Yacht Spotlight: Cuan Law
Photography by Bill Harrigan and Rainbow Visions BVI, provided by Cuan Law
Many have seen the splendid yacht Cuan Law. Whether stationed on CSY dock, Roadtown Harbour or at sea, the vessel is an unforgettable vision.
With a 105 feet length on deck, a 44 foot beam, a mast height of 103 feet and a working sail area of 5,200 square feet, Cuan Law is an incredible sight. In addition to its size, space and ability to comfortably accommodate 20 guests with seven crew members, Cuan Law has acquired a stellar reputation.
Owners and designers Annie and Duncan Muirhead have a wealth of sailing experience having clocked approximately two-hundred thousand miles in the seventies and eighties. Pioneers of the liveaboard-diving field since 1971, they are avid marine enthusiasts and placed their vast experience into building Cuan Law as the ideal vessel for BVI waters.
In June 1987, building of Cuan Law commenced in a small fishing town on the shores of Lake Eerie in Wheatley, Ontario – a boat that in the present day is received with awe and fascination in the BVI.
Speaking to Duncan about the colossal boat that he has used to serve the BVI holiday-maker demographic for 24 years, the accomplished entrepreneur has worked in the industry for considerably longer.
“…Trimarine/Muirheads have been operating dive/sail/charters since 1971,” said the enthusiastic boat owner. “We have been pioneers of so much in our field – the second live aboard scuba diving boat in the world with Misty Law. The first to offer weekend to weekend trips. The first to accept credit cards,” he added, further exemplifying the length of time he’s invested in the industry.
Conducting business in the BVI for 43 years, Annie and Duncan are figureheads for possessing the longest, successful operations in the marine trade. Cuan Law is one of the oldest boats in the Territory and with numerous and varied achievements, their title as ‘pioneers in the field’ is no exaggeration.
“We discovered more than 20 dive sites in the BVI that are now established,” he continued. “We were the first to offer ‘by the cabin’ bookings. The first with your choice of convertible twin or double beds. The first with accommodation and public areas all on one level, so wheelchair friendly.”
[one_half]Founding members of the Charter Yacht Society—a non-profit organisation that represents the voice of individual yachts and their crew—is also a crowning feat. Indeed, this has meant that Duncan and Annie have had a huge impact on the sailing industry in the BVI – a location often classified as the sailing Mecca of the world.
Duncan’s impending plans are to expand the charter market network. “We are really working hard to open up the South American market and have had several large family groups from there,” he commented. “Large extended family groups are where we are expanding and our record so far is four generations spanning 93 years.”
Keeping their itinerary as diverse as possible while pursuing the goal of growing into different markets, Duncan said, “We do ‘Down Island’ trips to St Maarten, Saba, Sombrero, and the BVI a couple of times a year. These tend to be longer than a week.”
With a magical career behind them and a brighter future, there is even something majestic about the name ‘Cuan Law’ – the Scottish Gaelic word for ‘Ocean Mountain’.[/one_half]
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Cuan Law Specs:
Designer: Duncan Muirhead
Owner: Trimarine Boat Co. Ltd.
Length on deck: 105 feet
Beam: 44 feet
Displacement: 75 tons with fuel and water
Rig: Equal masted stay sail schooner
Working sail area: 5,200 sq. feet
Mast height: 103 feet
Engines: Two 210 hp Caterpillar diesels to drive two feathering propellers. 4 generators.
Speed under power: 8-10 knots
Speed under sail: 6-14 knots
Air fills: Mako compressor with a total of 18.5 cfm output and air bank. Second Mako as standby and for Nitrox.
Book this yacht!
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