Settantanove Concept Superyacht Features Retractable Hydrofoil Wing

The main objective of this project is to take a 49-meter super yacht and effectively reduce its carbon footprint with the use of a retractable hydrofoil wing, inspired by the technology used in the recent America’s Cup boats.

Whilst hydrofoils are commonly used on smaller boats they are rarely used on larger boats due to the drag issues as a result of larger boats being heavier. The aim of Settantanove Concept Superyacht is to overcome this problem by using Palmer Johnson’s revolutionary large scale Carbon Fiber manufacturing technique, highly efficient hydrogen gas turbine powered engines and self-stabilizing hydrofoils and applying these to larger super yachts. This would create a brand new area in the American market for ‘Sustainable Luxury Retractable Hydrofoil Wing.’

Designer : Matthew Bacon

Settantanove Concept Superyacht by Matthew Bacon

Settantanove Concept Superyacht by Matthew Bacon

When I was on placement at the super yacht design consultancy Nuvolari Lenard, I learned that NL had created/aided with the design and layout of all previous Palmer Johnson yachts. This initiated my interest in the brand but it was their recent super yacht release, The Khalilah that excited me the most. The Khalilah is part of a group of yachts to be produced by PJ under the name of ‘Supersport Series’. The design Language of the Supersport series is very striking with its bold lines and heavily automotive styled aesthetic. By using the design trends and features of past and present models I hope to propose a new design language for the hydrofoil series.

Settantanove Concept Superyacht will not just create a brand new sector for the American market but for the world market as a whole.

Currently there is nothing on the market to challenge this concept with the only competition being normal semi displacement yachts. With a retractable hydrofoil wing, Settantanove Superyacht will be able to be used as a low speed coastal cruiser but with the effective deployment of the wing shall be able to enter high speed hydro foiling but with no negative effects on the environment as the powertrain is powered by hydrogen.

Settantanove Concept Superyacht by Matthew Bacon

More images of Settantanove Concept Superyacht:
Settantanove Concept Superyacht by Matthew BaconSettantanove Concept Superyacht by Matthew BaconSettantanove Concept Superyacht by Matthew BaconSettantanove Concept Superyacht by Matthew BaconSettantanove Concept Superyacht by Matthew BaconSettantanove Concept Superyacht by Matthew Bacon

The concept will be under 500 gross tonnage, which means the only fire regulations needed will be a fire wall between engine room and interior space, allowing use of modular interior capabilities meaning clients could have the option of multiple interior specs. Also with modular interior capabilities refit/upgrade time will be drastically reduced from 6-8months to 4-5 days, HVAC passive design (natural cooling of interior area) shall remove large weighty air-conditioning units further reducing weight of the yacht. Most of the interior walls, insulation and furnishings shall be made of new natural fiber and resin technology that will further increase the sustainability factor of the yacht.

In conclusion using ‘design driven innovation’ and Palmer Johnson styling, it is highly possible to completely create a new unique market area for ‘Sustainable luxury retractable hydrofoil wing.’



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