So, my second project, which will take about a year to complete, is conversion of Reinke's Hydra HC project to JR.

Hydra in it's initial form (called HC) - is the first design of a 47 ft center cockpit ocean cruising/racing steel multi-chine cutter with rather narrow bow and stern parts for better performance.

I wanted to start building something about this size a bit later, purchased JDP 14m project by D. Forestier, but then I happened to stumble upon this 47 ft hull being mostly finished at a price of an engine basically. Funny thing is, the boat is 'brand new' - never commissioned. 

Small shipyard in Taganrog used to produce 7 steel hulls ini 1990s after Reinke's project with slight modification (second steering cockpit removed, initial center cockpit slightly enlarged and moved about 40 cm aft, main head moved to side passage while aft cabin made smaller without separate head planned). Also, only hull is steel (5 and 4 mm plates) while deck is a heavy resin infused plywood for stiffness. Boats where professionally welded and tested under maritime protocols. 6 boats where finished and sold, this one remained preserved in storage. 

Previous owner bought is and started to outfit to his plans: making larger saloon and installed 80 HP TDME engine, 700 liter fuel tanks, 350 liter water tank and a lot of equipment. As well as added teak decking over plywood (something I'd never spend money on, but well). And then he decided to quit and sell unfinished boat at discount (basically equipment price). Engine room is huge - it is almost 170 cm height and 200 cm long and 80 cm broad, making it really a room, not cramped box. 

So, I'm now finishing it and new rig design is a JR schooner. Thanks to Arne we agreed on sail sizes. Masts will be hollow wooden (as on Grand PHA) with alluminium battens and yards, cockpit will be upgraded with standing height hard top and some additional front lockers to add shape.

Hope to finish the project with the help of professionals before next Summer. Now it is cleaned up and we've removed interior parts where mold grew over years. 

Photos of the boat when I took it over. Also, I've made a 1:20 model in order to plan interior better.

PS. Name Wyrkata - means lynx in a rare local language :)