Franco-Italian partnership
In the superyacht sector, concepts are a dime a dozen. Especially in an age when dazzling visualisations can be produced in the blink of an eye. But it is only once the calculations have been carried out that a design becomes a buildable project. Tyrena is not intended to be merely a ‘wow’ factor. With this 76-metre-long catamaran featuring a wing rig, one name guarantees that it is not just some hastily rendered nonsense: VPLP Design. Founded in 2004 by Marc Van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot Prévost, the design office employs over 40 people across three locations in France. The list of references is as long as it is illustrious and includes IMOCs, XL catamarans, offshore racers such as ‘Comanche’ and the US trimaran for the 2010 America’s Cup – already fitted with a wing sail. With OceanWings In 2017, VPLP Design followed this up with a semi-rigid, reefable wing rig. The Tyrena project team also includes the Milan-based firm Micheletti + Partners, which was responsible for the exterior and interior design.
Wing rig as part of the propulsion concept
Two-part wing sails are to be used on the Tyrena. The sail fabric runs upwards on either side of unshrouded masts, creating an aerodynamic profile. It can be set and reefed in the same way as a conventional sail. VPLP developed a similar system for the 122-metre-long cargo ship “Canopée” and the MODX 70. On the 21-metre catamaran, however, the sail initially lies flat in the mini-boom and only takes on its shape and forms the mast once it is inflated.
On the 76-metre-long Tyrena, the wing sails are expected to reduce fuel consumption by up to 40 per cent in hybrid mode. The stated range, with wind assistance, is between 3,800 and 6,400 nautical miles. In winds of more than 17 knots, the catamaran is expected to reach speeds of up to twelve knots under sail alone. At 76 metres, the design would be significantly longer than the largest cruising catamaran currently in existence, which VPLP Design states is 46 metres long. The designers see the platform as an alternative to traditional, motorised megayachts – not only in terms of propulsion, but also in the layout of the living areas.
Classic Mediterranean architecture as a source of inspiration
The Italian studio Micheletti + Partners is developing the interior concept, layout and design. The wide platform between the hulls is intended to create space for sheltered courtyards, terraces and open-plan living areas. According to VPLP, a 76-metre-long catamaran could offer possibilities in terms of usable space that are otherwise associated with a monohull yacht of around 130 metres in length.
The team led by studio founder Lucio Micheletti drew inspiration from classical Mediterranean architecture – the Roman atrium, the Greek peristyle and the Italian masseria – where daily life revolves around sheltered spaces that are both private and shaded. This approach also extends to outdoor spaces such as Italian loggias or belvederes, which offer unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
“Lucio Micheletti and his team bring something new to the table – a sensibility shaped by automotive design and the tradition of Mediterranean yachtbuilding, whilst ours is rooted in performance and the purity of line. Two cultures, one concept,” explains Quentin Lucet of VPLP.
Sleek Tyrena hulls, open spaces
The narrow hulls are designed to minimise water resistance, help reduce the power required for propulsion and make more effective use of wind power. The significant gain in space is primarily due to the catamaran’s width. Instead of housing the interior spaces solely within a single long hull, Tyrena distributes them across two hulls and the connecting platform.
The outdoor areas are also part of the design. At the stern, a movable platform is to be lowered whilst the vessel is at anchor, thereby creating a connection between the hulls. Movable flaps in the superstructure are designed to direct air into the centre of the vessel and aid passive ventilation. At the bow, an area with a pool and sea views is planned. The design thus places great emphasis on sheltered, open and interconnected living spaces.
Sören Gehlhaus
Stellvertretender Chefredakteur BOOTE EXCLUSIV