Lifestyle

Navigate an 85-Foot Electric ‘Smartyacht’ with Your Smartphone

Not a sailor, but enjoy sailing? You may soon have your very own vessel. A novel “smartyacht” concept promises self-sailing with only a smartphone required.

The futuristic 85-foot Drakkar S was conceived by yacht designer Max Zhivov. The autonomous vessel is envisioned as a solution for aspiring seafarers with limited or no sailing experience who wish to captain a superyacht.

The concept is equipped with a high-tech autonomous system that utilises the most advanced artificial intelligence navigation technology. The studio claims that the vessel could even approach a berth at the correct distance for mooring and identify surfaces or underwater obstacles on its own. This not only streamlines the steering process for novices, but also eliminates the need for a captain. Consider it the autonomous Tesla of the sea.

In addition, Drakkar S could be controlled via an app on a mobile device. The plan is to charter the yacht for a one- to four-day excursion. Once onboard, select a destination via the app, and the system will automatically set sail and chart a course.

Oddly enough, Drakkar S was inspired by the ancient Viking Age longships with flat bottoms. The greatest Viking longships could travel up to 10 knots under sail, which was quite advanced for the time period. These Drakkar or “dragon ships” were notably feared by their adversaries due to their dragon-shaped bow. Drakkar S aspires to be somewhat less intimidating but just as effective.

The sleek design is equipped with a cutting-edge electric motor and 861 square feet of solar panels on the roof. This means that Drakkar S would offer a similarly clean, silent, and emission-free voyage as the Norsemen’s ships.

Onboard, the vessel is comparable to any other luxury yacht in its class. She has a spacious main salon with a retractable canopy, just like a cabriolet. Other amenities include a well-appointed kitchen, two master cabins, two guest cabins, and a swim platform.

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