PROJECTS AND TRENDS

The Monaco show is often the occasion for manufacturers to unveil their new projects, which in most cases reflect a certain vision of the future. Here are some of the most interesting ones that could well become reality in the coming years.

Text : Franck Van Espen Photos : D.R. Feadship Pure

Since 2006, Feadship has continued to focus on environmental protection. It started with the F Stream, which set the tone with a radical reduction in fuel consumption by opting for a hybrid drive. Five years later, Savannah, the first motoryacht to use this propulsion method, was launched. Other prescient concepts inspired Feadship’s owners to innovate in areas such as environmental protection, multi-functional spaces, outdoor recreation, slim hulls, privacy and all-glass superstructures. Pure synthesises all the know-how acquired in recent times about the different types of outdoor spaces that can be created. The essence of Pure lies in the unparalleled visual and social connections offered by its innovative architecture. As futuristic as it may seem, this project is immediately feasible. Depending on the delivery date, Feadship offers three types of motorisation: 2024 with diesel-electric hybrid for a range of around 120 miles in the second mode, 2027 with methanol, which will offer optimum fuel efficiency, or 2030 with a fuel cell with almost zero emissions.

With six orders booked and 13 yachts currently under construction, the legendary Italian shipbuilder Baglietto is doing particularly well. In response to the general trend, it is also moving towards modern and innovative propulsion systems designed to reduce the impact of yachts on the environment. This new challenge at Baglietto has been named B Zero. Baglietto’s first B marks a strong and decisive commitment to reach the ultimate target of zero emissions. The project, whose primary objective is to increase the electric range of ships in zero emission mode, consists of integrating hydrogen fuel cell technology on a hybrid or diesel-electric platform. Baglietto, the project leader, will be surrounded by six internationally renowned partners, whose design and development teams are all based in Italy. Arco Fc, Blue Energy Revolution, Enapter, H2Boat, Rina and Siemens Energy will work together to produce a fully functional 1:1 scale prototype in Baglietto’s shipyard by 2022. This know-how will then be applied to yachts to be delivered in 2025. The B Zero system foresees the implementation of a hydrogen production module that will use filtered and “de-ionised” seawater through a system of AEM electrolysers (for a total power of about 55 kW). The electrolysers will be mainly powered by energy from renewable sources (photovoltaic panels) and/or the electricity grid, with the aim of producing as much “green” hydrogen as possible.

With a total length of 76 metres and a width of 12.5 metres, the steel and aluminium Apache project is based on a brand new technical platform, with exterior styling and interior design by Alberto Mancini. Inspired by modern architecture, Apache’s clean exterior lines are like the feathers of an arrow. They reinforce the yacht’s dynamic appearance with minimal bulwarks to open up the view outwards and provide a greater connection to the sea. Apache’s beach club is a key feature which, when the side decks are deployed, extends to a 125m² area with a flooding pool. The main deck saloon and dining area is 118m². Four guest cabins will be spread out on the main deck to take advantage of the very large windows. A semi-open gym and a luxurious VIP suite forward will occupy the forepeak. The master suite will be on the middle deck with direct access to a 9.5 metre long ‘infinity pool’. The bottom of the pool is made of glass to provide diffused light into the semi-open saloon including the gym on the lower deck. The interior styling will combine a sophisticated mix of soft fabrics and Loro Piana silk upholstery, warm oak flooring and nubuck to create a luxurious and understated atmosphere. The lower deck will be largely reserved for crew and service areas, with a pro galley adjacent to the mess, laundry, cold and dry rooms, and openings in the hull for rapid ship supply. A cinema adjacent to the lobby and lift will provide entertainment during long voyages. Two engine options will be available: Caterpillar C 3512E (2 x 1901 kW) or MTU V 4000 M73 (2 x 1920 kW) engines to glide at up to 16.5 knots in top speed. At 15 knots, the range should be 5,000 miles.

A project validated by Feadship

Merveille Yachting is the result of the association of two French entrepreneurs with extensive experience in the yachting industry. The first, Nicolas Cantenot, a former naval officer and owner of a 50-foot sailing boat, has built up his experience in the luxury sector within the Hermès group. Jérôme Vollet, a composite engineer, started building a 40-foot sailboat at a very young age. He has also worked with some of the greatest sailors such as Tabarly, Steve Fosset and Loïc Peyron. Eco-responsibility is the key word for their new 77-metre project, which is entirely designed to have the lowest possible environmental impact. Amongst the main points, this revolutionary yacht will be powered by a hybrid engine with sail assistance provided by two totally rigid wing masts that will automatically adapt to the strength of the wind and the direction of the ship. This technical feat is the result of collaboration with the French architectural firm VPLP (Van Peteghem Lauriot Prévost), which has an impressive track record in the field of regattas, and the French company Ayro, which designed this type of mast, known as “Oceanwings”. In terms of design, this project with its almost straight bow shows real elegance with low superstructures that allow for a very large deck area. This type of vessel also offers other significant advantages such as reduced fuel consumption, superior sailing pleasure, a general reduction in noise pollution, virtually no vibrations and considerable autonomy. Another positive point is that the realisation of this project has been fully endorsed by Feadship, one of the world’s leading manufacturers. There is no reason why this new yacht should not appeal to an owner who is passionate about innovation and eco-responsibility.

Oceanco, Pininfarina and Latéral have joined forces to revolutionise yacht design with the 90 metre Kairos. Drawing on its long experience in custom projects, from automobiles to architecture, Pininfarina has created, in collaboration with Oceanco, a whole new sailing experience. The heart of life on board is the vast central square that distributes all the decks. Developed vertically on three levels, this square breaks with the canons of conventional yacht design. A complex design that combines striking asymmetrical shapes, transparent structures and an absence of physical barriers. Kairos’ cabins have all been placed on the lower level, allowing for a greater sense of space and fluidity on the main deck. Kairos was created on Oceanco’s NXT initiative to protect the environment, thanks to Lateral’s naval architecture and technical development. In recent years, the shipbuilder and the naval architecture studio have partnered on a number of innovative projects, including Black Pearl, the world’s greenest yacht, and Bravo Eugenia, the first superyacht to reduce its energy footprint by around 30%. Her propulsion and power generation system will be fully hybrid. This will allow for flexibility in space distribution with a single level engine room layout. With a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, Kairos will be capable of sailing at up to 16 knots with certification from Lloyd’s Register.

Inspired by the automobile

The exterior and interior designs are by Enrico Gobbi of Team for Design, who also developed the three 50, 63 and 70 metre models in the range. Naval engineering is provided by Palumbo Superyachts. The first model presented is the 63-metre ISA Ayrton, whose design is inspired not only by the sporting elements of the automotive world, but also by natural forms. Certain elements are clearly identifiable, such as the five transverse openings in the owner’s cabin, which are reminiscent of fish gills. The beach club extends to the sides through two side openings with a central pool that extends to the swim platform. The sundeck will be dedicated to wellness with a panoramic gym and a Jacuzzi at the front. The ISA Ayrton 63 will accommodate 12 guests in 4 double cabins located on the lower deck, with a VIP cabin and owner’s suite located on the main deck. With two 1800hp Caterpillar 3512 C engines, this displacement superyacht will have a top speed of 17.5 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots for a range of over 5000 nautical miles at 12 knots.