With the MODX 70, the French shipyard Océan Developpement has already demonstrated its vision for the future of cruising: automated wing rigs, electric propulsion and an energy supply derived from solar power and hydrogen generation. YACHT magazine has already tested this extraordinary catamaran concept and featured it in the magazine’s ‘The Special Boat’ section. Click here to read the full article on YACHT online.
The design is once again by VPLP Design. Unlike the large MODX 70, however, the new 17.60-metre-long project is designed as a trimaran. At ten metres, the beam remains exceptionally generous. There is also a significant difference in the rig: instead of the catamaran’s two wings, a single Aeroforce wing with a surface area of 100 square metres provides the propulsion.
A wing sail instead of a mainsail and a genoa
The wing rig manufactured by Aeroforce in France consists of an inflatable airfoil mounted around an extendable telescopic mast. Its profiled wing design replaces the conventional sail plan. A controllable trailing edge, known as a ‘flap’, allows the wing’s profile to be adjusted, thereby optimising its performance.
It is operated via a central touchscreen. The control system automatically and continuously adjusts the wing’s angle of attack, driven by an electric motor, in line with wind direction and wind strength; the skipper can set the desired performance level. Sheets and winches for sail trim are no longer required. Aeroforce works in partnership with the specialist firm Madintec on automation and electronic networking.
Just as important as setting the rig is fully stowing it away: the air is released from the wing and the telescopic mast is retracted. This fundamentally alters both the appearance of the MODX 58 and its functionality. At the touch of a button, so to speak, the sailing trimaran is transformed into an electric motor yacht with a low silhouette. The Océan Developpment brochure states that the height above the waterline in this configuration is 4.60 metres, compared with 19 metres when the rig is fully extended.
Electricity from the sun and wind
The MODX 58 is also designed to operate without fossil fuels. To achieve this, the shipyard is combining wind propulsion with electric motors, a 175 kilowatt-hour battery bank and large-scale solar panels. A total of 85 square metres of solar panel area with a peak output of 17 kilowatts is planned. When sailing, the propellers can be used as hydrogenerators. The shipyard states that this generates an electrical output of between three and ten kilowatts, depending on the speed of the vessel. The electricity generated whilst under sail is then in turn available for the motor and on-board electrical appliances. According to Océan Développement, a range of around 110 nautical miles can be achieved when operating purely on electric power.
Plenty of living space across three hulls
These technical specifications are complemented by a distinctly comfort-oriented living concept. The shipyard puts the total living and lounge area at over 152 square metres. The fully glazed saloon is designed to offer sweeping views; a door leads directly onto the foredeck, which features a recessed forward cockpit. Aft, there is a covered lounge area with seating and lounging areas that can be arranged in various ways. Furthermore, a garage is provided for the dinghy at the stern of the central hull, into which the dinghy can be stowed lengthways.
The owner’s version comprises a suite on the main deck with its own staircase leading to the bathroom, as well as three further cabins, each with its own en-suite facilities. This provides sleeping accommodation for eight people. The materials, colours and numerous details of the interior fit-out can be customised.
Ecology as part of the sustainable approach
In the construction process, Océan Développement uses, amongst other things, epoxy resin containing bio-based components and a foam core made partly from recycled PET. Carbon fibre is to be used in selected areas to reduce weight and ensure the necessary strength.
The MODX 58 thus combines spacious living with an unusual propulsion concept. Its standout feature is its versatility: sailing with an automatically controlled wing or travelling under electric motor power with the rig fully stowed.
Technical Specifications MODX 58
- Designer: VPLP
- Interior Design: Océan Developpement
- Fuselage length: 17.60 m
- Width: 10.00 m
- Draught: 2.00 m
- Mast height above the waterline: 19.00 m
- Height of wings when retracted: 4.60 m
- Aerowing wing area: approx. 100.00 m²
- Weight: 21.0 t
- Area of solar panels on deck: 85.0 m²
- Battery pack capacity: 175 kWh
- Electric motors 2 x 40 kW
- CE design category: A(8) / B(12) / C(25)
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Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology