Trillions in wealth will pass to younger generations over the next decade, according to financial analysts. Surveys further show that Generation Z is making more buying decisions based on sustainable practices than even Millennials and Generation X. Feadship and Merveille Yachting have been discussing the impact of this on yachting, and how to respond. Feadship’s Eco Explorer may be a concept for now, but it’s fully buildable for that future. What’s more, both parties insist she’s not a sailing superyacht. She’s a fully automated design, requiring no sail-handling training and operating much the way a motoryacht does.
What appear to be sails are Oceanwings wingsails from VPLP. Wingsails are rigid structures, similar to airplane wings in providing thrust, but of course set vertically. The renowned design studio created Oceanwings based on its experience collaborating with BMW Oracle for the 33rd America’s Cup a decade ago. Unlike typical wingsails, Oceanwings are furlable, reefable, and fully automated. Aboard Feadship’s Eco Explorer, the Oceanwings combine with underwater turbines and solar panels to generate power. Ultimately, the megayacht does not heel, plus requires no winches or rigging. The Oceanwings automatically rotate, too.
Besides having sustainable propulsion, Feadship’s Eco Explorer embraces sustainable decor. Clearly, owners will have their own ideas for how the interior should look and feel. Regardless, the designers at Merveille Yachting pledge responsible sourcing for timbers and more throughout the relaxation areas.
Those relaxation areas include a glass-wrapped, forward-facing master suite. Naturally, to allow using a private adjacent alfresco area, a glass door can be incorporated. Additionally, the alfresco area can include a pool and freestanding furnishings.
More freestanding furnishings make the beach club, with an even larger pool, attractive. In keeping with new trends, the beach club is a tiered, open-air area, not hidden behind hatches. Extra-wide side decks cascade down to here, influencing guests’ choices as to where to spend the (sustainable) day.
Feadship feadship.nl
Merveille Yachting merveille-yachting.com
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