Air lift enhances new AAV high-speed crew boat

French builder Advanced Aerodynamic Vessels (AAV) has unveiled a crewboat that uses advanced air lift to enhance performance.

Destined for crew transfer over the bow, the design of Clementine was developed for Peschaud International.

It is based on a catamaran hull, with the cross deck shaped like a giant aerofoil wing to generate the lift that allows high performance.

Built to Bureau Veritas standards, the 15.3-metre vessel with a 12.1-metre beam and 0.6-metre draught has waterjet propulsion and business-class seating for 25 passengers.

Featuring a loaded displacement of 19.1 tonnes, Clementine is powered by a pair of 447kW Scania diesel engines that provide a service speed of 40 knots, or 18 knots in adverse conditions.

The 1,700-litre fuel capacity gives a range of 500 nautical miles with a 20 per cent reserve.

An 11kW generator provides the electrical power on board.