When it comes to performance, look no further than the famed muscle cars of the 1950s and 1960s. Decades later, they’re still inspiring designers across all sorts of industries. Federico Fiorentino is one. In fact, the Milan-based stylist created Zeyphr, for Rossinavi, with those cars in mind. She’s made for maxing out at 32 knots, yet simultaneously emphasizing far better fuel economy and efficiency throughout the full speed range.
If you’re attending this week’s Fort Lauderdale boat show, you can see a scale model of Zephyr at Rossinavi’s stand. If you’re a car fan, you’ll see elements of what Fiorentino so admires. You’ll also see elements of his own background designing raceboats and fast powerboats.
Of course, because Zephyr is a superyacht, there are superyacht-specific features, too. Notably, the 3,229-square-foot (300-square-meter) aft deck, imagined as a beach area. It’s not a beach club, however. This is not interior space usable only after the transom folds down. It isn’t even interior space. Instead, Zephyr allows the beach area to be used underway as well as at anchor. The idea is for the owners’ party of 10 to be as close as possible to the water no matter where the yacht is. In addition, when at anchor, Zephyr expands usable space, via the fold-down transom that creates an extra-large swim/sun/lounge platform. It’s a nice complement to the 16-foot-long (5-meter-long), glass-sided pool.
The same idea of unimpeded views and openness extends inside. There, Pulina Interior blends both reflective and see-through materials. Given the nearly 30-foot (9.1-meter) beam, it should make Zephyr feel commodious.
But, the big story behind the all-aluminum Zephyr is her performance. Even with the anticipated top speed upwards of 30 knots, she’s not a gas guzzler. Rather, she employs the patented Fast Displacement Hull Design created by Van Oossanen Naval Architects. The hull form, used on several superyachts already afloat, creates smaller wakes, has less drag, and therefore consumes less fuel from displacement through to planning speeds. (Typical motoryacht hull forms burn more fuel as they increase speeds.) Yet another benefit of the Fast Displacement Hull Form: Zephyr’s interior space will see a boost.
Rossinavi is building Zephyr to comply with RINA classification rules, including the voluntary Green Plus notation. This means she’ll employ more environmentally friendly practices. She should also enjoy a mix of long-range and short-hop travels. Best range should come at 12 knots, 3,400 nautical miles. Cruising speed should be 28 knots.
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