Steve Gresham, director of Gresham Yacht Design, likes a good challenge, especially when it comes in the form of a rare request. A broker recently reached out to him on behalf of a client. “The brief from the broker was very simple and short,” Gresham says. “He asked for ‘something completely different’—no additional direction was given,” except of course that the megayacht was buildable. Different is exactly what he got, in the form of a SWASH yacht design.
SWASH stands for Small Waterplane Area Single Hull. You may have heard of SWATH, a.k.a. Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull. Abeking & Rasmussen famously built the SWATH yacht Silver Cloud for Alexander Dreyfoos, an experienced American owner seeking a more stable design for his wife’s comfort, since she suffers from seasickness. SWATHs are well proven in commercial and naval applications, boasting excellent seakeeping capabilities. Although a relatively new platform, a SWASH design similarly has strong seakeeping abilities. Rather than employing twin hulls for stability, they have outrigger-like sections, with a single hull. The single hull employs foils fore and aft, too, smoothing the ride.
Gresham Yacht Design settled on this SWASH yacht design, knowing the client would appreciate the reduction of pitching and rolling with the preservation of abundant superstructure and deck space. Specifically, the studio penned a 230-foot (70-meter) version, which can scale up to 262 feet (80 meters). Styling-wise, “inspiration came from thinking what a spaceship would look like on earth.” Even with that, though, the SWASH yacht design still resembles a superyacht.
In fact, she might strike you as looking like a fast yacht. Conveniently, the SWASH yacht should be capable of exceeding 50 knots, without burning excessive fuel. The outrigger-like (or even wing-like) structure reduces drag, therefore permitting smaller powerplants. The engines and gensets will sit farther than usual from guest areas, too, helping reduce sound and vibration.
Although Gresham Yacht Design does say the main hull offers less space below decks, and therefore will have a smaller than typical crew count, the owner’s party of 12 will not see compromises in safety. Neither will areas like the saloon, formal dining area, or galley suffer. In fact, the SWASH yacht puts them all within a single area on the main deck. Add in a certified helipad outside, plus spaces for watertoys and tenders, and she’s suitable for family adventures.
Despite her futuristic appearance, the SWASH yacht design will rely on proven construction materials, like steel for the hull, and customary decor materials. This keeps costs from being unpalatable, and roots her in reality. “Using familiar materials, combined with modern building techniques and design ideas that blur the lines of normality, is what we were aiming for with this concept,” Gresham explains.
Gresham Yacht Design greshamyachtdesign.com
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