YPI announced in March that they had partnered up with VR-development company, Bricks & Goggles recently to introduce a technology that would allow yacht owners to walk around their new build projects before they are built. Yacht Harbour caught up with Ingmar Vroege, co-founder of Bricks & Goggles to learn more about this project.
The cooperation between YPI and Bricks & Goggles started at the 25th edition of the Monaco Yacht Show where the development team was showing exhibitors some of its prototypes. Before collaborating with YPI on their central listing, the 105-meter Raptor project, the development company did several projects in the real-estate sector in the Netherlands.
After only 2 months, the company was able to deliver to YPI the software that allows for a walkthrough of the yacht. The application runs on the Oculus Rift, a VR headset that is set to soon be available its in consumer version. Running the application involves connecting the headset to a PC computer with a powerful graphics card and an HDMI 3.0 port. This allows the simulation to run at a stable 75 frames per second, the minimum required according to Ingmar for the brain to interpret as reality.
3 scenes have been developed for the 105m project Raptor, a fly-by of the exterior as well as two interior scenes. Prospective owners are then able to freely move around the yacht through an Xbox joystick to get various views and angles of the yacht. The yacht design itself was done by H2 Yacht Design and McFarlane Ship Design.
Our system allows owners to walk around a complete virtual construction of their yacht both inside and on deck as well as seeing it from the air. You can see and experience how the layouts feel in terms of space and volume as you walk around. Imagine the money, time and potential disappointment that can now be saved thanks to this technology?
Russel Crump, Director of Sales, YPI
The development of this VR application goes in line with YPI's initiative to implement 360-degrees immersive photography which the company says it offers as standard to all of its central agency clients.
As an industry, yachting is sometimes a little slow at integrating the vast array of new digital tools and technology into the way it helps clients. Our work allows us to offer our clients a very real way of experiencing their newbuild projects before they commit to the full investment
Mark Duncan, Commercial & Marketing Director, YPI
Ingmar Vroege, co-founder of Bricks & Goggles explained to us that they are able to develop such VR simulations by using 3D design sketches made by designers which they can then convert to interactive VR applications. Here below is a picture of one of the startup's engineers, Dimitri den Elzen, using the Oculus Rift application.
Developing VR simulations such as these ones is no different from creating games. This simulation runs on the UNITY game engine in fact.
Ingmar Vroege, co-founder, Bricks & Goggles
A version of the VR system can also be directly downloaded as an app on smartphones which allows users to either use special readers to immerse themselves or to simply move around their screens to look around. You can download the application on the Apple Store and Android to take a tour of the Raptor project.
Ironman is a 42-metre yacht from Fast 140 series, being the sixth model launched by Italian yard Benetti Yachts at their facilities in Viareggio. The yacht is built to RINA standards from GRP and carbon fibre, boasts exterior design by Stefano Righini and interior design by British studio RWD, with the naval architecture developed by the Azimut Benetti Research and Development centre and features a D2P - Displacement to Planing hull with wave piercer, designed by Pierluigi Ausonio.Large glass windows in the main deck saloon makes natural light flood in and makes interior bright, also providing great sea views. Main deck area is divided into zone for relaxing and for dining, with room for 12 guests around central table.On board, she accommodates up to 12 guests across a 6 cabins, including a master suite on the main deck, 2 VIP cabins and 2 twin cabins on the lower deck, as well as an additional VIP suite accessible via one of the twin cabins. Crew quarters is up to 7 people.Ironman is fitted with twin 3,650HP MTU diesel engines, reaching a top speed of 23 knots and cruising speed of 18 knots, and when switched back to economical speed of 12 knots, Ironman will have a range of 1,800 nautical miles, thanks to her fuel tanks of 35,000 litres.Earlier this month, Benetti Yachts launched two Fast 125 yachts My Way and Charade.
April 24, 2018
The MYBA Charter Show is an event for those who are in industry, which started on April 23 at the OneOcean Port Vell in Barcelona and will last four days till April 26, allowing to view yachts, providing competitions between crews and glamorous social events. This trade only show has become one of the most important international events dedicated strictly to charter professionals and superyachts. Top industry professionals from yacht charter companies from around the globe will be able to view the freshest superyachts coming onto the charter market, as well as meeting captains and crew, just before the start of the Mediterranean summer season. A numerous yachts that were refitted and upgraded will also be on display and available for views. The show is the perfect occasion for charter brokers to gather first hand recommendations to pass on to current and future clients. The MYBA Charter Show is attended by the world's top charter agencies and presents an impressive showcase of luxury charter yachts as well as services for the yachting industry.The event also allows charter brokers to experience the world-class hospitality of the crew, so they will obtain knowledge for potential charter guests. The highly popular competitions for chefs and crew will once again take place, showcasing diverse culinary and design talents of the teams. Seminars and parties will also be well attended as they continue to be heavily subscribed by industry professionals from far and wide.The current exhibition is only the second one to take place in Barcelona after the event took place in Italy for 27 years, and the show began at 10am in the Catalonian capital with the 55 superyachts in attendance welcoming aboard show-goers for exclusive yacht viewings. Just four years old, Barcelona’s superyacht Marina OneOcean Port Vell boasts 68 berths ranging from 22-metres to 190-metres. The city itself has become a prominent yachting destination, welcoming superyachts to experience the accessible city while on Spanish charters. The increase in numbers is partly due to easing of legislation on Spanish charters, as well as the unrivalled marina facilities and infrastructure that the marina is now able provide large superyachts.Top yachts attending the MYBA Charter Show 2018 :1. Alfa Nero (81m, 2007, Oceanco, refit in 2017)Available for charter starting from €750,000 per week. 2. Titania (73m, 2006, Lurssen, refit in 2018)Available for charter starting from $490,000 per week.3. Joy (70m, 2016, Feadship)Available for charter starting from €700,000 per week.4. Andiamo (59m, 2009, Benetti, refit in 2017)Available for charter starting from $395,000 per week.5. The Wellesley (56m, 1993, Oceanco, refit in 2016)Available for charter starting from €220,000 per week.6. Lazy Z (51m, 1997, Oceanco, refit 2015)Available for charter starting from $224,000.7. Elixir (55m, 2016, Amels)Available for charter starting from $275,000 per week.The full list of yachts attending the show is here.
April 24, 2018
The 49-metre superyacht Flying Dagger was launched in Viareggio on April 21 by Rossinavi. Previously known as Project FR036, Flying Dagger was sold in May 2016. This aluminium motor yacht boasts interior and exterior design by Enrico Gobbi at Team For Design. The design focuses on minimizing noise emissions to give greater comfort during crusing and wide windows and skylights to allow natural light to flood into the interior and offer guests superb panoramic views.<iframe width="632" height="356" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hq64kID18Uk" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>Guest accommodation is divided on two decks, with the full beam owner’s suite on the main deck forward, and 4 double suites located on the lower deck. As Flying Dagger was built for speed, she will reach a maximum speed of 27 knots, fitted with three 2,600hp MTU engines and three KaMeWa waterjets. With a cruising speed of 23 knots and her range will be 3,300 nautical miles at 12 knots. The aft tender garage is complemented by a foredeck Jet Ski locker.
April 23, 2018
Founded by the GYA (Greek Yachting Association), the Mediterranean Yacht Show was set back in 2014. Now it's the 5th edition of the show and ever since its premiere, the show has taken place in the historic Greek town of Nafplio. The industry-only event, taking place from April 28th to May 1st, it brings together yachts, ranging from motor and sailing yachts to gulets and catamarans. This year’s charter fleet will consist of nearly 90 vessels, from small cruisers to large superyachts.Industry professionals are given the opportunity to meet the yacht crews, explore some new models and refits of the yacht already on the market. There will be a variety of networking events and social programme for show-goers, such as Chef’s Competition, where the region’s top yacht chefs will battle in front of judges. The Mediterranean Yacht Show shows the recovery of the Greek tourism industry. Now more than 100 superyachts and 300 visitors are expected to attend each year.Top 5 largest yachts attending the Mediterranean Yacht Show :1. Capri I (58.6 m, 2003, Lurssen, refit in 2012)Available for charter through Fraser Yachts starting from €280000 per week.2. O'Natalina (56 m, 1985, Pichiotti, refit in 2017)Available for charter through Atalanta Golden Yachts starting from €130000 per week. 3. Pegasus (53 m, 1995, Feadship, refit in 2009)Available for charter through Athens Yachts starting from €27850 per week.4. Marla (50 metre, 1999, Amels, refit in 2015)Available for charter through Seascape Yacht Charters from €185000 per week.5. Ouranos (50 m, 2016, Admiral Yachts)Available for charter through IYC from €210000 per week.The full list of yachts attending the show is here.
April 23, 2018
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel has announced itineraries and shore excursions for its Luxury Yacht Collection. Three luxury cruising yachts are scheduled to sail in 2020. Ritz-Carlton will start taking reservation from May 21 from its loyalty members and those of its parent company Marriott International. The very first voyage will sail out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Feb. 1, 2020, for a 8-night cruise in the Caribbean. The yacht will travel to Bimini, Bahamas, and Key West, Florida, before returning to Fort Lauderdale.In its inaugural season, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will offer 40 different voyages, most ranging from 7 to 10 nights. Number of experiences will be available, such as visiting a renowned winery in Bordeaux, France, learning how baby oysters are grown in a private farm in Sete, France or even emeeting with a spiritual shaman in the Grenadines. The shore excursions will be grouped into five categories: Iconic Sights (art and culture); Stirring the Senses (wellness); Cultural Connections (wild life); Active Explorations; and Epicurean Experiences. The trips “illustrate our commitment to providing rare opportunities to today’s luxury traveler,” said Lisa Holladay, global brand leader for The Ritz-Carlton, in a statement.The unique designed yachts will measure 190 meters, with 149 suites accommodating up to 298 passengers, which is more like superyacht than an actual cruise ship. Each stateroom has its own private terrace. The yachts will also feature two 158-square-meter penthouses, each with its own private whirlpool, modern craftsmanship and interior finishes jointly designed by The Ritz-Carlton and design firm Tillberg Design of Sweden. Prices have not yet been released.
April 19, 2018