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Most people can only dream of sailing the world’s oceans in a luxury yacht – but these new plans are so incredible they wouldn’t be out of place in a science fiction TV show.
The idea of a yacht lifting out of the sea and flying through the air would seem impossible to most people.
But one London-based designer is trying to bring the flying yacht into reality.
Nicknamed the ‘flying pyramid’ due to its shape, Tetra’s concept design would use hydrofoil to make it appear as if it is flying above the water.
Hydrofoil designs have multiple hullsand vanes which help the vessel lift off the surface of the water. Only a small part of the ship touches the water, massively reducing drag and offering a smoother and faster ride.
Designer Jonathan Schwinge has taken foiling technology, in use since the 1900s, and brought it into the present with a modern, sci-fi twist.
It would use hydrofoil technology to glide above the water (Picture: Jonathan Schwinge/Eyelevel UK)
Three sides would open up to form a sun deck (Picture: Jonathan Schwinge/Eyelevel UK)
The designs paint a rather intimidating picture (Picture: Jonathan Schwinge/Eyelevel UK)
‘The design is instigated by the re-thinking of the form, superstructure and propulsion of the modern superyacht into a radically simple enclosure and an elevated mode of travel above the water line,’ he told The Sun.
When travelling at low speed, the Tetra would use the three hulls on its underside, but after it takes off, a torpedo-shaped foil will extend down from the hull which will help to lift the yacht out of the water.
Superyacht will reportedly have a speed of 17.2mph during take-off, reaching up to 43.7mph while cruising above the water.
The design would include an auto-pilot ‘fly-by-light’ borrowed from the aviation industry, to help take control during bad weather.
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Tetra would be built from carbon fibre and stainless steel, but despite its huge size it would only be able to accommodate 10 people, including the crew.
When docked, the superyacht will be able to unfold three sides of this body to become a ‘sun deck’ – an outdoor lounge area with dining facilities and access to the sea.
The design is still being worked on, and while Tetra’s potential cost hasn’t yet been revealed, it’s sure to be extremely pricy.
But surely, the opportunity to fly across the water like a James Bond supervillian or an extra-terrestrial in a spacecraft would be worth any price tag?
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