Ferrari introduces the Hypersail project, a 100-foot monohull yacht that can fly over water without using any fuel. Designed by French naval architect Guillaume Verdier, the water vehicle uses foils to stay afloat. They’re like underwater wings that lift the boat partially out of water to reduce drag and increase speed. While sailing, The monohull yacht Hypersail of Ferrari can balance itself on three points. One is a foil attached to a special canting keel, which is a moving part under the boat that helps it stay upright and adds speed. 

The second contact point is a foil on the rudder, which helps steer. The third is one of the two side foils, depending on which direction the boat is turning. For the first time too, Ferrari’s monohull yacht Hypersail expects to be the first of its size to be fully energy self-sufficient. Because of this, the water vehicle will not use any fuel or combustion engine at all, but it will draw from renewable sources like solar power, wind power as well as kinetic energy, or the energy created by the movement of the boat itself, thanks to the underwater foils.

all images courtesy of Ferrari

Italy-made water vehicle to launch in 2026

The design team says there’s no backup engine on board Ferrari’s monohull yacht Hypersail, so they have to plan how much energy each part uses and how much energy they can collect and store during the trip. With this, everything on board runs only through the energy that the water vehicle produces on its own during sailing, including the systems that control the foils, keel, and rudder, and the computers and instruments. The team then is working on optimizing every part of the yacht to make each system as efficient as possible, even small changes like using lighter materials or improved software, so long as each tweak can help reduce the energy use.

These ‘optimizing’ techniques can also lead to Ferrari’s monohull yacht Hypersail to keep on sailing well even at risen water levels and tough weather conditions. The car manufacturer also takes on the challenge of having a yacht that can sustain its own energy while at the same time still keep up with the fast speed it generates during sailing. The person leading the project is Giovanni Soldini, the team principal of the Hypersail team. Ferrari also brings its technical experts, including people from their car division, to work closely with nautical engineers and specialists. The Hypersail yacht is being built in Italy, and the team expects it to be launched in 2026. After that, it will begin its first sea trials, where it will be tested in real conditions to see how it performs, understand how the boat behaves, how the systems work together, and how well it can handle long trips using only renewable energy and its foils.

Ferrari introduces the Hypersail project, a 100-foot monohull yacht that can fly over water without using any fuel

the water vehicle uses foils to stay afloat

the Hypersail yacht is being built in Italy, and the team expects it to be launched in 2026

view of the foils under the water vehicle

the water vehicle uses renewable sources like solar power, wind power as well as kinetic energy

everything on board runs only through the energy that the water vehicle produces

project info:

name: Hypersail

manufacturer: Ferrari | @ferrari, @ferrarihypersail

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Vripack and Oceanco’s yacht Lily has a curving exterior that mimics the shape of the flower’s petal. When viewed from the aft, the exterior reveals the form of curling leaves or petals. This design wraps around the hull, extending to the asymmetrical bow of the yacht. Lily also features a walkway starboard side and a helicopter landing pad portside. Under these spaces lie the storage for four tenders as well as a helicopter.

From the aquatic plant’s petal form, the design team also draws the look of the yacht Lily from a sailing boat. These influences emerge through the steel hull and aluminum superstructure, as well as the continuous lines throughout the water vehicle’s design. Vripack and Oceanco opt out of putting side walkways and terraces. Instead, they replace them with one-way glass windows, extending the interior spaces while letting the passengers fully view the outside.

all images courtesy of Vripack and Oceanco

split-level design for sight lines and more airflow

The split-level design of the yacht Lily by Vripack and Oceanco allows for sight lines and more airflow. It also highlights the curving exterior more. The water vehicle spans 331 feet, and its top deck is dedicated to the 4840 ft² owner’s split-level quarters. Here, they have their private sundeck terrace and interior lily pond, a design element that harks back to the vessel’s name. For the interior, the decks overlap to continue the split-level design.

They resemble lily’s closing petals because of their layers, which create light and shadows in the cabin depending on the time of the day. The design team uses glass to divide the spaces and reduce visual blockages, making the interiors ‘open.’ Passengers enter the yacht Lily by Vripack and Oceanco using the main deck. Here, they see the four-meter high ceiling as well as the wellness area with an integrated swimming pool, a gym, and a watersports gallery.

Vripack and Oceanco’s yacht Lily has a curving exterior that mimics the shape of the flower’s petal

open-plan cinema and a children’s play ‘nest’ for the interiors

Passengers can see the wellness area, where the bar and dining area are also located, from the aft deck lounge and the balcony on the deck above. Vripack and Oceanco intend to layer the levels of yacht Lily for this reason. By doing so, they’re able to create subtle or semi-hidden spaces, unlike conventional water vehicle interiors. When passengers enter the heart of the vessel, the half decks soon visually come together through a glass mezzanine and stairway.

These stairs lead them to nine double guest cabins, each sized at 538 feet square. On this floor, passengers also find the open-plan cinema as well as the children’s play ‘nest’ which they can access through a suspended bridge. Specs-wise, the yacht Lily by Vripack and Oceanco comes with hybrid Dynafin propulsion and fuel cell technology for green-energy cruising. The setup draws upon Oceanco’s Lateral Naval Architects’ Energy Transition Platform. 

when viewed from the aft, the exterior reveals the form of curling leaves or petals

the curling design wraps around the hull, extending to the asymmetrical bow of the yacht

the water vehicle uses steel hull and aluminum superstructure

the one-way glass windows extend the interior spaces while letting the passengers fully view the outside

the split-level design allows for sight lines and more airflow

project info:

name: Lily yacht

design: Vripack, Oceanco | @vripackdesign, @oceancoyacht

The post yacht lily by vripack and oceanco mimics shape of the flower’s petal with its curving exterior appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Alexis Dornier designs the Vedanta speedboat, a water vehicle that draws parts of its naval design from the 1960s American muscle cars. These influences show up as the elongated, navy-green hull with inflatables, the modernized bucket seats for the passengers, as well as the sharp lines of the cabin’s design and overhead lights. The Indonesia-based architect collaborates with naval architect Tresno Seery of Outborn Watercraft for the Vedanta speedboat.

The design team crafts the water vehicle using regional materials around Indonesia, the place it is produced. It spans 12 meters, can accommodate 12 passengers, and has a marine toilet on board. The shock-absorbing seats allow the passengers to feel less of the vehicle’s shake when it crosses over waves. Since the Vedanta speedboat cruises around Indonesia, known for its warm temperature, there’s also air conditioning inside the cabin.

all images courtesy of Vedanta

warm overhead lights and two mini-sunroofs in cabin

For specs buffs, the Vedanta Speedboat designed by architects Alexis Dornier and Tresno Seery of Outborn Watercraft has a top cruising speed of 42 knots. The water vehicle’s fuel tank can carry up to 1,300 liters. In the evening, the pilot uses the integrated night vision to navigate the waters safely. For the other features of the Vedanta Speedboat by Alexis Dornier, there are self-inflated safety jackets for everyone, as well as an onboard sound system.

Just in front of the motor, passengers can use the foldable table to put their objects and food on. It sits between two benches adjacent to each other, which adds extra seating to the 12 cabin chairs. The tops of these benches have bottle-sized steel containers embedded into them, serving as bottle or object holders during the trip. Inside the Vedanta Speedboat by Alexis Dornier, there are warm overhead lights illuminating the space. Then, in the middle of the ceiling, there are two mini-sunroofs to let the air in and for sky views.

Alexis Dornier and Tresno Seery design the Vedanta speedboat

the design team crafts the water vehicle using regional materials around Indonesia

the water vehicle draws parts of its naval design from the 1960s American muscle cars

the exterior has an elongated, navy-green hull with inflatables

there are two mini sunroofs installed

the cockpit design draws inspiration from the 1960s American muscle cars

wooden panels encase the equipment in the cockpit

buttons reminiscent of the dashboard setup in a muscle or collector’s car

the water vehicle has a top cruising speed of 42 knots

project info:

name: Vedanta Speedboat | @vedanta_boat

design: Alexis Dornier, Tresno Seery | @alexisdornier, @tresno_seery, @outborn_watercraft

The post vedanta speedboat by alexis dornier draws its naval design from 1960s american muscle cars appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Yves Béhar designs Solsea, the recent Rossinavi hybrid-electric catamaran superyacht unveiled at Design Miami 2024. An ocean explorer himself for around 40 years, the FuseProject studio founder knows a thing or two about making the hybrid-electric catamaran a true modern superyacht. The two have been developing the vessel for around three years, resulting in an unveiling at Design Miami 2024, which runs between December 4th and 8th. In the design process, Yves Béhar teams up with Amorim to produce the flooring of Solsea, made of cork instead of teak, and also adds solar panels onto the exterior of the vessel.

When viewed from above, the solar panels clad the entire exterior surface, which helps generate electricity for Solsea. Because of the use of green fuel, the hull has reduced emissions, noise, and vibrations as the hybrid-electric catamaran sails. Yves Béhar also sets up a full-width hydraulic rear door for watersports and activities, and he designs a versatile mechanical hardtop with sculptural frames for the lounge pool, so the owner can lower it while cruising. He also curates the elevated bar, raising it upward to the already raised lounge area so passengers have panoramic views of the sea as well as more natural light through the skylight above.

all images courtesy of Rossinavi and Yves Béhar

hybrid-electric catamaran superyacht with cork flooring

A sure Yves Béhar touch to Rossinavi’s hybrid-electric catamaran superyacht is the use of natural matte wood tones and bouclé textiles together with the cork flooring. The FuseProject studio founder uniformly curates the interior and exterior so that they’re in sync from the soft and earthy palettes to the warm lighting. The interior’s total width is 14m (45ft), and it’s comparable to an apartment’s living spaces with its lounging and entertaining that are flexible and customizable in terms of layouts.

At Design Miami 2024, the designer and yacht company have introduced all of these features during the fair, including the owner’s cabin. Their suite spans the entire width of the dedicated space, with 180-degree views from every seating area. Solsea, being a hybrid-electric catamaran superyacht, can operate 100 percent on electric power during a day trip. It’s reduced to 90 percent of electric power for multi-day journeys and 80 percent if the catamaran crosses the Atlantic, for example. It’s fully charged from the shore power in around five hours.

solar panels clad the exterior surface of Solsea

Vessel collects energy from the sun in hibernation mode

When in hibernation mode, Rossinavi’s hybrid-electric catamaran superyacht collects energy using the solar panels. If the owner wishes, the solar power onboard can supply energy to other places and objects, enough to power up an entire villa, Rossinavi says. Solsea also comes with Rossinavi’s AI technology, which can monitor the battery pack of the vessel and help extend its battery life. This system can also assist and interact with the crew by informing them what they may need to do to maintain the superyacht’s optimal state.

This energy-harvesting approach stems from Rossinavi’s BluE philosophy, which also depicts the company’s new line of hybrid-electric yachts. It basically describes that these recent yachts rely more on batteries and solar panels to power the vessels, which can contribute to a less harmful environmental footprint. BluE’s design is inspired by phytoplankton, which are microscopic marine organisms that use sunlight for energy, because similarly, the hybrid-electric catamaran superyacht absorbs sunlight during the day using solar panels and stores the energy in advanced batteries. When the yacht uses this stored energy at night, it creates a bioluminescent effect around the vessel.

the yacht is forged in aluminum

Yves Béhar designs Solsea, the recent Rossinavi hybrid-electric catamaran superyacht

Yves Béhar teams up with Amorim to produce the flooring of Solsea, made of cork instead of teak

the exterior and interior both have soft and earthy palettes

Solsea was unveiled at Design Miami 2024

view of Solsea’s interior

Yves Béhar uses natural matte wood tones and bouclé textiles

the owner’s cabin spans the entire width, with 180-degree views

view of the upper deck

project info:

name: Solsea

design: Yves Béhar | @yvesbehar

studio: FuseProject | @fuseprojectsf

company: Rossinavi | @rossinavi

cork: Amorim | @amorimcork

event: Design Miami | @designmiami

The post yves béhar and rossinavi reveal hybrid-electric catamaran superyacht ‘solsea’ at design miami appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Selar’s cruise ship named Captain Arctic has retractable sails covered with solar panels so the vessel can harness and use the energy coming from the wind and sun. These two sources help power up the cruise ship, and when the sails aren’t able to tap into those during the journey, the two propeller shafts can also produce energy and act as hydro turbines. Looking at the exterior, Selar’s Captain Arctic boasts five ‘35-meter-high sails that can be retracted like a Swiss Army Knife when needed’, says the cruise brand.

They’re made of alumininum to stand against the harsh weather conditions and anchor 2,000 m² of solar panels. Because of these energy sources, Captain Arctic hopes to sail with reduced, if not zero, carbon emissions. The cruise ship also comes with autonomous water production for the guests on board, meaning that the vessel generates its own fresh water from the sea using reverse osmosis. For when it travels to extremely cold regions, Selar’s vessel uses recycled wooden waste pellets for its boiler to warm up the interiors of the ship.

all images courtesy of Selar

organic food digester and a treatment tank onboard

Selar’s cruise ship is 70 meters long, with only 36 passengers and 24 crew members onboard. It travels at a fairly low speed and aims to emit 90 percent less emission than most of the boats in the region. Parts of the reasons why are the specialized systems onboard that the brand has installed, including the organic food digester and a treatment tank that transforms black, gray water into technical, potable water.

Already with the vessel’s name, passengers can have an idea where Selar’s ship cruises: the Arctic areas, namely Norway, Svalbard, and Greenland. As they cruise around these regions, the interiors of the Selar cruise ship can keep them toasty, from the natural light streaming through the blinds in their bedroom windows to the solar-powered shower in the bathroom with an Arctic view. 

Captain Arctic has retractable sails covered with solar panels

It’s an expedition, not a trip

Onboard amenities feel like the passengers access establishments on land, too. There are gym and sauna facilities ready for use anytime of the day, and other activities include ice navigation with the captain, yoga sessions, fishing with the chef, polar plunge, Norwegian bath, whale watching, and, if the time is right, witnessing the Aurora Borealis.

The dining space resembles diner style from the previous eras, with the back-to-back benches, stripe designs, and a clean color palette. Guests can dine in freshly caught Arctic salmon sushi or local algae and gravlax and take a sip of the Arctic cocktails or beers brewed at 80° North. The expedition, not trip as the brand describes it, lasts between seven and 13 days, depending on the trip, and bookings are now open for the travel dates starting November 2026. 

the vessel can harness and use the energy coming from the wind, sun and even water using the propeller shafts

view of the dining space

view of the bar

view of the command bridge

lounge area

solar-powered shower in the bathroom with an Arctic view

Selar’s cruise ship can travel through Norway, Svalbard, and Greenland

the sailing begins in November 2026

project info:

name: Captain Arctic

brand: Selar | @selar_expeditions

The post selar cruise ship wraps retractable sails in solar panels to harness energy from wind and sun appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Candela brings a fleet of its flying electric hydrofoil ferry P-12 to Berlin, which has already started operations as a public transport, cutting the city commute to around 10 minutes. The shuttle ferry connects the East Side Gallery near Ostbahnhof with the cultural hub, Funkhaus. The Swedish tech company says that its electric hydrofoil ferry can travel at 25 knots across the Spree, making it the fastest of its kind and the first of its type in Germany.

Recently, Candela also announced that it is set to deliver a fleet of its shuttles to NEOM, where they will be used as transport vehicles around the islands. In Berlin, it’s Reederei Riedel and Funkhaus that have acquired and now operate the P-12 electric hydrofoil ferry. Uwe Fabich, the owner, says they’ve begun with an hourly service to and from East Side Gallery and Funkhaus. The management is considering potentially expanding the schedule to up to two trips per hour in each direction, given that it’s only a ten-minute commute per route.

all images courtesy of Candela

Avoiding traffic jams on land with ferry on river

Rush hour traffic highlights the reason Candela’s electric hydrofoil ferry, the P-12, has landed in Berlin. Uwe Fabich notes that congested roads make it difficult to navigate the city during this time, just like in any major city. ‘There’s always a traffic jam. Public transportation isn’t much better. Tram line 21, which heads in this direction, is one of the few Berlin tram lines with a 20-minute frequency. After getting off, there’s still a long walk to the Funkhaus,’ says Uwe Fabich. Because Reederei Riedel and Funkhaus are directly on the river, utilizing it with a fleet of electric hydrofoil ferries can help cut down the commute time for those who want to visit the area during peak travel times.

Candela brings a fleet of its flying electric hydrofoil ferry P-12 to Berlin

Candela’s vessel has an adjustable bow ramp for docking

The Swedish tech company believes it’s cost-effective to have the P-12 vessel in Berlin’s river due to its adjustable bow ramp and low energy use. The electric hydrofoil ferry comes with a front ramp that ranges from 0.2 to 2 meters and can be resized depending on the dock’s height. In this case, there’s no need to build a specific dock just for this kind of vessel. I It also doesn’t require specialized charging booths, as the P-12 can recharge its battery using a standard car DC charger in just an hour. Candela says operating costs would be 90 percent lower than diesel ships due to the low energy consumption and its maintenance-free electric C-POD motors.

the shuttle ferry connects the East Side Gallery near Ostbahnhof with the cultural hub, Funkhaus

the electric hydrofoil ferry can travel at 25 knots

Reederei Riedel and Funkhaus have acquired and now operate the P-12 electric hydrofoil ferry

the operations have begun with an hourly service to and from East Side Gallery and Funkhaus

there’s a possibility of expanding the schedule to up to two trips per hour

the Swedish tech company believes it’s cost-effective to have the P-12 vessel in Berlin’s river

the electric hydrofoil ferry comes with a front ramp that ranges from 0.2 to 2 meters

the vessel also doesn’t require specialized charging booths

project info:

name: Candela P-12

company: Candela | @candelaboats

The post candela’s ‘flying’ electric hydrofoil ferry arrives in berlin, cutting city commute to 10 minutes appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Candela has announced that NEOM has ordered a fleet of P-12, its high-speed electric hydrofoil shuttle ships, to be used as water transport around the islands of the Saudi Arabian megacity. The Swedish boat manufacturer shared the news on Instagram, confirming that they will supply a fleet of their P-12 electric hydrofoil shuttle ships to NEOM. The deliveries will begin in 2025, in time for the expected construction deadline of the megacity in 2039.

Candela, which has also partnered with Polestar for its C-8 electric boat with hydrofoils painted in gold, describes the P-12 as the world’s first high-speed, long-range electric shuttle ship. If this is the case, it may fit well within NEOM’s Sindalah, the so-called luxury island destination in the Red Sea and part of the megacity. In a LinkedIn post, the NEOM team hints that something is coming to Sindalah. ‘Coming to the Red Sea, our sustainable gateway for the world’s yachting community will feature world-class hospitality and unforgettable experiences,’ the post says. This may indicate that the electric hydrofoil shuttle ships will find their new home on this island.

all images courtesy of Candela

Vessels that can cruise at a speed of 16 knots

NEOM’s LinkedIn post alludes to a ‘world-class yachting club’ on Sindalah Island, the potential home of Candela’s P-12 electric hydrofoil shuttle ships. The Swedish boat manufacturer’s Instagram post adds that the addition of their zero-emission fleet to the Saudi Arabian project can ‘redefine waterborne transport with frequent departures, high speeds, and low energy costs,’ the technology team writes. The manufacturer also says that NEOM’s fleet order may be their largest one yet, marking a major milestone for the series’ growth.

The P-12 model took its first cruise as a real-life electric hydrofoil shuttle ship back in November 2023. During the test, the vessel cruised at a speed of 16 knots. It reached its designed top speed of 30 knots within 16 seconds as well. It appears to float because of the three carbon fiber wings beneath the hull. With this in mind, the boat manufacturer envisions its product as a modern and faster commuting transport.

Candela has announced that NEOM has ordered a fleet of P-12

Customizable interiors for electric hydrofoil shuttle ships

Clients like NEOM can customize the interiors of the electric hydrofoil shuttle ship. They can transform it into a business space with plush seats. They can also dress it up with a full-out voyager design similar to those found in luxury yachts. The Shuttle version of the electric vessel can accommodate up to 31 passengers at once. The manufacturer also claims that it can reduce commuting times from 55 to 25 minutes (depending on the location and based on their 2023 test). So far, NEOM has yet to announce the arrival of Candela’s P-12 fleet into their project.

P-12 is Candela’s high-speed electric hydrofoil shuttle ship

inside the 31-passenger shuttle ship

docking Candela’s P-12

view of the passengers leaving the vessel

the P-12 model took its first test cruise back in November 2023

Candela begins to deliver P-12 to NEOM in 2025

the vessel appears to float because of the three carbon fiber wings beneath the hull

Candela envisions P-12 as a modern commuting transport

project info:

name: P-12

manufacturer: Candela | @candelaboats

city: NEOM | @discoverneom

location: Saudi Arabia

The post NEOM to use candela’s electric hydrofoil shuttle ships as water transport around its islands appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Platypus Craft and Evoy team up to produce the former’s semi-submersible concept boats with catamaran hulls. The catch here is that the water vehicle contains a ‘basket,’ or movable part of the boat, that the pilot can lower below the water surface. In this way, up to five passengers can enjoy under-the-sea gazing without actually diving into the water. To let them breathe under the sea, the basket comes with six air tanks, facial masks from ocean reefs, which are similar to diving masks, and oil-less Nardi Compressori compressors for breathing air.

Platypus Craft says they’ve already launched a prototype in the Mediterranean, equipped with two Evoy’s electric motor systems named Twin Outboard Breeze that can give over 240 horsepower. This motor also has two 63-kilowatt batteries that can deliver a top speed of 25 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots above water. With the basket lowered, the semi-submersible boat can travel between three and five knots, so the passengers can enjoy looking at the marine life at a glacial pace for around 30 to 80 nautical miles. Platypus expects to deploy the twin Evoy Outboard Breeze, 120+ horsepower each electric motor, in their Yacht Edition craft on water in early 2025.

all images courtesy of Platypus Craft

Platypus craft and evoy to unveil semi-submersible boat in 2025

The semi-submersible concept boat of Platypus Craft has catamaran hulls, which help lower the basket easily. At the same time, the setup creates ample space on board, so passengers can still walk around the water vehicle. The boat company has yet to clarify if there’s a barrier encasing it or if it’s open. What’s clear is that the rear has enough space to double as a diving board, in case the passengers want to swim during the break.

It’s here too, where Evoy’s electric motor systems are, propelling the semi-submersible concept boat. The motor company says that its electric systems have zero emissions, which can help reduce pollution as well as fuel slicks and bilge water. Electric motors are dubbed to be quiet too and may not disrupt marine life as they cruise since they cut down noise pollution above and below the water. As of publishing the story, the two companies continue to develop their semi-submersible boat from concept to real-life model, with early 2025 as the target year for its launch.

surface view of the semi-submersible boat by Platypus Craft and Evoy

Platypus Craft and Evoy team up to produce semi-submersible concept boats with catamaran hulls

the water vehicle contains a ‘basket,’ or movable part of the boat, that the pilot can lower below the water surface

prototype of Platypus Craft’s semi-submersible boat with Evoy’s electric motor systems

up to five passengers can enjoy under-the-sea gazing without actually diving into the water

view of the basket lowered below the water surface

Platypus Craft has already launched a prototype in the Mediterranean

Evoy’s electric motor systems can boost the Platypus semi-submersible boat up to 240 horsepower

Platypus and Evoy’s semi-submersible boat is expected to launch in early 2025

project info:

name: Semi-submersible boat

boat design: Platypus Craft | @platypuscraft

motor: Evoy | @poweredbyevoy

The post evoy and platypus’ semi-submersible boat with catamaran hulls glides above and underwater appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Seymourpowell – the masterminds behind the driverless, ride-sharing EV and ‘beauty bubble’ – has introduced ORB, a fleet of autonomous electric hydrofoil boats that operate as ride-sharing water vehicles in coastal cities such as Venice, Hong Kong, and Miami. The Omni Robotic Boat (ORB) plans to utilize the canals and waterways around these cities for its concept of urban water transport, offering ride-sharing from harbor to harbor, coast to coast. So far, Seymourpowell has London, Miami, New York, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Venice in mind for the design of their concept autonomous electric hydrofoil boats.

all images courtesy of Seymourpowell

Seymourpowell plants panoramic windows for its concept boat

Water-based mobility may be frequent or a daily occurrence in a city like Venice, but having these water vehicles as autonomous electric hydrofoil boats might still be a foreign concept. Sensor and camera technologies are essential for the Omni Robotic Boat (ORB) to work, and Seymourpowell has yet to dive into them. In the meantime, the design agency has already envisioned the interior of the boats.

A 180-degree view is a priority for all the passengers, so large panoramic windows are put into place. In this way, each passenger can enjoy the view in front of them. Around seven to eight passengers can hop on the ride-sharing water vehicle, and the circular seating arrangement faces the windows directly. Since the autonomous electric hydrofoil boat’s name is ORB, the exterior structure is spherical, allowing for a spacious ceiling and width, so the passengers can stand and walk around.

ORB is a fleet of autonomous electric hydrofoil boats that operate as ride-sharing water vehicles

Airplane seats for autonomous electric hydrofoil boats

Seats similar to those used in planes emerge in the concept autonomous electric hydrofoil boats. On the armrests, there are ports. Passengers can plug in smart devices and charge them up here. They may be able to use wireless charging as well. Below the panoramic windows, passengers can see the stops and destinations of ORB. They can also check the estimated time of arrival to ensure they’re updated on the duration of the ride.

Since the water vehicle is used for ride-sharing, the names of the passengers are saved. They’re also projected onto the screen display in front of them as a way of greeting and seat placement. This may hint that Seymourpowell might also create a dedicated app to book rides on ORB. When the ride is over, the boats dock in the dedicated port of destination, waiting for the next passengers for transport. As of publishing this story, ORB is still a concept autonomous electric hydrofoil boat for ride-sharing.

inside Seymourpowell’s ORB, an autonomous electric hydrofoil boat for ride-sharing

passengers can see the estimated time of arrival during their ride

the seats resemble those found on airplanes

detailed view of the interior

so far, Seymourpowell’s autonomous electric hydrofoil boats ORB are still a concept

project info:

name: Omni Robotic Boat

design: Seymourpowell | @seymourpowell

The post seymourpowell’s autonomous electric hydrofoil boat offers ride-sharing around coastal cities appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Hu’chu GmbH has introduced Hu’chu 55, a sailing catamaran owned by Daniel Roesner. The German actor, producer, and environmental entrepreneur isn’t only the proprietor. He was also the one who produced the 90 percent aluminum scraps repurposed for Hu’chu 55, tapping a major manufacturer along the way for the discarded objects. He recycled aluminum scrap, discarded license plates, road signs, cosmetic cans, as well as automotive and construction remains into his sailing catamaran, collaborating with iYacht GmbH along the way for the design.

Daniel Roesner himself picked the materials to be applied to his water vehicle. He ended up incorporating natural fibers, reclaimed wood, and recycled cork since he wanted to give them a second life. Metal wraps the exterior of Hu’Chu 55, and its rugged aesthetics may give off the vibe of an explorer catamaran. The latter may ring true, amplified by the shades of brown and black that color the interior of the water vehicle. iYacht’s design offices in Hamburg and Kiel worked closely with the owner to make sure he received what he pictured as his sailing catamaran.

all images courtesy of iYacht GmbH

iYacht GmbH builds a workspace for Daniel Roesner

When it comes to Hu’Chu 55’s rig and sail system, iYacht GmbH makes sure they’re easy to control from both the steering area and the rear of the boat. The yacht design and engineering studio placed three front sails for the sailing catamaran, including a self-adjusting one and a couple of others that can handle different wind conditions. There are boards on the bottom to help the water vehicle sail better against the wind, and the design team moved the mast further back to make the front sails larger.

The sailing catamaran comes with two electric motors that can help move it when needed, running quietly and free from vibration. The water vehicle has large batteries that can be recharged by solar panels or by the movement of the boat. In this way, the propellers spin and generate electricity when the boat moves, which then recharges the batteries. The solar panels on the boat not only create electricity but are also connected to a water heating system that keeps them cool. The sailing catamaran uses renewable energy to grow vegetables, clean water, and power all its equipment, including a room where Daniel Roesner works on editing films.

iYacht GmbH has also recycled road signs, cosmetic cans and automotive and construction remains

Sailing catamaran hu’chu 55 as a permanent home

iYacht GmbH designed Hu’Chu 55 in a way that Daniel Roesner can live there permanently on board, which is what he has in mind. To carry this out, the design team included a film area for him to work in, dry storage for protecting electronics and special equipment, and two garages for diving and sports equipment. All of these are tailored to Daniel Roesner’s needs, who plans to produce documentaries about the oceans as well as monitor the water quality. There’s even a boat garden in the middle of the sailing catamaran. Here, the owner can cultivate his own fresh food, regardless of his location, through the vertical hydroponic gardens.

‘After living four years on a steel cutter to test whether life on the water was for me, I quickly realized that it was my thing and that all I really wanted to do was make films and live on the sea,’ says Daniel Roesner. ‘I have a large circle of friends consisting of divers, free divers, scientists, and underwater filmmakers. I would like to collaborate with them to implement various projects on topics such as environmental protection, research, and adventure, and also hope to work with various universities. The boat is going to be a platform for sustainable research, adventure, film, and circular living. Hopefully, the Hu’chu 55 will be an inspiration to others as well.’

the Hu’chu sailing catamaran also incorporates natural fibers, reclaimed wood, and recycled cork

sketch of Daniel Roesner’s sailing catamaran Hu’chu 55 by iYacht GmbH

there are boards on the bottom to help the Hu’chu sailing catamaran cruise better against the wind

project info:

name: Hu’Chu 55

engineering: iYacht GmbH | @iyacht.gmbh

client: Daniel Roesner | @danyroesner

catamaran: Hu’chu GmbH | @huchusail

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