Yacht of the future: Florida-based designer unveils plans for an eco-friendly $811m superyacht powered by retractable solar-panelled ‘sails’
- Known as the Florida, the yacht is powered by 262ft tall carbon fibre sails using either solar energy or wind
- The eco-friendly superyacht, which will cost an estimated $811m, was dreamed up by Florida-based designer Kurt Strand
- The innovative 525ft long design would put the vessel in the top five longest superyachts in the world
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A US-based designer has unveiled plans for a futuristic eco-friendly $811m superyacht powered by retractable solar-panelled ‘sails’.
Known as the Florida and fitted with a helipad, the yacht is powered by three enormous 262ft tall carbon fibre ‘sails’ using either solar energy or wind.
The innovative 525ft long design, which would put the vessel in the top five longest superyachts in the world, was dreamed up by Florida-based Norwegian designer Kurt Strand and is set to go on sale in 2026.
On days when there is no wind, the super yacht will be able to transform into ‘solar sail’ mode.
A US-based designer has unveiled plans for a futuristic eco-friendly $811m superyacht powered by retractable solar-panelled ‘sails’
Known as the Florida and fitted with a helipad, the yacht is powered by three enormous 262ft tall carbon fibre sails using either solar energy or wind
The innovative 525ft long design, which would put the vessel in the top five longest superyachts in the world, was dreamed up by Florida-based Norwegian designer Kurt Strand
On days when there is no wind, the super yacht will be able to transform into ‘solar sail’ mode
This means the control system will automatically adjust the sails into the perfect angle to absorb the most sunlight.
As well as the hydraulic, retractable sails with stabilizers, the vessel boasts hydro generators on the keel which produce electricity when the yacht is moving.
All the power is stored in a five mega watt battery bank and can be used to create hydrogen on board. That means that if there is a day of no sun or wind, the yacht is able to be run on hydrogen fuel cells.
As well as the hydraulic, retractable sails with stabilizers, the vessel boasts hydro generators on the keel which produce electricity when the yacht is moving
All the power is stored in a five mega watt battery bank and can be used to create hydrogen on board
That means that if there is a day of no sun and no wind, the yacht is able to be run on hydrogen fuel cells
Mr Strand said: ‘Florida provides an ultimate, luxury water travel experience.
‘She will accommodate up to 24 guests in 12 luxury suites with 12 bedrooms and 40 crew members.
‘Florida also boasts a number of high-end features, such as a super yacht helipad at the fore deck with elevator to the hangar below deck and a large swimming pool at the aft deck.’
The boat will have room for off-road vehicles, jet-skis and waterways; one of which is the 40ft electric-powered Beach Cruiser – a fully submersible, amphibious vessel.
The Beach Cruiser features a trac system which means that it can drive up on a beach yes even drive at the bottom in submarine mode, Mr Strand added.
The interior of the superyacht is set in a coastal Florida Keys style with floors and carpentry made from reclaimed wood.
In the centre of the yacht is the stunning, circular, two-storey high lobby and bar.
And of course, there will also be a fitness centre, spa, supercar garage and personal cinema just in case any guests get bored.
The 525ft long Florida superyacht will be in the top five longest vessels of its kind in the world, with the longest being the 590-ft ‘Azzam’ which is reportedly owned by Abu Dhabi’s royal family.