on 8 Oct 2019
The integrated 88m twin-mast DynaRig and its 70m companion vessel provides a comprehensive range of superyacht experiences and services
Lotus, the 88m DynaRig and 70m Companion Vessel concept, was presented at the recent Monaco Yacht Show. Lotus is the next-generation project from ThirtyC design studio in collaboration with Dykstra Naval Architects and Royal Huisman.
Lotus is Royal Huisman’s answer to the refined superyacht experience increasingly required by owners. For some, the joys and thrills of cruising under sail may be diminished when a yacht grows above a certain size. For these owners, a megayacht under sail does not deliver quite the same personal experience; it can feel less in touch with the elements.
Today’s standards of luxury, comfort and services for guests require a very comprehensive crew and support team. With up to 18 guests, that can mean a full complement of anything from 40 to 50 people. A hull of 130m or more is required to accommodate them, lessening the intimacy of the experience for some owners and guests, who may feel overwhelmed by the scale of the deck spaces and the size of the crew complement.
The superyacht experience that owners and their guests increasingly appreciate is multifaceted: adventurous world cruising under sail, the excitement of superyacht racing at legendary regattas such as the St Barth’s Bucket, day sailing among the world’s most beautiful archipelagos. Different groups of family or guests might want to pursue different itineraries at the same time: exploration, diving, the ability to explore rias and fjords, and even a simple run ashore.
Lotus is made up of two integrated components: the magnificent Lotus 88m (289ft) DynaRig sailing yacht and its companion vessel the Lotus 70m (230ft) explorer with a full complement of sea-to-shore transport options and more.
Lotus is not a sailing yacht with a support vessel. Lotus is a concept whereby two vessels are designed, built and operated in a totally integrated manner to provide the most comprehensive range of superyacht experiences and services ever offered to owners and their guests by the superyacht industry. The result is a wholly new level of personal choice, freedom and flexibility to enjoy the very best of everything superyachting has to offer – without compromise or limits.
The concept is leading edge not only for its rig, styling, technology and performance but also for the attractive balance of accommodation and facilities available for guests. A far less intrusive requirement for crew and support team than is normal for a yacht of this size is made possible by the dual-ship Lotus package.
The Lotus sailing yacht offers its owner speed, precision sailing and reduced complexity in terms of both rigging and crew. It has the capability to cruise the world in total comfort and security or to compete in global superyacht regattas. This versatility is derived from the proven and highly efficient DynaRig configuration which, combined with advanced technologies used in construction, propulsion and power management, will place it among the fastest and most technologically advanced sailing yachts in the world.
Drawn with signature ThirtyC style, Lotus is a masterpiece collaboration with iconic yacht builders Royal Huisman and DynaRig creators Dykstra Naval Architects. With its extensive open spaces, leisure facilities and superlative accommodation Lotus offers near-limitless opportunities for customisation.
With the ship’s toys and other support equipment accommodated on the Lotus companion ship, the open deck areas of this Lotus DynaRig sailing yacht with its 14.6m (48ft) beam provide more than ample space for a bow area pool, spacious flybridge and expansive sun deck, linking to the multiple dining areas, huge saloon and the vast beach club below.
The great clipper ships were the cutting edge of sailing technology in their day, to which Lotus’s soaring rig pays tribute. Unlike clipper ships, where large crews performed tough and dangerous work, the Lotus DynaRig provides a safe environment where a small crew can manage and trim the sails without the encumbrance of lines or winches, and guests can enjoy the deck spaces in total security. This high-performance sailing system underpins ease of handling, reliability, efficiency and guaranteed performance. The masts and all the sails rotate by the simple push of a button, enabling optimum trimming either from the bridge or a remote station.
Lotus aims to be one of the most technologically advanced sailing superyachts ever created. Environmental awareness, alloyed with smart deployment of new technologies, aims to lessen the environmental impact of both ships’ operations wherever the opportunity arises. The latest solar technology will be integrated into the masts, capturing sunlight throughout the day. ‘Smart’ power generation, storage and management systems will minimise fuel use and even enable the Lotus DynaRig to sail from her berth without starting an engine.
Lotus provides the ultimate platform for a unique state-of-the-art entertainment system that projects onto the forward sails to create an immersive viewing experience for all guests. Developed from the ground up, this custom system is built into Lotus’s superstructure. The projection area of 15m (49ft) wide by over 9m (29.5ft) in height combines with a sound system incorporating custom popup speakers strategically placed to create a true 360° audio experience. Lotus’s open air theatre is visible from the entire top deck, with ample space for friends, family and guests to sit and relax on the numerous loungers and sofas or in the bars.
Lotus’s interior is a retreat with luxurious touches abound, with fine A-grade hides; plush, sumptuous carpets; exquisite upholstery and handcrafted wood veneers incorporated into impeccably designed and crafted furnishings. Lotus offers a uniquely relaxing environment, striking a perfect balance between intimacy and spaciousness. The interior layout marries innovation and comfort with custom-developed finishes designed in collaboration with leading specialists to create a sense of calm and interest throughout.
The salon offers stunning views not only horizontally to the sides and aft, but also vertically, thanks to the integrated skylight with framing and special finishes from leading decorative artists DKT Artworks.
The 70m (230ft) explorer motoryacht is ‘the other half’ of the Lotus equation. Each vessel is designed to integrate in terms of layout and function with the other to provide the most comprehensive and flexible range of superyacht experiences to owners and their guests ever.
The accommodation on the Lotus companion vessel, for both guests and crew, is of the same standard as found on the 88m (289ft) sailing ship. It may act as ‘mother ship’ at a regatta where the Lotus DynaRig yacht is competing, or as solo vessel for one group of guests wishing to explore a remote navigable river whilst others enjoy a day’s sailing.
The functionality of the companion vessel also complements the lifestyle of the sailing yacht, acting as the operations and accommodation centre for the duo’s crew and hotel service entourages, together with pilots, doctors, tutors and any guides or other team members required to enrich the adventures and keep them safe.
The Lotus companion vessel is designed to house the fullest complement of toys, tenders, cars, helicopters – even a submarine if wished – to enhance the experience of travelling the globe.
Aggressively styled, futuristic and clean in design, the Lotus companion vessel provides a complementary aesthetic to its sailing partner to act visually, as well as operationally as a complete package.