Even after 50 years in the yachting business, Vripack is as energetic a studio as ever. With designs ranging from runabouts to the largest megayachts, the design team is continuously seeking not just new styling elements, but also new engineering solutions. In this Designer’s Notebook, Vripack presents a bit of both, as explained by Marnix Hoekstra, the firm’s sales director. We get an exclusive first look at Liquid Silver, an expedition yacht, or what Vripack terms a research vessel yacht, with some unexpected twists.
The Vripack Liquid Silver, the Research Vessel Re-Invented
“In our design studio, we have been munching over this one for several years, and she has grown in the recent year to be our vision of the Research Vessel Yacht 2.0 (RVY). Her project name therefore internally has long been Turmoil II. The main reason for this is the striking, long, forward part of the yacht. Here is placed the boat deck, just as with the RVY 1.0.
“Design wise, however, we did not go for a classic raised forecastle which pops up from the sheer. Liquid Silver’s forecastle is directly connected to the owner’s deck, which is situated one deck above the main deck. In this sense, the empty part from the original RVY, which is between the raised forecastle and superstructure, now blends the two together, making the lines cleaner and less cloddy, while the extremely practical location of the boat deck is still there. It’s a typical form-follows-function example.
“Obviously we have the closed transom, like with the RVY 1.0, however when this baby opens her mouth, a complete beach area is revealed. Granted, not an innovative idea by itself, however recent studies from us under owners and crew clearly show the need for this recreational spot. No doubt about it, and Picasso already allowed us to steal great ideas anyway.
“Although wrapped in a contemporary suit, the layout of Liquid Silver continues on the success of our explorers with a crew deck above the waterline but under the main deck. Guest and general social functions are on the main deck and the owner on the deck above that, having a complete private walk around. Above that the bridge deck with captain and elevated social functions and on top of that an observation deck. Never change a winning layout.
“Propulsion is fully hybrid; we already mentioned that last year in our three generations interview. This is done by three diesel generators which drive electric engines which turn the propeller shafts. There are no additional generators onboard, so we eliminated one complete set and with the use of lithium ion or lithium polymer batteries, we are able to store enough energy so she provides generator-free nights for her family and crew, generator-free swimming around the yacht, or alternatively four hours of cruising without diesel in highly preserved areas.”
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