A Breathtaking Vision of Sustainable Yachting
Monaco's glittering shores and azure waters have always played host to the globe's most extraordinary superyachts. But this year, at the 2023 Monaco Yacht Show, the maritime elite witnessed a debut that represents not just luxury and opulence but a promising vision for the future: Feadship’s latest Concept Design, "Dunes".
For the uninitiated, Feadship, the iconic Dutch shipbuilder, embarked on a transformative journey in 2006. Through unveiling their annual concept designs, they've been showcasing radical shifts in luxury yachting expectations. These aren’t mere drafts of excess; they're purposeful evolutions. Evolutions driven by the confluence of client aspirations, visionary brainstorming, and breakthroughs in marine technology.
"Dunes", as the twelfth iteration, manifests these ideals and is Feadship's most significant stride towards their Net-Zero superyacht ambition. Why is it so exceptional? Well, the innovation lies not in what you can see, but in the meticulously crafted details lurking beneath its stunning façade.
At first glance, Dunes presents an aesthetic masterpiece. Studio De Voogt, with their poetic vision, drew inspiration from the perennial, yet ever-transforming, shapes of nature. The ever-shifting sand dunes, with their fluid contours, influenced the yacht’s organic lines, suggesting both continuity and adaptability. It subtly evokes the image of nature’s ability to craft shelter; and in a similar vein, "Dunes" emerges as a sanctuary, a perfect milieu for today's yacht owner. It promises adaptability through multi-purpose spaces that oscillate between open-plan grandeur and intimate seclusion.
But beneath this exquisite design lies the yacht's pièce de résistance: its sustainability features. Unlike its predecessors, Dunes avoids the sun's glare with large overhangs, significantly cutting down energy-intensive cooling needs. It seamlessly integrates next-gen storage batteries, embraces innovative fuel cell technology, and pioneers a trailblazing propulsion system – ABB’s Dynafin™. The cumulative effect? An impressive reduction of up to 95% in environmental impact factors, as per the YETI index.
Interestingly, the Dunes design circumvents the need for a central engine room, making way for strategic placement of six guest staterooms near primary guest spaces. A discrete bridge facilitates uninterrupted panoramic vistas, bestowing the owner and guests with unbeatable viewing luxury. Furthermore, the revolutionary walk-around decks not only offer diverse navigation routes but also spring up surprises, like hidden pools and discreet bow seating.
In a remarkable departure from traditional teak decks, Feadship introduces an ethereal deck made of glass or stone chips enveloped in a clear polyurethane resin. This is complemented by alfresco lounges, enveloped in sustainably sourced, golden maple wood, reminiscent of sun-kissed islands.
Future-forward, yet rooted in reality, Feadship ensures that its concepts stand the test of construction. As evidence, they’re introducing low-impact steel hulls and a mix of aluminum and wood for the superstructure – each chosen for their reduced carbon footprint.
The unveiling of Dunes has indeed become the talk of the town, thanks to its harmonious blend of luxury and sustainability. With the masterminds, designers Thijs Orth, Tanno Weeda, and specialist Bram Jongepier at the helm, curious visitors at the Monaco Yacht Show are in for a treat, as they delve into this transformative concept.
To those who might dismiss it as another futuristic vision, remember: with Feadship, the future can begin tomorrow.
Subscribe to the NAVIS digital edition to learn more about Obsidian and other innovative superyachts.
With the NAVIS digital edition, you can stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the superyacht industry, as well as read exclusive interviews with industry leaders. You can also access a wealth of information on superyacht design, construction, and maintenance.
Subscribe today and start enjoying the benefits of the NAVIS digital edition!
