 |
|
|
 |
14 May 2019
Maurer testing first coaster at sea to cater for salty atmosphere
BY
Andy Knaggs
|
The Bolt Ultimate Sea Coaster ride finishes with a hairpin bend around the ship's funnel
German manufacturer Maurer Rides is putting its Bolt Ultimate Sea Coaster – the first rollercoaster to be installed aboard a cruise liner – through special testing, to ensure its vehicles can remain up to scratch on the open ocean. Speaking to Attractions Management, Torsten Schmidt, business development manager at Maurer, said that the company would begin production and pre-assembly of the 220m-long (722ft) electric Spike coaster ride during Q3 2019. The coaster will be installed on the top deck of Carnival Cruise Line's new Mardi Gras ship.
Among the challenges of the installation are factoring in the design and movement of the ship, which don't have to be accounted for with a land-based coaster, but Schmidt said the biggest challenge was accounting for the "aggressive atmosphere" at sea, caused by salt in the air.
"We have to see which components are sensible to use in this atmosphere," he said. "The wind and movement of the ship are not so much of a challenge because with Bolt we will have 100 per cent traction control all of the time."
The ride accommodates two cars at a time, each holding two passengers and each able to reach speeds of nearly 40mph (60 kph), with an acceleration of 1.2g. The track reaches a height of 57m (187ft) above sea level, culminating with a hairpin bend around the ship's funnel. Riders' speeds are posted after the race and they have their photo taken during the ride for a keepsake.
According to Maurer, the ride will have capacity for 190 people per hour. At full throttle, the cars can complete a circuit in about a minute, with changeovers possible in 25 seconds. Passengers can control the speed of the cart with a pedal so the experience will be different for all.
The Mardi Gras is set to launch in 2020 and will be based at Port Canaveral, Florida, US. Carnival Cruise Line said the ship will be the "ultimate playground at sea for fun seekers of all ages".
The competitive cruise liner sector is increasingly looking to such attractions as a point of differentiation, with Viking Cruises' Orion featuring a high-tech planetarium, a race track onboard Norwegian's Bliss, and an 800ft-long waterslide on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Connect with
World Leisure |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| News headlines |
|
|
 |
 |
|
19 Apr 2024
The HCM team were busy at the recent FIBO Global Fitness event in Cologne, Germany, distributing a special FIBO edition of HCM in
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
18 Apr 2024
Atlanta-based boutique fitness software company, Xplor Mariana Tek, has kicked off a push for international expansion with a move into the UK market.
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
18 Apr 2024
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) has released new data on the US’ wellness economy, valuing it at US$1.8 trillion. According to the
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
17 Apr 2024
Remedy Place, a US-based social wellness club brand, is poised for steady expansion in the coming years, with plans to open two new clubs annually
.... more>> |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| Company profile |
|
Cellcosmet
Roland C. Pfister founded Cellcosmet and developed the skincare line to prolong the therapy's benefits at home. His breakthrough innovation CellControl™ method preserves the skin-revitalising power of cellular extracts
View full profile>> |
|
| Catalogue gallery |
|
|
| Featured Supplier |
|
 |
|
|
|
in this issue
• Virgin gets right to wipe out rent arrears
• Fitness industry mourns passing of Jan Spaticchia
• STA offers mindfulness resources
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| World Leisure jobs |
 |
Centre Manager
Salary: £40,221 - £42,403pa + pension + benefits
Location: Exeter, UK
Company: Exeter City Council
|
|
Director of Operations
Salary: £61,000 - £64,000 + exceptional pension + excellent benefits
Location: Luton, UK
Company: Active Luton
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Diary dates |
|
| Powered
by leisurediary.com |
 |
|
|
|
|
