noted naval architect Charles Chang with his project.
As a result, the new 61 has a finer entry to slice through
waves, modest bow flare to help control spray, and an
innovative chine design that works together with broad
surfaces aft to increase resistance to roll and reduce
squat. She also has a full-length keel to aid tracking and
help protect the running gear: four-bladed nibral props,
bronze struts, and stainless steel rudders. Larger rudders
were specified for improved handling.
Three major molds are used in the construction of the
new Altima 61: the hull, deck and cabin, and flybridge.
The hull has a solid fiberglass bottom that wraps up to
the waterline. Hull sides, the deck and cabin structure,
and the flybridge are all Divinycell-cored and vacuum-bagged for optimal stiffness, strength, and weight
Top: The starboard side gate makes access from floating
docks more comfortable and shows off heavy-duty hinges
and 2.5-inch stainless steel oval handrails. Above: The
anchor pulpit is configured for twin anchor deployment and
features large, separate anchor lockers. Right: With throttle,
shifters, and thrusters close at hand, Frank Sciortino guides
the Altima 61 down the New River.
Photos by John Wooldridge
“Our core mission has always been to build the
finest cruising yachts available, so we haven’t strayed
too far from our original concepts,” he said. “It’s only
by pursuing an evolutionary path that we can
consistently meet this goal.”
As Frank considered the evolution of the 60, he
realized that he wanted a new running surface, a
semi-displacement design that would be capable of
comfortable cruises at fuel-efficient displacement speeds
while offering the option of higher cruising speeds for
those who wanted twin diesels and were not opposed to
buying, maintaining, and operating them. He approached
reduction above the waterline. Vinyl ester resin is used in
the handlaid structures to improve blister resistance, and
further measures below the waterline include three layers
of barrier coat and two layers of antifouling paint. Hull
stiffness relies on foam-cored stringers and watertight
bulkheads. The hull-to-deck joint is bolted and
fiberglassed together for maximum strength.
OPTIONS AND DETAILS GALORE
As we boarded the new Altima 61, I noticed that the
boat was equipped with an optional Opacmare 3310
hydraulic swim platform extension. Owners of the older
design had expressed an interest in the platform extension
