THE HELI DECK | Odyssey

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"TOUCH AND GO"
HELI DECK

Helicopters are the most versatile of tenders and extend the range of a yacht on land and at sea beyond anything that could otherwise be offered by the yacht itself, its tenders or a chase boat, enhancing the scope and enjoyment of life on board.

ODYSSEY has a privately operated “touch and go” helideck located aft on the sundeck. It is primarily intended for the owner’s use, allowing for the transfer of passengers as well as luggage and supplies. It can also support specific owner-related operations such as medical evacuation (MEDIVAC), search and rescue if required, and scouting or exploration for the next exciting anchorage.

The ODYSSEY helideck is a purpose-built platform, measuring approximately 6.5m by 11.7m, located aft on the sun deck. It sits around 8 metres above sea level. There are no touchdown or positioning markings or tie downs on the deck; however, a pilot eyeline marker is provided for use with a Bell 429 helicopter. The helideck is surrounded on three sides (port, starboard and aft) by removeable guardrails, which are quickly taken off and stowed during flying operations. It takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare the deck for landing, and a similar amount of time to restore it to a fully functioning sundeck.

Access to the helideck is provided via the port and starboard side passageways, as well as by steps on the starboard side of the sundeck. These steps are covered by a hatch during flying operations.

In 2020, following his purchase of the yacht, her owner had the aft deck structure analyzed in accordance with Lloyd's Register for the Bell 429 helicopter. The helideck structure, structurally rated to 3.0 tons, was considered for touch-and-go operations. The helideck met the necessary stress and structural requirements for operating a Bell 429 helicopter in accordance with Lloyd’s Register rules for the classification of Special Service Craft, so no structural alterations were deemed necessary and is so certified by Lloyds class for private operations.

Finally, to increase safety during take-offs and landings, the aft section of the overhang outside the entrance to the guest stateroom on the sun deck was significantly reduced, and the sat dome moved forward. Foam firefighting equipment was also added.