VPLP Design unveiled an all-new state-of-the-art 45-metre trimaran concept at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show which is silent, partly automated and propelled by the wind. Seaffinity, as it’s aptly called, has been designed in-house under the direction of Patrick le Quément to emulate the great birds of the sea. Inspired by the lightness, dynamism and beauty of airborne seabirds. 
“We are always delighted to get feedback from the market,” says Patrick le Quément, “but we also believe that we should ‘listen from a distance’. If we only act in accordance with the wishes of our customers, we risk adopting a ‘me too’ approach which would prevent us from exploring inspirational concepts. Concept boats are a breeding ground for new ideas. Seaffinity will be, without question, a rich source of innovation for our projects in the years to come.”
Seaffinity has a muscular exterior styling that mimics that of a bird in flight and has a domed full-beam superstructure to provide guests with heaps of indoor living space. The outer areas are partially covered to give guests a welcome break from the beating sun when they are entertaining out on the deck. 
The interior spaces have been curated by VPLP Design to be a fully-functional living space. Guests have all the necessary amenities at their disposal, but will not be distracted by any unnecessary trimmings as the team are committed to emphasising the “event of sailing”. 
“The first concept we released was Manifesto, a name we didn’t choose at random, insofar as we wanted her to be a veritable statement of intent on our part,” says Mathias Maurios, head of VPLP’s Yachting Division. “We wanted to offer an alternative to those catamarans that look like layer cakes and seem to stand between the sailor and his element. Our goal was quite the opposite, that the boat should integrate itself into its environment, hence the choice of a wider beam to make for a more stable yacht which is closer to the water, with plenty of natural ventilation and light.”
This trimaran concept has a truly eco heart as she is equipped with two Oceanwings, a hybrid engine and is said to generate electricity through a fuel cell and hydrogen. The team wanted to offer a vision for the future of yachting which is more in-tune with nature – sustainability then, is the way forward for VPLP Design.
“Seaffinity is a clear indication of our determination to exceed expectations and promote our collective creativity,” says Mathias Maurios. “We are often asked about the pertinence of our strategy to publish concept boats, and we always reply that they are an ideal way of moving beyond the projects in development at the firm. This approach allows us to discuss among ourselves the direction vessel design seems to be taking in a world facing multiple environmental issues.”