon yacht using laser technology. - Work with renowned naval architects and yacht designers to create a new design Dragon. - Ensure the design meets the requirements of both the RCD and the ISAF class rules. - Use Petticrows' high value manufacturing techniques to produce a basic prototype Dragon. - Test the performance to ensure the minimum safety requirements of RCD are met. Tim Tavinor, an expert boatbuilder with over 20 years experience in the industry, will coordinate the project. Tim has built yachts for the British Olympic sailing team, which have gone on to win four Gold medals. Tim is a competitive sailor and was part of the 3-man crew that won the 2011 World Championship.