The renewed spirit of exploring and adventure strongly influences Tuhura. So, too, does the design of centuries-old Polynesian canoes. Oceanco’s latest superyacht concept pairs them with an interior emphasizing natural materials and relatively modest design.
Measuring 377 feet (115 meters), Tuhura features styling by Lobanov Design. Igor Lobanov, head of the eponymous studio, did actually start with the idea of early canoes. They look as efficient as they perform. (Witness the migration of the ancient Polynesian people to what’s now Hawaii.) The slender superyacht, whose name in the Maori language roughly translates to exploration and investigation, should see 18-knot speeds.
Interestingly, the naval architects at BMT do say the naturally good seakeeping and maneuverability of the canoe form present challenges. Today’s cruisers use propulsion systems, after all. Therefore, BMT studied several setups for Tuhura. Ultimately, it selected the CRP azipod from ABB, proven on commercial craft. Briefly, it employs a steerable azipod as well as a propeller on a standard shaft. The azipod—which pulls, versus pushes, the yacht—sits just aft of that propeller. In addition, the azipod’s own propeller contra-rotates compared to the main propeller. Fuel efficiency and maneuverability increase, with little sound. With Tuhura’s 9’8” (3.9-meter) draft, an owner can therefore venture farther, and make far smaller of an impact.
To preserve a sense of tranquility, Achille Salvagni penned simple elegance inside. Simultaneously, he looked to eastern Asia and several Pacific islands for inspiration. As a result, Tuhura has abundant teak covering soles, walls, even overheads. Tatami mats cover parts underfoot, too, interspersed with gunmetal and bronze strips. Overall, he kept to “primitive organic shapes,” he says, in a “brushed teak habitat.”
Of course, being a superyacht, Tuhura has to have high-tech entertainment systems. A/V specialist VBH creates moods for lighting and music, plus calls for “smart” computers to learn the owner’s and guests’ preferences. VBH and Salvagni are further eager to show a buyer the so-called 360 room. Envision being surrounded by screens providing interactive information, and images.
Finally, Tuhura has interesting window technology. When viewed from another boat or on shore, she seems to have few windows. They even seem to blend with her hull. But, she offers unimpeded, normal views from inside. It’s thanks to advances in glass, preserving privacy while also preserving vistas. A glass superstructure complements the creative approach.
Note that Tuhura doesn’t have to be 377 feet. Oceanco and the design teams can scale her down to 262 feet, or up to 394 feet. (That’s 80 to 120 meters.)
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