A series of eclectic and innovative superyacht concepts have emerged in recent months, and the latest invention from Lazzarini Design Studio, the Plectrum, is no exception.
Powered by a hydrofoil system (a name given to blades installed below the hull that work like underwater airplane wings. Usually made of metal, they increase the speed and angle of attack of the vessel and allow greater resistance to water, eradicating oscillations in driving), the 74-meter long ship, known as Plectrum, can rise above the water’s surface and “fly” at high speed.
According to the Italian studio’s team, the design was largely inspired by the monohulls used in the America’s Cup, one of the oldest international sailing yacht competitions.
Hydrofoil system
But, instead of being pushed by the wind like a sailing yacht, this huge orange ship operates with three hydrogen-powered engines capable of reaching 5,000 horsepower each.
Although the technology dates back many years, its popularity has grown recently, mainly due to the America’s Cup. However, the construction of a hydrofoil of this size would undoubtedly be an extremely significant achievement.
While the project is just a concept, the creators say it could be built in two years at a cost of about €80 million (just over R$ 440 million) if a buyer is found.
Attractive design
“We like to remember that in 1964 shipbuilding was already capable of building similar vessels,” say the designers in a statement.
The system can be adjusted depending on the “cruising needs” of the moment, expanding from a width of 15 meters when the yacht is docked/anchored and closed to up to 20 meters wide when open while the yacht is sailing at high speed.
This “different superyacht configuration” will allow you to “travel at sea much faster than conventional ships of similar size,” adds the Lazzarini team. Made of a mixture of dry carbon fiber composite materials, the lightweight superyacht was “designed to be the fastest of its kind” and will have the ability to reach a maximum speed of 75 knots.
As for onboard amenities, the yacht will be equipped with six guest cabins, a suite for the owner, a helipad, and a beach club with a pool on its four floors.
The Plectrum is the latest in a series of radical superyacht designs from Lazzarini. Last year, the studio revealed the Sovrano, a gigantic 169-meter superyacht concept with dual helipads and a retractable deck.
See more photos of the Superyacht
