Solsea Yacht Concept Speaks to Avid Watersports Enthusiasts Who Are Eco-Minded

“As an active ocean explorer for the last 40 years, I have sailed, kited, and surfed across all continents, contributing to ocean-preservation initiatives,” says Yves Béhar. Béhar is the founder and principal designer of fuseproject, an industrial-design studio. More so, he’s as passionate about creating solutions that lessen environmental impact. Having collaborated with some of the most globally recognizable companies, including Herman Miller, Nike, and Swarovski, he’s been working with Rossinavi for the past three years. The fruit of their efforts is the Solsea yacht concept. “My deep respect for the oceans informs every aspect of the design,” Béhar says.

Rossinavi's Solsea yacht concept with Yves Behar

According to Federico Rossi, Rossinavi’s COO, the two came together not long after Rossinavi revealed the Seawolf X project. A 141-foot (43-meter) catamaran, Seawolf X incorporates in-house-developed hybrid-electric propulsion, relying on batteries and solar panels. The system allows 80 percent of an ocean crossing on batteries alone. Additionally, it allows entire day trips on batteries.

Similarly, Rossinavi’s and Béhar’s Solsea yacht concept is a 141-foot catamaran with this same solar- and battery-driven system. The just-mentioned transatlantic and day-journey advantages apply. So, too, do further advantages. For instance, Rossinavi says owners get peace of mind knowing that the batteries can handle 90 percent of multi-day excursions. Equally important, fully recharging the battery bank on shore power takes five hours. When the megayacht is docked, sitting unused, “hibernation mode” takes over. Any unneeded electricity can redirect to the dock. For owners who have docks behind their homes, the energy can feed the house. In fact, Rossinavi says Solsea can provide sufficient power to handle a home’s entire electrical needs.

Solea has a pool forward of the owners' suite

Also similar to Seawolf X, Solsea incorporates Rossinavi AI. The system monitors and learns from onboard activity. So, for example, it knows when lighting isn’t needed in certain rooms. It also communicates with the crew to suggest more sustainable operations, plus monitors the battery bank. For the latter, it ensures proper load and charge for longer battery life is maintained.

Béhar brought his personal passions and lifestyle to the table to ensure the Solsea yacht concept appeals to watersports enthusiasts. The ideal owners pursue an active lifestyle, wanting to explore oceans and have fun without refueling as much as possible. Similarly, they want to surround themselves in luxury that has a conscience. Softer geometric shapes characterize the catamaran’s styling. Matte-wood paneling, cork flooring, and materials made entirely of plastics retrieved from the oceans take high priority.

Taking advantage of the catamaran configuration, the master suite spans the 46-foot (14-meter) beam. Because of the dimensions, it rivals the owners’ area aboard a 230-footer (70-meter). Wrap-around windows make waking up in a quiet anchorage all the more enjoyable, as does direct access to a private balcony forward. This balcony stretches across Solsea’s twin hulls as well. Take in the view, or head to the pool farther forward. Covered when the yacht is underway, it reveals via mechanisms that raise the cover, turning it into an artistic roof.

Finally, two other alfresco areas are of special note. Firstly, the typically small swim platforms are replaced by a full-beam hydraulic door that connects the two hulls when lowered. Secondly, an elevated bar on the sundeck leads the eyes—and the guests—to another raised area forward, for lounging and sunning.

Rossinavi's Solsea yacht concept has an elevated bar

“It’s been an incredible journey to see how Yves Béhar reimagined the naval platform of our hybrid-electric catamaran,” Federico Rossi says. “His fresh, external perspective brought a style that is both luxurious and reﬁned.”

“For me, Solsea is a return to simpler, more respectful ways to enjoy the oceans while integrating the future of eﬃcient propulsion and cutting-edge technologies,” Béhar concludes.

fuseproject fuseproject.com

Rossinavi rossinavi.it