This distributes the sail area over two masts and is easier to operate. It also allows the Panamax dimension to be maintained, which means that "Kaze" is able to pass the Bridge of the Americas on the Panama Canal. "Giant slips are intimidating and technically demanding," explains Briand. "If you want to sail comfortably and are aiming for 499 gross tonnes of interior volume, you should start with a ketch concept."
The enormous volume of the 520-tonne vessel is intended to provide "majestic living spaces" on board, so that the owner can enjoy all the comforts of a "private residence off the coast". The wide stern "provides stability, but also plenty of space for an XL beach club, which would also fit on large motor yachts," adds the designer. There are even more similarities to the motorised counterparts: the bulwarks fold down to form terraces and a bathing platform extends from the transom.
Sailing fun takes centre stage with "Kaze"
Another design focus was - as is typical for Briand - an efficient hull shape. After all, a yacht that sails well and fast automatically motors less, and guests enjoy travelling with the wind and without engine noise. Under sail, "Kaze" also generates electricity by means of recuperation, which is stored in battery banks so that the hotel can operate silently when at anchor. "My yacht design philosophy combines innovative technology, efficient, elegant lines, minimalism and performance-oriented luxury," summarises Philippe Briand.
For the Panamax rig, the engineers at Southern Spars calculated all the technical data for three very different rig concepts. The options range from "classic ketch" to "performance with wing mast". On this basis, what Philippe Briand wants for the owners should work: "A sailing yacht must be fun to sail. Be it with the owner at the helm, a guest or the captain. Moving with the wind is always one of the highlights of your time on board."
The minimalist, modern interior of the 60-metre ketch was designed by Francesca Muzio's Italian studio FM Architettura. It is not yet clear which shipyard will build "Kaze". The shortlist includes Vitters, Royal Huisman and Perini Navi, for whom Briand already designed the 70-metre ketch "Badis 1", which was launched in 2016.
