10 of the most exciting new superyacht concepts

Always in style, superyacht concepts are experiencing increased attention lately.
Over the years, the demand has continuously grown. According to the Superyacht Group, in the last 10 years, the global fleet jumped from 3,906 crafts in 2009 to 5,646 in 2019. The Covid-19 global pandemic has reinforced this trend: Northrop & Johnson, a superyacht marketing company, has doubled the sales for July 2020 compared to the previous year.
With more and more orders for yachts longer than 24 meters, the estimated value of the market is predicted to hit $10.2 billion by 2025.

This increased popularity has given yacht designers the opportunity to conceive new and ingenious projects and raise the stake to make their creation distinct from the rest.
Stewart Campbell, the editor of Boat International, explains for CNN: “Owners are really pulling out all the styling stops and challenging shipyards and designers to come up with boats that are truly unique ” and that “The days of all big yachts looking the same are long gone”
New contemporary superyachts have been presented these last few years: a vessel that transforms into a submarine, Trimonoran with a groundbreaking design and a huge swan-like yacht.

Here is a list of the 10 most impressive superyacht concepts we look forward to seeing taking into the water:

Avanguardia

Avanguardia is probably the most audacious superyacht concept of Pierpaolo Lazzarini of the italian Lazzarini Design Studio.
The megayacht structure is shaped to look like a enormous swan with the control tower positioned in its detachable “head”. While the vessel is at sea this “head” can be lowered to the centre of the structure, or it can be removed to be used as a totally seperate boat.
The main body of Avanguardia is organised in five main decks and it can onboard two helicopters. It is powered by its twin fully electric side engines and central MTU Rolls-Royce jet engine. According to Lazzarini studio the speed is predicted to be 18 knots.
At the moment Avanguardia is a “stylistic exercise” and the potential buyer is excpected to provide $500,000,000 in order to build it.

Project 175

Project 175 is considered a “statement yacht” and it’s a new inovative concept coming from Dixon Yacht Design that certainly will attract lots of attention. Nearly 55 meters, the superyacht concept features a flybridge design and an advanced hybrid propulsion system. Its most spectacular aspect are the neon uplights which give the impression of a floating nightclub once the sun sets off. The sail set up is simplified with only choosing reliable “tried and tested” control systems. Project 175 concept comprises a glazed saloon, a formal dining area, five guest cabins and a jacuzzi.
The naval architect, Anders Berg tells CNN Travel that the project has had an “encouraging response,” from the industry, but there are still crucial details that need arranging.
“It’s not just a pretty picture; there is considerable amount of accurate design input, from developing the hull and appendages (keel/rudder), to space planning the interior within the structural confines and resolving the sail plan and sail handling systems.”
Berg underlines that due to the scale and complication of the project, it will probably take 24 to 30 months to build the yacht “depending upon the shipyard capacity,” once all of the subtle details are resolved.

Trimonoran

This dramatic project is the first of concept to feature a Trimonoran hull — a mix of a monohull and a trimaran hull.
It was imagined by two designers, Baran Akalın and G. Jelle Bilkert from Dutch studio Anwigema, who had been involved with the Trimonoran for over 20 years.
The two decided to unite their work to incorporate the ingenious multi-hull concept into a motor yacht project.
The Trimonoran features a hydraulic propulsion system with three slim hulls, providing Escalade with 30% more space than a comparable yacht, as well as more stability and less water resistance.
“The hull provides top speed and stability with less power/energy because of the hull shape and hydrofoils under the body,” says Akalın.
“Her body also allows smoother sailing than standard hulls. The hull cuts the waves very politely.”
The yacht’s extravagant interior was prepared by Celia Sawyer, a British designer.
The project has drawn a lot of interest from potential buyers and Akalın and Anwigema are currently working on estimating the pricing for the vessel which will take around 12 to 15 months to realize.

Thor Explore

The Tor Explore concept is built “from the inside out, rather an unusual way to do things when it comes to yacht designing.
Gresham Yacht Design is a UK-based studio who have intensified the Thor Explore’s interior, featuring large nautilus windows along with an aquarium that stretches floor-to-ceiling.
The most remarkable feature remains the glass floor, which turns opaque at the “flick of a switch” whenever privacy is required in the main saloon.
100-meter long exploration yacht is completed with a s a sunken seating area, onboard beach club and a fully certified helideck.
The build cost for the vessel is still to be calculated, though Gresham Yacht Design confirms that Thor Explore yacht is in the final stages of the design process.
Construction is estimated to be completed between three to four years, always “depending on the finish desired.”

AQUA

AQUA is a unique superyacht concept which runs entirely on liquid hydrogen and fuel-cell technology, meaning that water is its its only emission. It was conceived from a collaboration between Sinot, a Dutch yacht-design company and Lateral Naval Architect.
112 meters long, the project is eco-friendly and designed to operate at a maximum speed of 17 knots, with a range of 3,750 nautical miles.
Aqua’s technology system relies on two 28-ton vacuum isolated tanks stored at temperatures as low as -253 C (-423 F).
Back in 2019, Sander Sinot declared that”For development of Aqua we took inspiration from the lifestyle of a discerning, forward-looking owner, the fluid versatility of water and cutting-edge technology, to combine this in a 112-meter superyacht concept with truly innovative features.”
“Our challenge was to implement fully operational liquid hydrogen and fuel cells in a true superyacht that is not only groundbreaking in technology, but also in design and aesthetics.”
Even though Aqua has drown enormous interest, Sinot confirms that it is still available and is yet to be built.

Carapace

This impressive hybrid vessel can move on the surface of the sea and underwater.
Italian-based naval architect Elena Nappi, who devised the concept after years of nautical experimentation research, says she wanted to combine the relaxation provided by luxury yachts and the “privacy” of immersion navigation to represent a “new class of mega yachts.”
“The world of luxury submarines is one of the last frontiers in the field of experimentation, and perhaps the hybrid will be the language of the future,” Nappi said in a statement last year.
“Very often yacht owners are looking for original solutions to be able to offer their friends and their family something special, and certainly that of a diving cruise of this type is something unprecedented in the super yacht market.”
Carapace, which measures 78 meters is powered by a diesel-electric and fuel cell system and holds three deck levels, with amenities such as VIP cabins, a bar and health club.
While Nappi is keen to see this design become a reality, she stresses that it will be a long while before the vessel is brought to life, even if it’s picked up by a buyer.
“If we make a comparison with the automotive sector, it is not hard to understand that the road to this type of boat is still very far away,” she adds.
“The first electric car was built in 1884 and is only on the market today, so it is impossible to think that a harness like this could be put on the market before 100 years.”

HIDE

What makes this original superyacht concept stand out from the others is the fact that it’s actually designed to camouflage into its surroundings.
Anna Borla, the yacht designer, has equipped the nearly 50-meter long vessel with large reflective glass panels that mirror the surroundings, in order to offer privacy to guests, as well as enhance the natural surroundings.
The superyacht can accommodate up to eight people and has a remarkable top deck featuring a pool and a removable canopy.
Borla is also planning to add photovoltaic solar panels to the roof of the wheelhouse to facilitate a hybrid propulsion system and has selected furniture made from recycled textiles.
She [HIDE] is a perfect combination of luxury, relaxation, and performance, with an eye on sustainability,” Borla told CNN Travel earlier this year.
According to the Borla, the superyacht will cruise at a speed of around 14 knots and a maximum speed of 18 knots. It would probably take two years for the vessel to be built and ready to sail.

Project Centauro

Officina Armare is a Milan-based design firm that recently unveiled a new megayacht project that draws inspiration from a combination of naval ships and spacecraft.
Named Project Centauro, the 110-meter long vessel is powered by two MTU engines combined with steerable water jets and cruises at an estimated speed of 18 knots.
Big enough to welcome 14 guests, the yacht also comprises an entertainment area, indoor pool, observation lounge, and a large beach club that links to the main deck via a staircase. once picked up, it would take around two years to bring Project Centauro concept to life

Codecasa Jet 2020

Codecasa is the italian shipyard building a 70-meter long superyacht concept that resembles a floating jumbo jet.
Designer Fulvio Codecasa wanted to set “a unique example” and hopefully bring about “a new trend in the industry” when he combined many of the features of aircraft while constructing the Codecasa Jet 2020. The giant vessel is equipped with rounded windows in the airplane-style, as well as a bow created to look like the nose of an aircraft.
The forward section carries a strong alikeness to a cockpit.
Codecasa also features a huge sundeck, a swimming pool, a sky lounge, and a beach club with its own elevator.
The superyacht is also set to carry antennae installed inside carbon fiber domes “just like the typical style of the AWACS airplanes,” said Codecasa.
The Covid-19 pandemic has put the project Codecasa on hold as it was due to start building this year.
Codecasa purpose is to make this vessel its flagship, once delivered

Ice Kite

Ice Kite is an eco-friendly superyacht concept created by a collaboration between Red Yacht Design and Dykstra Naval Architects. It can be pulled along by a 1,700-square-foot kite.
Ice Kite looks spectacular and can attain far greater fuel efficiency because of the combination of kite sailing, a low resistance hull made of aluminum and carbon fiber and two diesel engines.
Different from the other concepts, Ice Kite has been especially designed for a German entrepreneur.
Red Yacht Design confirms that the owner commissioned a yacht that would feel integral part to the sea.
The design is predominantly made up of glass, so it can bring more natural light to some of its enclosed spaces.
Ice Kite will feature a helipad, a pool, a dining area for 12-guests and a hot tub.
The yacht, which is estimated at a 17.4 knot maximum speed, also comes with a 26-meter support vessel to carry any extra equipment the owner might need.
Still in the design phase, Red Yacht Design report the owner has received an offer from a Dutch shipyard to build both the Ice Kite yacht and its support vessel.