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Merveille

Alexander Griffiths, Staff Writer at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4509" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuperYacht Times (Company)">SYT</a>, sits down with some of the key players at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6523" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="3deluxe Ocean (Company)">3deluxe</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6491" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merveille Yachting (Company)">Merveille Yachting</a> to question what the future may hold for the wheelhouse.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219922/image/large-864eb86b89d8fc5a8422deabc543f02b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219922">The battle between tradition and modernity wages on – and the fight is just as fierce in the yachting sector. This year alone has brought forth an array of designs that throw caution to the wind. The 45-metre Martini catamaran, for instance, designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6546" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Servo Yachts (Company)">Servo Yachts</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1555" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shuttleworth Design (Company)">Shuttleworth Design</a>, features twin mechanical hulls that battle the waves to, as Justin Ratcliffe aptly described, fend of “Rock ‘n’ Roll”. Then there’s the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino</a> designed concept which intersects the characteristics of CAT and SWATH yachts, in a bid to improve sustainability by reducing drag. The list goes on…&nbsp;Three concepts deserve particular attention though, as the shared innovational drive is rooted not just in sustainability, but pivot on changes to the wheelhouse itself. An area which hasn’t been the subject of radical penmanship for some years now. The concepts are: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6523" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="3deluxe Ocean (Company)">3deluxe</a>’s VY-01, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6491" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merveille Yachting (Company)">Merveille</a>’s line of Eco-explorers and the 81.75-metre Pure from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>.Revolution has never looked so green<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219923/image/large-55bbf34ab73f9d19926313eb9ce4fab5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219923">The 110-metre VY-01 concept radically overthrows traditional and bends the expected into a lush haven filled with meandering rivers, tall trees and a natural habitat. The onboard sanctuary, in lieu of a main saloon, may have been the lodestar for the designers but it also led them to rethink the wheelhouse – in order to stretch the interior landscape to this full extent, it had to be moved.&nbsp;“We want to stir things up,” Björn Asmussen, Director &amp; Executive Architect at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6523" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="3deluxe Ocean (Company)">3deluxe</a> explained. “The components of ships are normally stacked on top of each other, because that’s what makes sense. You have your technical equipment in the engine house, then your crew cabins and you build up on that vertical stack. So every technology that allows us to free up a component paves the way for innovation.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219921/image/large-fa88c2b592a77eb8ea9e97cee50e3bb9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219921">Asmussen explained that digital innovations have expanded the boundaries of creativity as these advancements whet the appetite for what can be possible. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6523" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="3deluxe Ocean (Company)">3deluxe</a> has expressed very clearly that it’s target demographic is an owner daring to adventure and experiment with the very idea of yachting. The wheelhouse is part of this vision. “The intent of the concept is to embrace all technology. If it’s possible to incorporate remote navigation, then why not? With an AR setup, the owner or captain could steer the yacht from any location; they could be in the yacht’s garden, or up on one of the terraces and not forced to be in the Wheelhouse.”As it stands, the wheelhouse is very forward, more so than normal. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6523" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="3deluxe Ocean (Company)">3deluxe</a> nestled it in between the A pillars of the superstructure to increase the spatial offering in the midsection of the yacht, giving more room to the park and the owner. It did come with a problem though: visibility. “Where it’s situated there is a fairly decent view for the captain; however there will be a few blindspots. AR will help overcome this, as we can install cameras and screens to re-open these spaces for the human eye.”Interactive and fully immersive <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219925/image/large-78079e8636b65246101c5823fa5a08a4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219925">In a slightly different vein, but just as radical, is the idea of incorporating dual controls. Nicolas Cantenot and Jerôme Vollet, the creative leaders of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6491" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merveille Yachting (Company)">Merveille Yachting</a>, have been compelled to do just this with their line of Eco-explorers.&nbsp;The lineup is driven – as the name suggests – to reduce the ecological footprint of yachting post-construction. The yachts, both in catamaran and monohull form, are characterised by large automated Oceanwings that jut out from the superstructure and which are but one part of the line’s ‘eco’-DNA. What goes slightly unnoticed though is the changes that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6491" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merveille Yachting (Company)">Merveille</a> has made to the traditional helm to encourage onboard interaction. &nbsp;“We often hear how owner’s feel that they are missing out from the experience itself as they are separated from the operations of the yacht and they don’t get the chance to be in control,” Cantenot said. “That is why we’ve incorporated dual controls to our yachts, situated on the skydeck, so that guests can take control and be fully immersed in the full experience.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6491" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merveille Yachting (Company)">Merveille</a> hasn’t stopped there either. The wheelhouse is equipped with large screens to give the captain and the crew 360° view of the sea and the yacht’s surroundings. “This is another important aspect of creating a fully immersive onboard harmony,” Vollet added, “as it removes all barriers between the captain and the guests.”Enclosed Command Centre: An exercise in trust?&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219924/image/large-4cd204500e28212b8e987cdd72ea1700.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219924">The 81.75-metre concept Pure is an art of extremes. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">Studio De Voogt</a> have spearheaded innovation in a bid to redefine what’s possible. Heading their agenda was flexibility and a commitment to reimagine typical GAs to give future owner’s the prime onboard real estate.&nbsp;“With a traditional arrangement of the engine room and bridge you're stuck, you lose a great deal of flexibility,” Giedo Loeff, Head of Research and Development at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>, explained. “Because of new technology though, you can shuffle this arrangement, freeing up space and moving areas of a yacht previously untouchable.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> is proposing an entirely blind wheelhouse that fully embraces video and image processing technology so that it can be located anywhere enclosed. “We recognise that the Command Centre is a controversial proposal that may lead to resistance, but such solutions are already common on subs and naval vessels,” Bram Jongepier, a senior specialist at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt Naval Architects</a>, previously said.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53771" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship’s latest ‘Future Concept’: The 82m hybrid Pure (2021-09-24 16:00:00 +0200)">Feadship’s latest ‘Future Concept’: The 82m hybrid Pure</a>At first glance this may seem like an exercise of trust, with the captain navigating a vessel from even the lower enclaves of the vessel; however, with the advantages of innovative tech, this may not be the case. Video and image processing technology has proved that it can be used to complement the essential systems – visibility, navigation, etc. – in the commercial shipping sector. As Jongepier said, in subs and naval vessels for years now.“We have been in contact with surveyors – and yes, we think it is feasible,” Loeff said. “You never know for sure if anything will be accepted. You have to make a design, you have to submit all the plans and then you get your firm approval. It’s not something that gets an approval from the get-go, we need to be the movers on this.”Theoretically great, but is it practically sound? <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178419/image/large-db7a1a901e20a6a72ed9bfd5641ecee2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178419">To properly get a handle on just how practical these innovations are, we sat down with Mike Rouse, captain of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a>’s 72.15-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Game Changer72.15m (236'9&quot;)Damen Yachting2017">Game Changer</a>, to hear his insights.&nbsp;“Cars have AR these days, planes have had it for years, you can even get it in sunglasses,” Rouse commented. The technology might be novel in the yachting sector but it’s not new elsewhere and has been making strides in multiple other industries.“Every element of our daily lives is in a constant march towards greater technology, integration of life's devices. I agree that the wheel house has not really changed over the years, small advances in technology but fundamentally they have remained the same,” continued Rouse.“If it can be done in submarines and navy vessels it can be done on yachts. Yachting exists for a select few to have an amazing holiday in absolute luxury, the better the experience we can offer owners, charterers and guests the more people will want to engage with this industry. If that means learning some new skills and relocating the wheel house then l am all for it. Like all ‘drastic’ changes it would take some getting used to but over time it would be the new norm,” Rouse concluded.&nbsp;There will be a few hurdles that need to be overcome – the biggest, of course, getting the advancements certified by a surveyor. But if this can be done, then we may start seeing great changes riding off the back of this, not just with the wheelhouse itself but traditional configuration of yachts and the overall experience may get refreshed. All three concepts have the potential to bring this and to change the face of yachting entirely. The question then is: will a redesigned wheelhouse steer us toward a new era of yachting?&nbsp;This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-40-published" target="_blank">Issue 40 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a><a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-40-published" target="_blank">.</a> To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Future of the wheelhouse design

SYT sits down with some of the key players at Feadship, 3deluxe and Merveille Yachting to question what the future may hold for the wheelhouse.

Are wheelhouses driving the change in yacht design?

The <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2021">Monaco Yacht Show</a> pivoted on a key theme this year: sustainability. Whether that was during panel discussions about lighter and – daren’t I say it – “Greener” builds, or innovations to improve hybrid ranges and to develop more fuel-efficient engines. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207455/image/large-2ad11f118fbe10ed24b674f4946792d5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207455"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6491" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merveille Yachting (Company)">Merveille Yachting</a> was one of the design teams who particularly stood out during the event though, as eco-responsibility isn't bolted onto its designs as it serves more as the company’s lodestar. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6491" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merveille Yachting (Company)">Merveille</a> presented its vision and its all-new Eco-explorers range at a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> event – the shipyard likely to take charge of building this line of sustainable yachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207457/image/large-47b3be537ea11f40b9b84a47d3151299.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207457"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207460/image/large-bf828896ed56fd029b7aaee582c8570d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207460">The Eco-explorers can be delivered anywhere between 30 to 130-metres in length. It can be designed as either a monohull or a catamaran and the structure itself is not restricted by one material choice. It can be built in either aluminium, steel, or even composite materials – naturally, all sourced ethically.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207459/image/large-9a131d980db44e3fba75ea34df6254b6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207459">It was the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6491" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merveille Yachting (Company)">Merveille</a>&nbsp;253 W project presented at the event. She is a 77-metre monohull intersected with a 19-metre beam, and she promises a stately design that fully utilises her expansive space, with such features as a forward-facing master suite where the wheelhouse is typically situated.The big stand-out feature of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6491" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merveille Yachting (Company)">Merveille</a>&nbsp;253 W is its AYRO WING propulsion system that derives power from the wind. These wings work in unison with solar panels and underwater turbines to source as much renewable energy as possible. The energy which isn’t used to generate power can be stored and repurposed into the vessel herself – this ensures ultimate efficiency. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207452/image/large-bd5152bd390128927fb8ab60d365b4ea.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207452">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6491" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merveille Yachting (Company)">Merveille</a>&nbsp;253 W motor yacht, is exactly that - a motor yacht. However, as she incorporates Oceanwings into her design she brings the added benefits of improved efficiency and autonomy. The wings are her main engine as they capture the wind to generate power. They are assisted by a hybrid chain of propulsion. This whole system is fully automated and need little attention - they rotate a full 360 degrees and furl and unfurl autonomously. What's more is that the Oceanwings drastically improve the boats autonomy and nautical range, as the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6491" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merveille Yachting (Company)">Merveille</a>'s hybrid chain is sufficient enough to propel the vessel to great lengths between charges. &nbsp; <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207451/image/large-d0ce402135f78b91c365686154916961.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207451"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6491" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merveille Yachting (Company)">Merveille</a> is committed to delivering on three key aspects: to reduce onboard energy levels; to produce and use renewable or non-fossil energy; to incorporate only ethically sourced and sustainable materials for the interior and exterior design. The all-new Eco-explorers are a testament to this.&nbsp;

Merveille Yachting championing sustainability

Merveille Yachting’s all-new Eco-explorers range redefines the parameters of what sustainable yachting can look and feel like. 