Andre Hoek got involved in the J-Class project when a repeat customer asked him to design a J-Class that had the potential to win.
His office carried out a performance analysis of the existing J’s as well as the designs that were allowed to be built under the new J-Class Association rules. He analysed the line honours and handicap potential of all 20 yachts and modelled them in software in such a way that he could compare them under different conditions. The five best performing yachts were build as 6 meter models and tested in water tanks and wind tunnels . Further analysis with computational fluid dynamic software provided greater insight into the differences.
Not surprisingly, the series of yachts originally designed by Burgess and Stephens for the Ranger project in 1936 proved to be very good performers. After all the work was done, Model 77-F came out as the hull with the greatest potential. Sparkman and Stephens, who still owned the lines, complied graciously with a request from Andre to license the design.
He than extensively optimised Lionheart's structure using 3D structural modelling techniques with finite element software programs. The complete hull structure was analysed for stiffness and torsion, and compared to the steel original. The weight of the hull structure was optimised using high tensile Alustar plating and extrusion materials.
The hull was eventually build by Freddie Bloemsma and Claassen Jachtbouw was responsible for building the yacht. She was launched 5 years after the project started, in the summer of 2010.
Lionheart is now being prepared for racing by Bouwe Bekking and Toby Brand.
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