Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design recently revealed an innovative 112-meter superyacht — the first of its kind to be powered by liquid hydrogen and fuel cell technology.
Aptly named, AQUA embodies a seamless connection to the ocean, voyaging at a speed of 17 knots with a range of 3,750 nautical miles. “AQUA is inspired by one of the elements of nature that it is closest to: water. Water is the life-sustaining force that makes planet Earth habitable,” says Sander Sinot, founder of Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. From the cascading swim area that can be experienced at sea-level to the hydro massages in the indoor health and wellness center, water is the inspiration at every turn.
Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design created in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects a superyacht that produces fewer emissions, yet far exceeds in luxuries. “We consider AQUA to be a major step forward in the application of new technologies aboard a superyacht, while at the same time showcasing an integrated and highly poetic design approach,” says Sinot. The yacht’s sleek exterior mimics the lines of a wave, which is merely one example of the team’s goal to utilize safer and environmentally conscious technology while taking inspiration from discerning owners’ lifestyles. “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 esthetics,” adds Sinot.
Unforgettable Features
Guests will experience relaxation in the highest manner on AQUA. The superyacht’s interiors meld effortlessly with the exteriors, allowing guests to glide between nature and luxury. The five-deck configuration affords the opportunity for guests to experience the water at every level. Cascading platforms allow guests to swim at sea level on the beach deck, while the top deck offers unforgettable views of the horizon as well as the AQUA room. Even the superyacht’s yoga space and workout floor have a gym-wide hatch that opens at surface-level for stunning views that can be enjoyed while using the equipment.
Grand Details
Integrated into the heart of the superyacht, just one of the awe-inspiring features is the grand circular staircase that travels from the top deck to the lower deck. The cylinder of open space in the center of the staircase creates a floating sensation, along with the flowing art piece at the bottom, which reflects the open skies above. “At the lowest level, two vast liquified hydrogen tanks reveal their hexagonal textured surface structure behind a giant facade of strengthened glass,” according to Sinot.
Fit for a King and Queen
The owner’s pavilion — designed with the superyacht’s finest luxuries — is at the front half of the upper deck and features floor-to-ceiling viewing windows, a jaw-dropping central skylight, a private spa section, and plenty of privacy and space. According to Sinot, “we always integrate all aspects of design into a new build: this means acknowledging key questions such as ‘why build a yacht in the first place?’ and ‘how can we ensure that you will enjoy your investment and enrich your sense of freedom?’” AQUA as a whole embodies the openness of the ocean and makes it readily accessible for family and friends aboard.
For Your Viewing Pleasure
The beach deck lounge transforms any morning, afternoon, or night to magic with a series of interlocking spaces that masterfully dictate the atmosphere. Handcrafted wooden screens create the perfect opportunity for dining on every scale from a fine dining setting for 14 to an intimate smaller party. The lounge also includes a circular seating area that is ideal for entertaining or conversation. The area easily rotates and transforms into a top-of-the-line home cinema with light-blocking window covers to ensure total comfort.
According to Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, “the AQUA room, located at the bow, at the far end of the owner’s pavilion, offers top-of-the-world feeling and endless views from the best position on board.” The private room boasts uninterrupted floor-to-ceiling views, which can be enjoyed in privacy and comfort on the custom-designed floating daybed. Though spectacular views are possible around the superyacht, the AQUA room is a heightened experience altogether.
Super Accommodations
The superyacht has a guest capacity of 14 people, with one beautiful owner’s pavilion, two VIP staterooms, four staterooms for guests, family, and friends to relish in. With a crew capacity of 31, there are 14 double crew cabins, two officer cabins, and a captain’s cabin available on board. There is also space on the superyacht for one 10-meter limo tender, three wave runners, and more.
Renderings and featured photo © Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design
Running completely on electricity, the Mirage Air is elevating the standard of eco-friendly yachts.
For those with a heart for being eco-friendly, renowned yacht builder Frauscher Shipyard has launched a sleek, silent, electric version of its 740 Mirage Air powered by Torqeedo’s Deep Blue 100i.
Owners can cruise silently at 10 km/h for more than 10 hours, appreciating both the natural world and the yacht’s spacious, centre-console layout, distinctive design and extraordinary quality.
The fully electric 740 Mirage Air further enhances tradition with innovation, high-tech features and eco-friendliness. Installed with a Deep Blue 100 kW electric inboard motor and two lithium batteries with BMW technology (i3-type), the 740 Mirage Air is the ideal day cruiser.
“At Frauscher Shipyard, we see ourselves as ‘Engineers of Emotions,’ and we always want the owners of our boats to have a great time on the water. With the powerful 100 kW drive system, we are entering an entirely new dimension of electric mobility on the water,” says Frauscher Shipyard’s managing partner Stefan Frauscher.
The 7.47-meter yacht was designed by studio KISKA and Thomas Gerzer, alongside hydrodynamic expert Harry Miesbauer. Although the dynamic lines are suggestive of luxury car design, inside you’ll find all the comforts one could desire: a silent, environmentally friendly electric drive, refrigerated compartment, high-tech yet easy-to-use controls and displays, large sunbathing area, electric windlass, and a bow thruster for foolproof docking.
The whisper-quiet engine used in the Frauscher 740 Mirage Air is specifically designed and constructed to power planing motorboats. The system’s reliable and easy-to-maintain design delivers extraordinary performance at its full power range, with up to 2,400 rpm and incredible torque delivered at low rpm.
The 40 kWh Deep Blue batteries installed in the 740 Mirage Air bring the latest in automotive-grade lithium-ion technology from the famed motor works of BMW. The batteries feature industry-leading energy density and a comprehensive safety system. Torqeedo has tailored the characteristics of the Deep Blue battery to make it suitable for the marine environment and is offering up to a nine-year limited battery capacity warranty.
“The Frauscher 740 Mirage Air provides a quiet and powerful luxury yachting experience for boats that operate in sensitive areas and those with a heart for nature,” says Torqeedo CEO Christoph Ballin. “With an industrially engineered, fully integrated electric drive system and the extraordinary craftsmanship of the Frauscher Shipyard, this electric yacht will attract the eye of discerning owners worldwide.”
Photos courtesy of Christian Brecheis
Trying to decide on a destination for your second home? Blue World Voyages is offering the chance to make the world your second home, with the announcement of its advanced registration program for onboard luxury residences, a chance to live and relax while sailing across the world.
Blue World Voyages, the first active lifestyle cruise line, is now accepting advance registration for Owners Club residences onboard its first ship, to launch in 2020. Interested buyers will be the first to receive updates and have priority status to purchase luxury one- and two-bedroom residences. The completely refurbished 350-guest vessel designed and styled by top marine design architects Tomas Tillberg International and acclaimed interior design firm Juan Poggi Designs.
“We are pushing boundaries in the luxury travel market with these Owners Residences to provide an entirely new experience for global travelers,” says Fredy Dellis, co-founder of Blue World Voyages and former president and CEO of The World at ResidenSea, the first private residential community-at-sea. “As interest in niche cruises surges, along with the continued rise of the healthy lifestyle market, we expect this unique combination to appeal to sophisticated travelers who would want to own a home at sea.”
Two full upper decks will be reserved exclusively for Owner Residences. The ship will accommodate between 24 and 40 one- and two-bedroom residences. Each will feature a split-level design with a spacious living area that opens to a large balcony. The second level will include master and guest bedrooms, both with walk-in closets and luxurious baths. The master bedroom will have its own private balcony, which can accommodate an outdoor bed for sleeping under the stars. Owners will have the choice of two styles for their fully-furnished homes: Classic or Contemporary.
The inaugural vessel will have two full decks entirely dedicated to sports, wellness and spa amenities, including a functional training and strength conditioning center, Hank Haney Golf School, soccer simulators, batting cages, basketball court, fitness studios for yoga, spinning and TRX, plus the largest per guest spa afloat with a relaxing therapy tub, indoor and outdoor treatment rooms and solarium.
There will be three pools, including, when docked, a seawater lap pool that will be lowered directly into the ocean adjacent to the vessel for guests to swim in the deep blue depths.
Locally-sourced farm-to-table cuisine and active shore excursions including snorkeling, scuba diving, golf, hiking, kayaking, cycling, running, and more will round out the guest experience.
“With good health the core focus of Blue World Voyages, we are the first and only cruise line to have a vice president of wellness as part of our executive team,” says Dellis. “… It is going to be the most robust health and wellness vacation offering in the market.”
Photos courtesy Blue World Voyages.
The Yacht Club de Monaco has thrown down the gauntlet for the sixth annual Monaco Solar & Energy Boat Challenge, banning all fossil fuels and asking competitors and the Monegasque community to strive for zero emissions during the 5-day event. Torqeedo has partnered with Yacht Club de Monaco to ensure that all boats involved in the organisation of the event are 100% electric and will serve as the event’s Technical Sponsor.
“It’s essential that the yachting sector embrace clean energy sources to cut greenhouse gas emissions,” stated Bernard d’ Alessandri, Yacht Club de Monaco General Secretary. The Monaco Solar & Energy Boat Challenge aims to inspire technical innovation by matching the creativity of young engineers with experienced manufacturers to design, develop and race emission-free boats. The excitement of racing is balanced with key players tackling issues such as how the yachting community can effect change on environmental challenges in the marine environment, sustainability and energy efficiency during a concurrent series of lectures and open forums.
Co-founder of Solar Impulse and Solar Class sponsor Bertrand Piccard said, “We need to demonstrate where the latest technology is leading us: it’s taking us a long way – in the right direction.”
“The Yacht Club de Monaco is, once again, demonstrating that it is a nerve centre of the green yachting movement,” said Dr. Christoph Ballin, co-founder and CEO of Torqeedo. “We’re proud to support the continued efforts of the Yacht Club de Monaco and its members to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage the development of sustainable boating technology.”
Teams from around world will gather at the Yacht Club de Monaco to participate in the Challenge from July 2 through July 6, 2019. The event is hosted in partnership with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the International Powerboating Federation.
Photos courtesy of Torqeedo.
While man grapples with the fear of the unknown such as stronger hurricanes and solution to rising seas that they worry will eventually turn inland cities such as Orlando and Philadelphia into beachfront property, a Florida company has found a solution for the very wealthy: the houseboat of the future. Equipped to run on shore power or the sun, Arkup’s “first electrical livable yacht” combines a luxury yacht, waterfront villa and self-sustainability into a glamorous floating-motoring home. Able to run completely off grid via 2,300 square feet of rooftop solar panels, the boat has four spuds that can lift it above the water on its automated hydraulic pilings. It can withstand a Category Four hurricane and provide a grand lifestyle off the grid almost anywhere there is water. With no yard work or property taxes.
Measuring 75 feet in length with a 32-foot beam, the Arkup has 4,350 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space divided between the main and upper decks. It can cruise to new locations, tie up at a dock or hydraulically rise and stand above the water. Cutting-edge contemporary design with open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling glass walls bring in unobstructed ocean, bay, lake or river views and extend out to five terraces with glass railings. The main deck contains the main living area and fully equipped Miele kitchen. There is also a two-berth crew cabin that can be used as an office, a bathroom, laundry room with washer and dryer, trash room with compactor, outdoor kitchen and helm station. The upper deck has four ensuite, king-size bedrooms. The master suite has a walk-in closet, balcony and free-standing Jacuzzi.
Whether one’s intent is to contribute to a light footprint on the planet or to assuage fear of getting their foundation wet from the melting ice cap, Arkup offers several options. Charter before making the decision to buy at $6,000 a night for eight guests or purchase starting at $5.5 million up to $12 million. The existing floating villa on offer is priced at $5.9 million completely furnished and decorated. Arkup is co-brokered by Marius Koller of MK Miami Real Estate and Antonio Maldonado, Advantaged Yacht Charters, both located in Miami.
Source: TopTenRealEstateDeals.com.
Photo courtesy of Craig Denis.