“Competitiveness is no longer an appealing motivation for today’s younger generation of yacht owners,” notes Philippe Briand. In fact, he adds, “the market for such advanced sailing yachts is dramatically down. I believe we need to embrace ‘lateral thinking’ when it comes to the future of sailing-yacht design. We want to work alongside owners to create the perfect renewable energy machine, using only wind, water, and solar energy to run the yacht and provide an exceptional experience of peace onboard and exploration of the sea.” Briand believes his SY200 concept hits the marks.
As much as Briand enjoyed incorporating high-tech solutions into sailing superyachts to make them regatta winners, the designer says that push is just no longer present from today’s buyers. “Instead of using competition between owners as a motivator, environmental sustainability will become the reason to push the boundaries of technology and efficiency,” he continues. With a hull length of 206 feet (62.84 meters), the SY200 concept, a sloop, has a traditional sailing rig. However, she doesn’t rely primarily on engines or gensets, another tradition, for power. Rather, the SY200 concept employs batteries, charged via energy captured by underwater turbines. In fact, Briand calculates that if the turbines capture even just 50 percent of the available energy, this could equate a 500-kW genset’s capabilities. All of this, while the yacht maintains a 15-knot speed.
While these performance calculations are the same as Briand’s SY300 ketch concept from last year, the SY200 is definitely different. For instance, the fully wind-propelled SY200 concept has an upwind sail area of 21,528 square feet (2,000 square meters) and downwind sail area of 39,826 square feet (3,700 square meters). The 490-gross-ton superyacht also could be a fierce regatta racer, with an anticipated maximum speed upwards of 20 knots.
On the creature-comforts side, the SY 200 concept has two decks for guests’ enjoyment. Fourteen guests can spend time together aft of the steering station, or beneath the glass coachroof. In terms of accommodations, there’s room for four guest staterooms to complement the master suite. The master also has a private terrace and concealed hot tub, with access straight to the sea (image at top).
Of course, final configuration is up to you to create with Briand. But, with 34’5” (10.5 meters) of beam, you have a nice challenge on your hands.
Philippe Briand philippebriand.com
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