The new Omikron is something of a UFO on the cruising boat market. At 18.41 metres long, it is strikingly wide at six metres. A bowsprit helps to give the design an elongated appearance. The flush deck and a 360-degree glazed wheelhouse also add a certain elegance. But who came up with this? Well, it's not just the boat that's unusual. The story behind the creation of the Omikron brand is also anything but ordinary. Its initiator is the billionaire Greek shipowner George Prokopiou.
Conversion of a ferry
He caused a stir among luxury yacht enthusiasts when he commissioned the conversion of a 106-metre long, disused ferry into a private superyacht in 2018: the "Dream", which is usually moored in the port of Piraeus, has become his work and main residence. As a keen sailor, Prokopiou is also financing the construction of the "Argo", a futuristic 54-metre maxi racing yacht made of aluminium and carbon. At the same time, the shipowner bought Olympic Marine, a modern marina 60 kilometres south of Athens. Since 2021, he has also sponsored a boat show to promote his country's water sports industry. Prokopiou brought Argentinian star designer Juan Kouyoumdjian and renowned Italian yacht designer Lorenzo Argento on board for the Omikron. Kouyoumdjian had already designed the plans for the Argo 54 for the Greek. Argento had designed a series of motor yachts as well as the innovative Candela C-8 electric foiler. The two were assisted by a number of young Greek marine engineers who had already been involved in the refit of the "Dream".
Digital process
The OT-60 hull was the subject of thousands of CFD calculations, a digital process for optimising the flow dynamics of ship hulls depending on parameters such as speed and sea state. There were no limits for the shipyard's technical team, who were able to provide the OT-60 with a high-tech design. Among other things, the foamed sandwich hull is fitted with a carbon fibre superstructure, which saves weight in the upper sections. The same approach was chosen for the deck, which is 40 per cent lighter than a construction with conventional composite material.
With second steering position
With a weight of less than 20 tonnes, the test-Omikron reached just under 14 knots at full throttle. Below ten knots it is particularly economical, at around eight knots it consumes only 1.25 litres per mile. The range is around 900 miles, plus reserve. The autopilot is used most of the time, and two 16-inch Garmin plotters are available for navigation. A second control station is located in the cockpit. Harbour manoeuvres are child's play thanks to the large distance between the engines and the powerful bow thruster.
360-degree glazing
In general, the OT-60 is characterised by a large cockpit with a clear view aft. At the stern, two steps lead down to the platform, which is an integral part of the hull. The rather compact wheelhouse is positioned far forward on the deck and offers exceptional 360-degree glazing. Further forward, the space appears to float in the air thanks to a large open area on the lower level. At the foot of the companionway, you come across an additional living area with a layout reminiscent of some Dutch steel boats. The width of the boat allows for a dining area for four people on the port side and a spacious, fully equipped Miele galley on the starboard side. Two double cabins, each with its own bathroom, are located on either side of the stairs. The large master cabin is located in the foredeck. The Omikron 60 was honoured as Powerboat of the Year in the Long Range Cruiser category for good reason. Series production has started. And the shipyard plans to present a 24-metre model at the next boot in Düsseldorf. It will be interesting to see.
Technical data
- CE category: A/12
- Length over all: 18,41 m
- Width: 6,06 m
- Displacement: 18,5
- Depth: 0,86 m
- Fuel tank: 1200 l
- Water tank: 600 l
- Sleeping places: 6 or 8 + crew
- possible motorisation: 2 x 110 kW (150 hp) or 2 x 184 kW (250 hp)
- Test motorisation: Yanmar diesel, 2 x 184 kW (250 hp)
- Base price: 1 957 550 €
- Dealer proof: omikronyachts.com
