Lila-Lou, the London & Swiss based yacht design studio, have sent us details about their latest project, Ankida. Lila-Lou, is a highly skilled studio specializing in 2D and 3D architectural exterior and interior drawings combined with detailed specifications for private yachts, residences and jets.
The Ankida concept was developed by Lila-Lou to seek a natural integration of the mast, sail and keel configuration with the hull and superstructure, in the process moving away from a traditional centre-line arrangement. The vessel is cradled within the bow like arrangement therefore allowing the forces generated by the rig to work efficiently for propulsion.
Likewise the sail layout and operation is designed to allow for the greatest surface area coverage and optimal positioning in relation to the wind direction and conditions, the keel bulb adjusting automatically to optimize the centre of mass, and gain the best performance.
Obviously the design relies heavily on the full automation of the mechanics of its operation, and therefore accomodated at the top between the masts is a magnetically levitated turbine to supply power for these systems and general "hotel" services. This makes Ankida a truly unique wind powered vessel.
Alexander Isaac of Lila-Lou explains “We developed Ankida's mast(s) and keel (s) to be structurally integral, rather than applied, to the overall design , in order that the forces created are more homogeneously distributed, working in favor of the performance, it was from the mast design that the sails followed”.
“Obviously a modern sailing yacht of Anikda’s size will rely heavily on automated mechanicals” Alexander continues “coupled with a sophisticated software package for weather, navigation and operation, it is intended that the systems will set the best sail configuration for the conditions or type of sailing desired by the Owner, Captain or Guests”
Each mast, port and starboard, has a boom running parallel to one another, it would not make the sails effective if one were "shadowing" the other, therefore as well as hingeing, they have the ability to slide forward and aft.
This is done by making each boom in two sections along their length, the internal half runs fwd-aft in constant contact with the mast, the external half is attached to the internal via a series of electronically adjustable straps, the sail is attached to this half. When on a beat or reach this allows the sails to be offset from one another maximizing the sail area for the conditions. These straps and furling mechanism are also intended to be micro-adjustable to further angle and/or bend the sails upwind allowing the yacht to sail closer to the wind.
When not under sail the booms rest joined and facing aft with the sail automatically furling in line with the straight mast. It is also possible for Ankida to operate under one sail, therefore having the option of a portside sail and starboard sail offers great flexibility when pleasure cruising.
When the boat is running downwind the booms halves join to form one on each side and hinge out from the FWD masts to offer the maximum sail coverage, this is much like a conventional rig, however on both sides, all the energy in the configuration is ploughed in to making the boat go forward and as such the spinnaker can also be launched.
The spinnaker is stored and automatically furled & unfurled into a box just below the wind turbine at the top of the masts, the poles for setting it pivot mechanically out of the forward mast, in this configuration there is literally a wall of sail propelling the boat.
Alexander concludes “We know that although this a departure from the conventional , there is such flexibility in the sail arrangement that applied with modern software and advanced mechanicals, they can be configured in virtually any wind conditions to offer the maximum efficiency.”
To find out more about this new concept, please contact Alexander Isaac.
Lila-Lou London
+44 (0) 20 7873 2155
[email protected]
www.lila-lou.com