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 .- 2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         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 mounted on an underside of the hull proximate the bow 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 3  designed for speeds of between 20 and 70 knots. 
     
     
         6 . The vessel according to  claim 3  having a length on the waterline of between 24 metres and 250 metres. 
     
     
         7 . The vessel according to  claim 3  comprising a single hull vessel. 
     
     
         8 . The vessel according to  claim 3  comprising a multihulled 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, wherein the hull constitutes the main hull. 
     
     
         11 . (canceled)