Vessel configured for pitch reduction

Abstract

A vessel ( 30 ) comprising a hull ( 15 ) having an apparent centre of pitch ( 23 ) located at a position between about 10% and 35% of the length of the vessel ( 10 ) measured from the aftermost point ( 17 ) of the vessel on the design waterline. The hull ( 15 ) may be bare, or alternatively may be fitted with a damping system ( 31 ) located forwardly to provide damping forces to reduce the vertical motion at the bow and hence the vertical accelerations. In one arrangement, the vessel ( 10 ) may comprise a single hull vessel. In another arrangement, the vessel ( 10 ) may comprise a multi-hulled vessel.

1 . A vessel comprising a hull with an apparent centre of pitch located at a position between about 10% and 35% of the length of the vessel measured from the aftermost point of the vessel on the design waterline. 
     
     
         2 . A vessel comprising a hull with an apparent centre of pitch located at a position between about 10% and 30% of the length of the vessel measured from the aftermost point of the vessel on the design waterline when the underwater hull shape is bare and devoid of any hydrodynamic force generators such as foils or fins, and without the assistance of any external force generators such as gyroscopic stabilisers. 
     
     
         3 . A vessel comprising a hull with an apparent centre of pitch located at a position between about 10% and 35% of the length of the vessel measured from the aftermost point of the vessel on the design waterline, the hull being fitted with a damping system located forwardly to provide damping forces to reduce the vertical motion at the bow and hence the vertical accelerations. 
     
     
         4 . The vessel according to  claim 3  wherein the damping system comprises a hydrodynamic damping device such as a wing or foil mounted at or close to the bow. 
     
     
         5 . The vessel according to  claim 1  designed for speeds of between 20 and 70 knots 
     
     
         6 . The vessel according to  claim 1  having a length on the waterline of between 24 metres and 250 metres. 
     
     
         7 . The vessel according to  claim 1  comprise a single hull vessel 
     
     
         8 . The vessel according to  claim 1  comprising a multi-hulled vessel. 
     
     
         9 . The vessel according to  claim 8  comprising a trimaran having a centrally located main hull and two laterally spaced side hulls, wherein the hull constitutes the main hull. 
     
     
         10 . The vessel according to  claim 8  comprising a pentamaran having a centrally located main hull and four laterally spaced side hulls (two to each side of the main hull), wherein the hull constitutes the main hull. 
     
     
         11 . (canceled)