Million Air Summer 2021

INSPIRE 20TH ANNIVERSARY GUIDE TO RESPONSIBLE LUXURY

Yachts

Superyachts, understandably, have a bad name when it comes to being environmentally friendly. But there are many options for enjoying these beasts of the ocean in a greener and more responsible way. Among the growing number of initiatives for lower-impact yachting is hybrid propulsion (the use of a combination of energy sources, such as diesel and battery power), more efficient hulls and choosing sail over motor. Looking to the future, sustainability is becoming more and more important to those building and buying yachts, and this is reflected in the types of superyachts hitting the water. Ellie Brade takes a closer look at some trailblazing eco-friendly yachts from the past 20 years, as well as some of the most exciting projects that are on the horizon.

by Ellie Brade

SAVANNAH Savannah , built by Dutch shipyard Feadship and hailed as the first hybrid motoryacht at her 2015 launch, is also the world’s largest metallic-painted floating object. This beautiful yacht has collected many awards, including the coveted Motor Yacht of the Year at the 2016 World Superyacht Awards. Her ‘Breathe’ propulsion system delivers 30% fuel-saving economies, and she can cruise under diesel electric or simply electric battery power. Savannah set a precedent for other eco-friendly projects from Feadship, including the ultra-sustainable 308-ft Viva (Hull 817), which has made waves since her February 2021 launch. As attractive as she is innovative, her elegant, four-deck floating superstructure pairs world-class technology with timeless style; features include the ‘Nemo Lounge,’ where you can peek below the waves and marvel at passing sea life from the comfort of the yacht. The main deck has a 30-ft pool and two main salons that are divided by a video wall, and the owner’s stateroom boasts a skylight above the master bed for admiring the starscape above. feadship.nl

BLACK PEARL At 350 ft, Black Pearl is the largest sailing superyacht in the world. She is certainly not inconspicuous but, despite her size, she is extremely eco-friendly. Delivered by Oceanco in 2016, Black Pearl is said to have the capability to cross the Atlantic using zero fossil fuel. Plans for undertaking this particular feat were underway when Covid-19 hit and delayed this attempt, but her captain, Chris Gartner, says that the owner and the Black Pearl team are committed to going ahead with that as soon as possible. Black Pearl incorporates features that ensure a lower environmental impact: propellers that can generate electricity when operating in ‘regeneration mode’ and, one of her most impressive features, her sails also double as a source of power. Measuring an incredible 31,215 sq ft, Black Pearl ’s sails have built-in solar panels that create electricity that is then stored so it can be put to use elsewhere as needed. The DynaRig sails also allow the yacht to be easily operated under sail power as much as possible, greatly reducing the need for fuel. oceancoyacht.com

Photos Feadship, Franco Pace, Klaus Jordan, Tom Van Oossanen