Flexible, elastic, resistant, light and sustainable. Carbon, a material used years ago by engineers and designers for Formula 1 single-seaters, has also reached the world of sailing. At first, it was used only for one-off hulls intended for regattas and motor-boating competitions; but then, given its high performance, it has also begun to be used for serial boats that were made of fiberglass long ago.
One of the advantages of carbon fiber —which, in turn, implies another series of benefits— is its lightness: structures laminated in carbon, or in a mixture of fiberglass and carbon, weigh between 20% and a 30% less than traditional laminate. When we talk about motor yachts, this means subtracting hundreds of kilos from the displacement and weight of the boat, which, being so aerodynamic, requires less power to move and, therefore, less fuel.
Of course, it is not the definitive solution to the problem of the environmental impact of ships, but it is, without a doubt, a sample of how sailing is turning towards an increasingly sustainable path. Surely, carbon is synonymous with high performance and the carbon look, with the black fibers perfectly intertwined and exposed, is the emblem of it. Starting with the fast boats, Gentleman gives you an overview of motor yachts where carbon is already on board.
We start with the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63, the first boat to bear the Lamborghini brand and is built by Tecnomar (part of The Italian Sea Group). The performance of the boat, which has carbon superstructures, exceeds 60 knots at full capacity, thanks to a V-shaped hull —one of the largest ever made for standard double redan hulls— propelled by abundant power: the engines are two MAN V12 of 2,000 HP each. As in the supercars forged in the Lamborghini factory in Sant’Agata Bolognese, near the city of Bologna, carbon fiber details and the use of Carbon Skin abound in the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63, even in the interior of the boat, which can accommodate up to four people.
Another adrenaline-filled yacht for which, in addition to carbon, other materials also used in aeronautics are used, is the AB 100 Superfast from AB Yachts, a brand that is part of the Next Yacht Group. Also in this case, the target speed that can be achieved is more than 60 knots, an extraordinary speed for a motor yacht with a length of 30 meters. In fact, she manages to go from Portofino to Saint-Tropez in a couple of hours. In addition to the lightness of the structures and clothing, what makes the difference are the installed horsepower —no less than three MTU engines—, the propulsion systems —three Rolls-Royce Kamewa waterjets—, and the fast hull, which is part of the brand’s DNA. The AB 100 Superfast is a custom yacht that can accommodate up to eight people: in addition to the owner’s cabin, she has a VIP cabin and two doubles, all on the lower deck.
A true world boat from Azimut Yachts’ Flybridge Collection, the Azimut 68 makes extensive use of carbon in its deck superstructures. To satisfy the tastes of the largest possible number of clients, she is available with three different main deck layouts. The first is characterized by an elegant living room, with the kitchen in a separate position; the second, more welcoming, has the kitchen towards the bow, but open to the dining area, which can also be transformed into a second lounge area; the third, more informal, has the kitchen at the stern to favor movement between inside and outside, in front of the dining area and in direct communication with the cockpit, while the living room is forward of the deck. On the lower deck, four cabins and three bathrooms accommodate up to eight guests in absolute comfort, with a separate area for one or two crew members.
Among the 70-foot sports boats, the Pershing 7x represents the state of the art in terms of technology, with a design that evokes the brand’s latest creations: typical Pershing distinctive features, such as the imposing side fins, are joined by new elements stylistic, such as the air intakes in the body of the helmet that recall the style of racing cars. Designed by Fulvio De Simoni, the Pershing 7x sails at a top speed of 50 knots thanks to a high-performance hull, Surface Drive Top System transmissions, surface propellers and Man V12 engines of 1,800 horsepower each. Its displacement does not exceed 35 tons, something that translates into a significant reduction in fuel consumption compared to previous models with similar courses. It has three cabins: a full beam owner’s cabin in the middle of the boat, a VIP cabin at the bow end and, among them, one for guests with two single beds. Finally, a smaller model, but made entirely of carbon: the Occhilupo Yacht Carbon Superbia 28, which owes its sporty design, with touches of style borrowed from supercars, to Gianluca Meschino. The boat, which does not require registration, is available in three versions and can be customized to suit the needs of each owner. It is possible to choose the colors of the exterior liveries (in pastel or metallic tones) and even to define the interior garments. Due to the reduced weight of the boat, ecological solutions are being studied for the propulsion system of the new models that provide for the use of electric motors without significantly compromising performance.
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