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Edson Secures Steering Gear Contracts
on Two New Megayachts
September 24, 2007 - New Bedford, MA, USA – Edson International is pleased to announce that they have secured steering gear contracts this week on two new high-profile megayacht sailboats being built by Vitters Shipyard in Amsterdam.
The 38m (125’) SUNSHINE also features Edson’s Multi-Mode Steering System, but incorporates an electrically driven gear changer, allowing the helmsman to choose high, low or neutral steering gear with the touch of a button. SUNSHINE was designed by Bill Tripp and will begin construction in January 2008.
The Edson Multi-Mode steerer featured in both of these projects is an innovation in sailboat steering systems in that it allows yachts 50’ - 180’, which have been typically steered by hydraulic units that provide little or no feedback and feel, to have the helm feel and sensitivity that are usually found in smaller performance boats. The steerer accomplishes this by giving the helmsman two different steering modes to choose from. The lower gear ratio (higher power / slower speed) offers increased control in heavy conditions when steering loads are higher, and ultimate control is often paramount. The higher gear ratio (faster steering speed) offers quicker response to the helm allowing the helmsman more feel and also helps in maneuvering at lower speeds such as docking or narrow channels. As well, the neutral gear allows wheel disengagement which relieves loads on the auto-pilot.
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The 52.5m (172’) sloop BOREAS features two custom, traditionally-designed Teak Steering Wheels driving a completely mechanical system incorporating Edson’s Multi-Mode Steerers. This system has two steering speeds for varying wind and sea conditions, and provides the feel and feedback of a much smaller boat - with no hydraulics or electrical power. BOREAS was designed by Andre Hoek and has an expected completion date of 2008. 
These two projects come on the heels of another Edson-steered megayacht - the135’ INMOCEAN currently building in New Zealand at Fitzroy Yachts. She is designed by Ed Dubois and also features Edson’s Multi-Mode steering system. 
Edson will be showcasing their Multi-Mode Steerers and custom Steering Wheels at the