Launch of the Glasshopper

Maiden Voyage of the Glasshopper.


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August 8th 2008 the Glasshopper is ready to launch. Next weeks the interior will be finished as well as lots of details.

Glasshopper will be christened with a big event in October.

The bow shape is quite unique containing only planar surfaces.

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In January 2004 I had the initial concept idea and here it is.

The shape of the exterior is consistently planar above and beneath the waterline, meaning that all surfaces are flat instead of curved.

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I like the long V-shaped bow surface a lot as it creates a long straight edge at the side of the hull and results in nice waterlines.

A lot of spectators came to watch.

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Are we ready?

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The draught is perfect and meets the estimated displacement which is very important to be able to pass the low bridges 'en route'.

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Typical Dutch view.

Steering position.

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Starting up the technical systems.

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Touch screen computer controlled technical installations.

Overview of the main electrical systems.

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Optimal visibility for the skipper.

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Glasshopper sails for the very first time electrically propelled.

The big picture.

Just a detail.

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A crystal reflecting the environment.

Satisfied and happy people after the succesful first trip.

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Glasshopper at its berth. .

Lying at restaurant 'de Krom'.

Time to finish the interior.

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To be ready to welcome guests from all over the world.

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Movie: "Working at the Glasshopper"

Seven months of working at the Glasshopper.

Finishing Glasshopper Construction

Finally the exterior of the Glasshopper is finished.

The crystal cockpit looks very transparent .

Looking at the connection of the cockpit to the forward column.

Looking forward showing large glass area.

Looking aft in the passengers area.

The bar is nearly finished.

Flatscreens ready to pop up to present information to the passengers.

One of the large ballast pumps with a capacity of 30,000 liters per minute.

Part of the double bottom ballast tank with a cross pump.

Some other nice installations.

The entrance door in the aft ship closes watertight due to the low draught when passing bridges.

One of the electric powered podded propellers.

The aft ship propulsion arrangement with the two ballast intakes at the centre.

As it is launch day today this is the last chance to weld the anodes to prevent hull corrosion.