From Explorers to Winter Gardens, See the 3 Biggest Yacht Innovations of 2019 (So Far)
These game changers are making some serious waves.
Related articles
Walking the docks at recent yacht shows, getting on board the boats and attending press conferences at the various events presented us with a few trends that we found noteworthy. For example, if they haven’t done so already, every shipyard is coming out with a durable explorer-style vessel, “winter gardens” appeared on several new yachts, and green technology continues to grow. Here are a few examples of this year’s yachting trends.
## Explorer Yachts
If they haven’t done so already, every shipyard appears to be coming out with its own rendition of the durable explorer-style yacht. One example is the 43-metre explorer from Italy-based shipyard Baglietto. Penned by designer Santa Maria Magnolfi, this opulent yet discreetly bulletproof craft was created to sail the globe.
Baglietto 43m Explorer.
Photo: Courtesy of Baglietto
The Italian yard CRN has three AlfaRosso explorer-style vessels underway by Francesco Paszkowski Design—45-, 50- and 55-metre models—as well as plans from Zuccon International Project (80-metre CRN 135), Nuvolari Lenard (62-metre CRN 137), and Omega Architects (62-metre CRN 138).
CRN AlfaRosso 45m explorer yacht, designed by Francesco Paszkowski.
Photo: Courtesy of CRN/Francesco Paszkowski
The 70-metre Project Crystal from the Dutch firm Mulder Design will sport a rugged Ice Class hull and accommodate 14 guests.
Mulder Design Project Crystal.
Photo: Courtesy of Mulder Design
And moored to the docks in Monaco, the steel-hulled 500EXP from Sanlorenzo had its public launch last northern Autumn. Though the exterior looks like it can handle anything Mother Nature throws its way, the interiors are fitted with tasteful Italian design.
Sanlorenzo 500XP explorer yacht.
Photo: Courtesy Sanlorenzo
## Winter Gardens
The “winter garden” included on a few new yachts is something Robb Report first noticed several years ago as a feature on board Abeking & Rasmussen’s Cloudbreak and Feadship’s Joy. On land, the term refers to either a garden in which hardy, frost-resistant plants may grow or a conservatory where flowers and greens can thrive during the colder months. The yachting world gives the concept some special tweaks for sea.
The winter garden on the bridge deck of Abeking & Rasmussen’s Cloudbreak.
Photo: Christopher Scholey
The 51-metre Irisha, from Dutch builder Heesen, replaced its main saloon with a garden—with no plants in sight. Instead, the room opens to the elements on three sides and features contemporary outdoor furniture and rugs.
The main saloon on Heesen’s Irisha is a winter-garden indoor/outdoor space.
Photo: Mike Jones
Tankoa Yachts’ recent launch, Solo, does include greenery—of the succulent variety. It feels more like a conservatory, with large windows and a seating area.
The winter garden on board Tankoa Yachts’ Solo.
Photo: Courtesy of Tankoa Yachts
On board RJ, a new A105 from Arcadia, the owner chose to dedicate his glass-walled and -ceilinged garden (standard on Arcadia yachts since 2005) as a games and play space.
The winter garden play room aboard RJ, a recent Arcadia Yachts 105.
Photo: Alberto Cocchi
## Eco-Friendly Yachts
Green technology in the marine sector continues to grow. At 107 metres, Oceanco’s Black Pearl is the largest sailing yacht in the world—and apparently, one of the most environmentally friendly. Its technology includes DynaRig carbon masts, solar power, a hybrid-propulsion system, and onboard hacks such as waste-heat recovery, all to propel it across the oceans with reduced emissions.
Oceanco Black Pearl features 70-metre-tall Dynarig carbon masts that accommodate 2880 square metres of sail.
Photo: Oceanco
One look at the A105 from Arcadia Yachts and you just know it’s eco-friendly; 36 square metres of solar panels make up the superstructure and produce 4.2 kW, used to power the lights, appliances, pumps, and electronics.
The Arcadia 105 captures energy via solar panels.
Photo: Alberto Cocchi
Nobiskrug presented a model of the soon-to-launch 80-metre superyacht Artefact, which uses solar panels, a battery-storage system, wastewater recycling, and a high-efficiency/ lower-emissions ABB Pod propulsion system.
Nobiskrug’s hybrid superyacht Artefact.
Photo: Courtesy of Nobiskrug
The Italian builder Perini Navi also revealed its line of hybrid sailing yachts. Called E-volution, the line offers models that contain a hybrid propulsion system with lithium batteries to power electric engines, reducing the use of fuel-burning engines and generators.
Perini Navi E-volution 47.
Photo: Courtesy of Perini Navi
Totally on trend, Tankoa’s Solo is so highly efficient and environmentally friendly it comes with an Environmental Management Plan manual.
Tankoa’s new 236-foot superyacht Solo.
Photo: Courtesy Tankoa
And the Waterecho superyacht concept—designed by Espen Øino—from the shipyard VSY will be used by technological innovator Siemens and the maritime classification entity Lloyd’s Register as a pilot project on which to utilise—and assess for safety and feasibility—one of the first applications of zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cells in yachting.
VSY Waterecho superyacht concept designed by Espen Øino.
Photo: Courtesy of VSY
Subscribe to the Newsletter
Recommended for you
Polar Opposites
A journey north to one of the harshest, remotest spots on Earth couldn’t be more luxurious.
April 18, 2024
Maserati Just Unveiled a New All-Electric Powerboat to Match the Folgore EV
The new Tridente can churn out 600 horses and hit 40 knots at full tilt.
April 18, 2024