Pyramidal and otherworldly in its shape, this concept yacht is not as impossible as it appears, seeming to lift almost entirely off the water in the design renderings by Jonathan Schwinge. More than just an aesthetic ideal, the resulting experience would be faster and smoother for passengers.

The Tetra yacht (short for tetrahedron), uses foils for lift, it begins from the water as it increases speed, ultimately reducing drag from the surface and allowing the vessel to cruise faster, then setting back down on its main hull when stopped or slowed.

A narrow strut is dropped as the vehicle lifts, then retracted as it comes down. From an engineering standpoint, the design does not require new technologies, just dynamic redeployment of existing structural approaches, transforming to each configuration of use.

From the team behind the Tetra: “The design is instigated by the re-thinking of the form, superstructure and propulsion of the modern superyacht into a radically simple enclosure and an elevated mode of travel above the water line. The concept design of this HYSWAS craft is based upon an existing hull design that has been developed by several companies, notably the Maritime Applied Physics Corporation in America.”

The post Gravity-Defying Superyacht Lifts Off With Hydrofoil Tech first appeared on Gajitz.

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.

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.