The Concept
The Seataci is yacht concept that uses a biomimetic propulsion system resembling the movement of whale’s tail. Its main hull would be lowered underwater, providing passengers with an excellent underwater view of the coral reefs and marine life. It features a dozen villas and two landing pads specially designed for personal flying drones.
Origin of the idea
The idea for the Seataci first came to me while my wife and I were visiting the St. Regis resort in Bora-Bora. We were scuba diving one of the channels, and I started thinking about a new type of cruise ship concept capable of navigating in shallow waters by using an eco-friendly propulsion system. First I had in mind a commercial type of vessel, but it could probably first be developed as an experimental / scientific yacht that would bring together scientists and their benefactors.
How it works
The Seataci would be capable of submerging itself by using a water ballast system to sink its main hull. Two side pods would be used to stabilise the ship, and they would be linked with a hydraulic system that would also double as a dynamic suspension. The ship’s crew and passengers would be able to travel to those pods at any time during the cruise, and passengers could use them as galleries to get a different viewpoint from the ship.
The ship’s engines would be housed in each pod. A biomimetic propulsion system similar to the Iruka concept would be designed to propel the Seataci. This system is basically an oscillating foil that pushes the water like the tail of a whale. It might prove more efficient than propellers, would probably generate less noise under water, and it would allow the ship to sail in shallower waters without breaking its propellers or rudders.
Each pods would feature enclosed water propeller that would siphon water from side intake grills and push it forward when the vehicle needs to back up, like reverse bow thrusters. Another option would be to integrate a pivot around the pods vertical axis to reverse the ship’s course.
As you can see, the boat’s actual hull occupies a lot of volume, so it will be hard to sink.
This is our first iteration, only meant to depict the idea. Future version of the Seataci should take into account weight, volume of water displaced, type of material, ballasts size etc. They would look different, but would propose the same features.
The lower tail section of the main hull would feature an impressive under water experience for the passengers, with large panoramic windows located on each side of the ship. Some of the ship’s suite could be located in that lower section for the view and for the minimal roll. A dining hall or an observatory lounge could also be installed there. On the main deck, a tropical garden would surround a pool next to landing pads for personal drone. The drones could be used by customers to fly to the shore or visit small ‘motu’ or ‘atolls’ nearby.
What It’s Used For
The Seataci is first and foremost a luxury yacht, but it could also be built and sold as a small scientific or commercial excursion ship. It would be interesting to use it to explore channels or islands located in shallow waters and witness the fascinating underwater life during each cruise. When personal drones become widely available and safe, the Seataci could serve as a landing platform to explore inhabited islands without using boats.
Integrating new technologies like the oscillating foil is probably a big risk; however it could provide a good payoff if this technology proves to be more sustainable than what is currently being used.
The Designer
I would like to thank Martin Rico, who created the images of the Seataci concept. Martin lives near Buenos Aires, Argentina. He studied Design at the University of Buenos Aires and now works as a Freelance Industrial Designer. Martin also created the images of the Mercuri personal jet and the Sandofi urban cart for the homeless.
Italian builder Extra Yachts has launched the first 28-meter X90 Fast motor yacht, with plans to display the vessel at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025. The GRP-built yacht, sold through broker Kristina Falkone of Aberton Yachts, features exterior and interior design by Hot Lab with naval engineering by the shipyard.The X90 Fast offers 86 square meters of exterior deck space across three cockpit levels - a dining area for 8-10 guests, lounge seating, and a waterside sunbathing platform. Interior spaces include four guest cabins with the master suite positioned amidships to utilize the 7.1-meter beam. Crew accommodations consist of two cabins forward.Powered by triple Volvo Penta IPS1350 engines (1,000hp each), the yacht reaches a top speed of 30 knots with a cruising speed of 24 knots. At 12 knots, the range extends to 1,000 nautical miles. Design features include concealed hull windows, an open galley with retractable windows separating the salon from the aft deck, and dedicated crew passageways to minimize guest area disruptions.The X90 Fast will be shown alongside other Extra Yachts models at Cannes from September 9-14, 2025. The launch marks the shipyard's continued expansion of its performance-oriented X Series, which currently ranges from 76 to 130 feet. Extra Yachts specializes in the development of yachts with a strong personality. Its distinctive lines are combined in a variety of motor yacht models ranging from 76' to 130' and a 30-meter motor catamaran. Developed thanks to the advanced technical experience of ISA Yachts, Extra offers customers all the advantages of being part of the Palumbo Superyachts network.Credits: Extra Yachts
July 15, 2025
Wally has completed construction of the second wallywind110 sailing yacht, scheduled for its world premiere in late August in Costa Smeralda. The 33.5-meter vessel shares the same judel/vrolijk & co-designed performance hull and carbon construction as its sistership Galma, while introducing several custom modifications.Key updates include a sand-grey hull color scheme, lighter interior finishes, and a reconfigured lower salon with a multifunctional workspace replacing the bar area. The VIP cabin now features a sliding bed system converting between single and double configurations. Studio Santa Maria Magnolfi maintained the exterior and interior design continuity with the first unit, preserving the wallywind series' signature elements: dedicated helm stations, integrated swim platform, and expansive guest areas.Performance features include a telescopic keel (adjustable from 4.5 to 6.95 meters), twin rudders, and a carbon rigging system from Hall Spars with North Sails. The yacht's construction benefited from lessons learned during the first hull's production, allowing Wally to optimize the build process.No charter or ownership details have been disclosed for the new vessel, which joins Wally's growing fleet of performance sailing yachts. The Monaco-based brand, now part of Ferretti Group, continues production of its wallywind series alongside motoryacht projects at its facilities in Forlì, Italy.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
July 15, 2025
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July 15, 2025
Columbus Yachts has delivered the 47-meter Atlantique series superyacht M/Y Acqua Chiara, now available for charter through Fraser Yachts. The steel-hulled vessel with aluminum superstructure measures 9.1 meters in beam with a 2.4-meter draft and 499 gross tonnage. Designed by Hot Lab with naval architecture by Columbus Yachts, the yacht features twin 1,350hp engines delivering a maximum speed of 15.5 knots and transatlantic range of 3,400 nautical miles at 12 knots.The exterior profile showcases Columbus' signature explorer styling with three-tiered stern areas including a covered dining space, pool lounge with fold-out balconies, and swim platform positioned just 50cm above water level. Interior spaces blend classic and contemporary elements with white parquet flooring, natural oak ceilings, and specialized finishes including Vetrite glass panels and geometric Sicis mosaics. The main salon features custom white upholstered sofas with blue accents, Fendi armchairs, and a 75-inch TV integrated into Stopsol glass.Owner accommodations on the main deck include a full-beam suite with Galaxy blue glass walls, leather-clad furnishings, and Bonaldo lighting. The en-suite bathroom combines white marble with silver mosaic detailing and includes both a tub and hammam shower system. Four additional guest cabins comprise two king-size and two twin cabins, all with private marble bathrooms featuring Sicis mosaic work. Crew quarters accommodate eight staff in four cabins forward, with the captain's cabin adjacent to the wheelhouse.Upper deck spaces include a swimming pool area convertible to an open-air cinema, formal dining for twelve with Viabizzuno chandelier, and a forward lounge with full-height windows creating terrace-like sea views. The sundeck offers a central relaxation area with console seating aft and sunpad with bar forward. Storage solutions include a starboard garage for the 5-meter tender and portside garage housing a rescue tender and two jet skis.M/Y Acqua Chiara represents the third delivery in Columbus' Atlantique series, following previous 40m and 43m models. The yacht is currently available for Mediterranean charters through Fraser Yachts, though specific rates remain undisclosed. Specializing in semi-custom and full-custom builds (37m–120m), Columbus offers four lines: Atlantique, Crossover, Sport, and Classic. Its flagship 80m Dragon exemplifies its craftsmanship. As part of Palumbo Superyachts, the brand provides end-to-end owner support alongside sister yards ISA Yachts, Mondomarine, and Extra Yachts.Credits: Columbus Yachts
July 14, 2025
Monaco-based Dynamiq presented five new superyacht concepts ranging from 41 to 55 meters during a private event at Maison Moghadam on July 3, 2025. The showcase, titled "Five Senses. Five Superyachts," featured designs from three studios: Mark Berryman Design, H2 Yacht Design, and Sturge & Toth.Global 550Mark Berryman Design introduced three interior concepts:GTT 135 (41m): A Mediterranean/Bahamas cruiser with natural oak, stone flooring, and seagrass panelingGlobal 450 (45m): An explorer yacht featuring light oak joinery and transformable furnitureGlobal 550 (55m): A long-range explorer with smoked oak, marble finishes, and bronze accentsGlobal 450H2 Yacht Design previewed interiors for the GTT 180 Heritage, a 55-meter aluminum neo-classic superyacht scheduled for full debut at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show. The design incorporates calacatta gold marble, shagreen leather, and custom bronze detailing, with furnishings from American brands Baker and Holly Hunt.GTT 180 HeritageSturge & Toth presented a new 45-meter exterior concept under Dynamiq's GST line, featuring a double-balcony master suite and convertible pool area. The design evolves Dynamiq's existing platform with what the designers describe as "timeless elegance."Sturge & Toth delivered a compelling presentation that invited guests into their creative processConstruction will occur at Dynamiq's Antalya facility, which features a 2,000-ton syncrolift and collaborates with European subcontractors. The yard specializes in builds up to 65 meters with hybrid propulsion options.Event attendees received a private tour of Maison Moghadam's material collections, highlighting Dynamiq's partnership with Monaco-based luxury suppliers. No construction timelines or pricing were disclosed for the new concepts.Mark Berryman, Ben-Julian Toth, Gianluca Sist, Toby Sturge and Dynamiq Founder Sergey DobroserdovDynamiq CEO Sergei Dobroserdov noted the presentations demonstrate the shipyard's "expanding design capabilities across multiple yachting segments." The company currently has four superyachts under construction at its Turkish facility.Dynamiq was founded in 2014 by experienced yacht broker and designer Sergei Dobroserdov. Dynamiq is the first company in the superyacht industry to introduce an online configurator, allowing the yacht to be easily and transparently customized down to the last detail. Dynamiq unveiled its first launch at the 2016 Monaco Yacht Show.Credits: Dynamiq
July 14, 2025