Distinguished by their iconic and at times audaciously imaginative designs, these vessels encapsulate the spirit of specific eras, embodying the dreams and visions of designers unbound by conventional constraints. From avant-garde masterpieces to timeless creations, each concept yacht and many of the world’s biggest yachts contribute a unique chapter to the ever-evolving maritime narrative.
This article invites you to explore some of the most extraordinary yacht concepts, paying homage to the visionary minds that fearlessly dare to dream. Whether showcasing technological marvels or architectural wonders, each vessel hints at a potential maritime future.
PEGASUS
The PEGASUS concept represents a project of groundbreaking proportions. Crafted by Jozeph Forakis, the design envisions the world's first 3D-printed superyacht. However, its unique design doesn't end there. At a length of 88m (289ft), the vessel boasts a mirrored exterior, created to seamlessly blend the vessel with its environment.
Forakis' inspiration behind the daring design was a fashion yacht that could achieve virtual invisibility, both in its aesthetic appeal and its environmental footprint.
Expressing his motivation, he said, "I was inspired to create a yacht as close to the sea and nature as possible, made of clouds floating above the waterline. I wanted to honor nature by blending into it, becoming virtually invisible."
As you would expect, the intrigue extends to the interior, where a captivating multi-level hydroponic garden (aptly named the 'tree of life'), takes center stage. In reality, the garden would provide a variety of plants, including vegetables, herbs, and flowers, providing a fresh and sustainable source of food for the galley. Moreover, these plants contribute to air purification onboard.
Forakis envisions PEGASUS as a bold yet feasible glimpse into the future of the superyacht industry, emphasizing a harmonious coexistence between humanity and technology with nature, devoid of competition or compromise.
Moving to the uppermost level, there is a forward-facing master suite — exclusively reserved for the owner — featuring an expansive private terrace. Also located at the front of the vessel is a pool club with an aquarium-style lap pool and generous horizontal windows that seamlessly transition into open balconies on both the port and starboard sides. The beach club, equipped with fold-down balconies, can be transformed into a sheltered solarium with sliding glass panels extending across the ceiling and down the transom bulkhead.
When operating at sea, PEGASUS is designed to generate zero carbon emissions and boasts what is essentially an endless range. Utilizing solar energy, the yacht converts seawater into hydrogen, which is stored onboard for extended periods. Onboard fuel cells then convert the stored hydrogen into electricity, temporarily stored in lithium-ion batteries until it is required.
NAUTILUS
What's better than a superyacht? A 37.5m (123ft) superyacht that also doubles up as a submarine and can reach a maximum depth of up to 200 meters?
The superyacht/submarine concept in question, the NAUTILUS, was revealed in 2022 by Dutch builder U-Boat Worx and the company states that it has "succeeded in engineering a realistic combination of luxury and safety in a fully certified private submersible."
Powered by a diesel-electric propulsion system, the NAUTILUS can achieve a surface cruise speed of 9 knots and an underwater speed of 4 knots.
When serving as a surface vessel, the Nautilus offers an expansive sundeck featuring amenities such as a freshwater pool, a bar, and a dining table. This alfresco setting retracts as the submersible descends below sea level.
Beneath the Nautilus's aft deck lies a recently developed, entirely pressure-resistant electric tender, the Aronnax, which remains exposed during submersible operations. This innovative tender also serves as a means to transport up to five scuba divers underwater to their designated dive location.
Inside, a spacious 50m2 dining and lounge area unfolds, adorned with four circular windows, each boasting a diameter close to four meters. The proposed submarine design incorporates a master bedroom, four staterooms, and sleeping quarters for up to six crew members.
A fully equipped galley facilitates meal preparation while underwater, offering an unparalleled culinary experience. The interior layouts are also entirely customizable according to the client's preferences. Furthermore, U-Boat Worx says that the superyacht submarine can remain submerged for up to four days, and when cruising at speed, underwater endurance is up to six hours.
DUNES
Designed by Studio De Voogt and unveiled by Feadship, DUNES is certainly unique regarding the vessel's design aesthetic. Stated to mimic the "undulating waves, not of water, but of sand", the superyacht draws inspiration from, yes you've guessed it, sand dunes.
The 83m (272ft) concept is devoid of any straight lines, with its asymmetrical superstructure adding to the vessel's individualistic profile.
In real-world applications, the superyacht is projected to mitigate as much as 95% of the potential adverse environmental effects linked to operating a superyacht, surpassing the environmental standards set for yachts today.
The construction of DUNES will adhere to eco-friendly principles, employing a "low impact" construction method with "high scrap content" steel and aluminum. Its environmentally conscious features encompass a distinctive cooling mast design, high-capacity storage batteries, an innovative fuel cell, and a revolutionary propulsor.
DUNES' updated ventilation system and relocated bridge exhibit is an evolution of a design previously shown on the Feadship BREATHE and PURE vessel concepts released in 2010 and 2021, respectively.
The superyacht boasts expansive, sheltered walk-around decks, serving as a pivotal feature that shields occupants from the elements, provides alternative circulation routes, and offers abundant outdoor seating. Imagined by Studio de Voogt, the al fresco lounges on the decks resemble "islands" and are crafted from eco-friendly golden maple wood, replacing traditional teak. Circular or gently curved design elements, including staircases, windows, and full-height glass doors, contribute to the yacht's aesthetic appeal. The curved overhangs, supported by a maple-clad column, reduce heat loads by an impressive "60%."
In a noteworthy sustainable shift, the decking has eliminated teak, replaced by millions of small glass and stone chips sealed in a transparent aliphatic polyurethane resin.
The uppermost pavilion deck structure features "CO2-negative" treated timber, offering high natural insulation without unnecessary weight gain. Enclosed in glass, this upper deck hosts a Jacuzzi and an informal dining area, adaptable for various purposes, from a nightclub to a conference room.
Circular stairs connect this space to the yacht's distinctive 10-meter mast, a key component of Studio de Voogt's "Cool Core Concept". The mast's triangular design, featuring convex and concave foils, harnesses air from different parts of the ship through the central staircase, eliminating the need for fans and ducts.
Feadship estimates that this application of "simple physics" reduces HVAC energy consumption by 35% annually. Additionally, the mast integrates a slim, two-blade vane for solar and wind power, generating approximately 25MWh per year when utilized at anchor.
MAKO
Introducing MAKO, an explorer yacht that was inspired by a Mako shark, or alternatively a Eurotunnel train carriage, or maybe a motorway overpass? We'll let you decide.
The 120m (393ft) concept was designed by UK-based design studio State of Craft and delivers expansive interior space, outstanding range, incorporated air mobility, and polar exploration capabilities.
Equipped with hydrogen tanks, fuel cells, and electric engines, combined with a battery storage system and solar panels, the MAKO aims to deliver zero-emission cruising while exploring the furthest corners of the globe.
Showcasing 270-degree vistas, the MAKO's cantilevered aft deck encircles the yacht's hull, creating a feeling of suspension over the water. The outdoor decks also feature an expansive platform for an exceptionally broad beach club and an area designated for sports and activities.
Positioned above the highest deck is the Pavilion, a versatile space suitable for use as a fitness area, panoramic lounge, or even a night sky observatory.
At the yacht's core is the studio — a double-height room strategically designed to capitalize on the vast seascape, ensuring uninterrupted views. The studio provides a backdrop for unassuming yet inviting interiors while preserving the boat's inherent majesty. The space not only pays tribute to the sea and sky but also basks in the overall wonder of the vessel.
