Otupa Flow
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| Otupa Flow "Voyager" | |
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| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2006 |
| Headquarters | Brigg, UK |
| Key people | James Martin |
| Industry | Exploration and Tourism |
| Employees | ?? |
| Slogan | Discover Explore Fascinate |
| Website | Voyager Flow |
The Otupa Flow "Voyager" is a state-of-the-art watercraft currently being built for James Martin, which will go on a mission of discovery and exploration. The vessel is rumoured to have an inflatable hull, and will carry on-board state-of-the-art scientific equipment. The vessel will spend most of it's time on the River Ancholme in Brigg, UK - which is one of the most scenic rivers in Europe. Many rumours have been circulating regarding the construction of the vessel, with some reports suggesting that it will be mostly wooden, like a 21st century logboat. Rumours have even suggested that SeaEagle of Florida will be manufacturing the craft. The roll out for the new vessel is expected to be Spring 2007.
Contents |
[edit] About Voyager
Voyager will be a multi-purpose vessel, capable of operating on many waterways, including white-water rivers and seas. The vessel will be kitted out with scientific equipment, and is rumoured to have a science lab. The vessel will have several tethered underwater cameras and imaging equipment. Otupa insist that is will be a "clean" vessel, operating on electricity, not diesel. Voyager will be powered by an electric composite motor, and the vessel may reach a top speed of 50mph. Voyager will carry between 8 and 10 people. Voyager will also have a roof and rear canopy, and maybe a deck.
[edit] Wheel & Go
Reports have said that Voyager will have a unique "Wheel & Go" system, allowing crew and passengers to get on-board whilst on dry land, before running into the water. The same system apparently works when getting out of the water.
[edit] Technology
Otupa have always loved new technology so it's hardly surprising that they have decided to equip the "Voyager" with state-of-the-art Apple laptops, running Mac OS X - and several Hard Disk Drives, each containing 1TB (1000GB) storage capacity for the scientific data. Otupa is currently keeping technical specifications and equipment lists secret until nearer the launch date, but orders have been placed with Apple, Sony, Kodak, SeaEagle, SeaLine and many other marine companies. The vessel will apparently employ several safety features including "escape pods".
[edit] Ancholme Newsletter
Many associate the "Voyager" with the Ancholme Newsletter, which is a quarterly newsletter produced by Otupa, for people on the Ancholme and in the Brigg area. The Ancholme Newsletter has been very successful with both the public and boat owners. People say that the new craft will belong to the newsletter, and will be used to gather information, data, articles and stories - for use in the newsletter. The craft will however be representing the newsletter at events along the Ancholme.
[edit] Crew
James Martin, chairman of Otupa, is the best candidate to be in-charge of the vessel, and become "Captain" - however, a rumoured three of four others will be part of his crew. It is rumoured that including himself, there will be three males and one female.
[edit] Brigg Vessel Manufacturing
People have suggested that "Voyager" may actually be specially built in Brigg, and that more vessels will be built after "Voyager". Does this mean there may be a manufacturing facility in Brigg for small vessels? If this is true, the vessels would not be inflatable, but they would be in the style of a 21st century log boat.
[edit] Commercial Touring
Otupa have said they would like to get vessels onto the Ancholme, for people to go touring in - including a boat hire service. They have expressed that they would like to give tours to paying customers in the near future. If one day they was given permission to do this, it is doubtful that they would use the "Voyager" craft for public touring - as it is more of a scientific vessels rather than a comfortable touring raft. They have said however, that they may be purchasing two powered vessels from SeaEagle, of Florida - each capable of holding 10 people, which are designed for comfortable touring and leisure. The two craft would be named "Enterprise" and "Prometheous". If these were successful, the company said they would purchase more vessels.
[edit] The Name "Voyager"
The name "Voyager" is apparently named after the Star Trek starship Voyager.
[edit] Advertising
According to web reports, there is currently video advertisements on the internet, promoting the "Otupa Voyager", using the song "You've Got The Love", by The Source Ft Candi Staton (The New Voyager Remix) as the backing track. The above image, showing the logo is also going to be imprinted onto Voyager's hull.
[edit] Log Boat Concept
Otupa have expressed their feelings on bringing the log boat into the 21st century - with a whole new design and purpose. They are easy and cheap to manufacture, and safe and stable when on the water. Otupa have shown some design plans for a custom built logboat, which looks modern and apparently would work as a high performance long distance scientific vessel. If a logboat is brought into service, it would be designed and manufactured by Otupa, in Brigg. The logboat idea has been praised by many people, but it is unsure if "Voyager" will be a logboat or an inflatable watercraft.
[edit] Further Reading
More information will become available in the upcoming months - as we get nearer to the Spring 2007 release date.
