Wind energy has long provided sustainable power for sailing the seven seas but when the winds go still the sun can continue to carry this dazzling vessel around the world.

Dreamt up by Italian designers Marco Ferrari and Alberto Franchi, this performance fly-bridge ketch dubbed Helios spans 180 feet and accommodates up to 10 guests and 8 crew. Its most unique feature: 2,500 solar panels (cells made from silicon) that can generate arround 355 kWh of power, which in turn can be stored in a series of on-board batteries.

The accommodations are not lacking in luxury: a disappearing infinity pool, convertible cinema and space for jet skis, canoes and other auxiliary crafts are all tucked into the design. Practical considerations, however, were also made throughout: “The spinnaker is made of nylon and the mizzen staysail is made of Dacron because they must be light, handy and functional to be lifted up and then hauled down in the forepeaks.”

“The exterior styling of the deck house is modern and is shaped from the soft curves of an oyster-shell. The height of the ketch rig allows the yacht to pass through the Panama Canal, and the sails are suitable for cruising and occasional race. Helios is a diesel-electric sailing yacht that, together with the reduced draft of 4 meters thanks to the lifting keel, can go in shallow waters or protected areas using only electric propulsion expanding its range for expedition.”

“The cockpit offers dining for 10 guests and is protected from the elements, while the deck which is clean from rigging, offers a wide space for relaxation and sunbathing areas for the guests. The fly-bridge deck has a dual helm stations with excellent all-round visibility and an infinity pool looking aft, but when the yacht is under way the water is pumped out and is converted into a sunbathing area with cushions.”

The post Sun-Powered Sailboat: Yacht Features Flexible Solar Sails first appeared on Gajitz.

Planning a remote fishing/camping trip involves coordinating travel, accommodations, and transportation between the camping and fishing sites – but the “world’s most versatile plane” is about to make it much simpler. As long as you can afford $189,000 and a pilot’s license, anyway.

The MVP from MVP Aero is an insane combination of a plane, boat, and tent. It’s classified as a Light Sport Airplane and can land on water, the ground, or snow depending on the gear that’s installed.

After you fly the plane to your destination, it can float on the water as your mobile fishing spot. The motor can propel it through the water just like a boat, and the whole canopy of the plane opens up. The instrument panel swivels up to lock in place away from the water and extra floor panels cover the former seating area to create a fishing deck complete with pedestal seat.

With the nose and instrument panel out of the way, you can spend all day on the water. If you need to dock, the wings swing back to make for a streamlined vessel that can pull right into a standard slip.

Once you’re ready to pack it in for the night, you can simply stay put and throw on the tent attachment. The tent uses the plane’s body for structure and gives you enough space for two adults to sleep comfortably. A hammock in the back can be used for daytime naps or for sleeping under the stars.

As seen in the video above, the MVP can be used in a huge variety of configurations, and it’s not only for fishing trips – photographers, researchers, and tourists could all get plenty of use out of it. It’s a crazily ambitious project, but MVP Aero expects to offer it commercially by 2019, so start saving up now.

The post Multi-Tasking Seaplane is a Fishing Boat, Sundeck + Tent first appeared on Gajitz.

People with yacht money seem to have a common complaint: all of the yachts look the same. Russian designer Igor Lobanov was discussing this very problem with fellow designer Alex Malybaev and they came up with an idea for a completely different kind of yacht.

Project STAR is an enormous 200 feet high and 433 feet long. It’s capable of speeds up to 18 knots, or around 20 MPH.

But the remarkable part of the STAR is its unique shape. At first glance it looks a bit like the paper boats we used to sail in the bathtub as kids.

But when the lighting is right and the yacht’s reflection glows on the water, it looks just like a massive star floating on the ocean.

There are plenty of luxury yacht concepts out there, but according to the designer, Project STAR could actually be built at some point. You’ll need a fat stack of yacht money for this dream boat, however: Lobanov predicts it could cost around $500 million.

The post Ultra-Luxe Personal Yacht Will Cost Half a Billion Dollars first appeared on Gajitz.

We have already seen civilian and military, everyday and emergency applications of the Jet Capsule design, but its creators have envisioned a new array of uses, including a highly maneuverable water taxi able to fit in tight spaces, corner easily and go anywhere.

Much smaller than conventional boat taxis or luxury yachts, these sleek vehicles can take people through canals and other urban water ways in places like Venice or Amsterdam, where it is often faster (if not inevitable) to travel by water.

Prototype versions of the Jet Capsule have already been deployed in Italy to test interest as well as functionality. These are just the start, though – the modular nature of the design makes it possible for people, companies or countries to order highly-customized versions for all kinds of unique and site-specific applications.

From the creators: “the current capsule model has a built-in hydro-jet system that can be equipped with one or two engines, but the team are also working on the first electrically powered design to be presented in june 2014. all the jets come with an international sail certification and can navigate and operate in any country/region, and waves of up to 4 meters.”

The post Agile Micro-Yachts: Adaptible ‘Jet Capsules’ as Water Taxis first appeared on Gajitz.

There’s nothing quite like being on the open water, just floating along. But this can be difficult with that little nine-foot jon boat that sits in your driveway ten months out of the year. Austrian design studio formquadrat hope to enhance your boating experience.

The ‘fines‘ is a “foldable multi-hull boat concept for 4-6 people,” meant to “create a mobile, individual oasis of well-being.” This comfort comes from the ability to leave behind crowded beaches but still have the space to relax and bask in the sun.

The side platforms spread out to about a 23-foot width. The front hull also extends to reveal a lounge area with a built-in dedicated grill for cooking. When the sun begins to set and it’s time to head back, the fines’ hulls lock together and the boat becomes 8.5 feet wide, just the right size to fit into the docks.

The post Create Your Own Oasis With This Unique ‘Foldable’ Skiff first appeared on Gajitz.