The Cosmos Adventure - The Boat

Cosmos is a 45 foot catamaran built in 1995 by Prout Catamarans in the UK.  It was originally christened "Scorpio" --- her name was changed in May, 2001 just prior to the start of the circumnavigation. 

Packed full of innovative features, the Prout 45 has wing keels, diagonal torsion control bulkheads and a unique structural system, technology used to make cruising easier and safer. She is easily handled by a shorthanded crew, with all controls led to the cockpit where excellent all-round visibility makes handling in close quarters quite easy. The aft-stepped mast, unique in a craft of this size, ensures simple and safe sail-handling with the minimum of effort.  Over 4,500 Prouts have been built, sailing over 10 million miles without a hull failure.

Scorpio prior to being rechristened Cosmos

Builder and Designer
Prout Catamarans Ltd. (now refomed and trading as Broadblue Catamarans

Specifications

• Length: 45 ft. 0 in. /  13.72 m
• Beam: 20 ft. 10 in. /  6.35 m
• Draft: 3 ft. 9 in. /  1.14 m
• Displacement: 22,597 lbs. /  10,270 kg

 

Scorpio's original owner, Stephan Kingsman, competed in a  transatlantic race from England to St. Lucia.  Cosmos placed first in its class.    The following are two faxes sent by Kingsman during and after the race: Attn. Robert, Bob and Steve, Thur 5th December 1755N4604W  876M to go.  Scorpio going well. Bulletproof Chute living up to its name, last 3 days run 216,206 and  212 miles. Trades not present S.E. winds 18 to 25 kts. Only boat on start line with full  spinnaker could not surf any faster than 19.6kts need faster boat. Was equal with  ?Creightons? model and Farr 60 on handicap then had to spend 19 hrs on distress  call with yacht with dickey mast. So who knows where we are? Zarafet and Ocean Highway  doing well too. Have a nice day . Regards Stephen P.S. The 45 really is an excellent  boat. Fax from on board Scorpio ARC 1996ST LUCIAWed 11 Dec  St Lucia Attn. Robert Underwood Prouts. Arc Prout Owners Ctte, Formed just now have instructed me  to thank you for agreeing to provide prizes for 1st 3 Prouts in St. Lucia. Champagne in  fridge Thanks v much. 5 cats in class but Lagoon 47 and Edel Cat not arrived yet. Scorpio  15 days 18 hrs 35 mins, Zarafet 17 days 35 mins, Ocean Highway awaited. Scorpio time after  allowing for 19 hrs attending mid atlantic distress ? Sweden 38 with rig failure.  Regards Stephen.

Cosmos at the dock	Cosmos at anchor
The galley	Little Cosmos
Cosmos mooring during crew's home visit	Sleeping quarters -- one of Cosmos' two staterooms
Comos' navigation station	The Cosmos garage
Another view of the galley	The work list for leg one is almost done
Notes taken during the preparations in Florida: The crew have been reading extensively about provisioning for the voyage. One  article recommended choosing your live animals for the cruise. Joe and crew discussed  renaming the boat accordingly. Cosmic Ark? Preparations that took place during the two weeks just prior to departure: Installing the new dodger; installing solar panels; rigging the new sails;  installing the new electronics for communication (SSB radio, computer); installing the  water maker/desalinator; installing wind/water generator Provisioning ? perishable and non perishable food stuffs; lots of Spam jokes  traded back and forth. The crew made at least three trips to Cosco, loading up Joe?s  car to the ceiling each time.	Joe had new rings applied to the side of the dinghy for tying it up, but they  were installed in the wrong place so a second set had to be attached, causing George to  dub it the "ringy dinghy." The crew got to be regulars at the local IHOP during the two weeks prior to  departure. Not only did they have a regular table, but the waitresses knew them by name,  inquired after their progress, and could almost predict their orders. Testing the new top climber meant climbing the mast in 95+ degree heat. The guys joked over Joe?s message board: post-it notes covering the paneling  in the salon. John said he would be so relieved to see the numbers of post-its decline  every day, but then Joe just filled up the wall again with more to-do lists.