Photography by Laurent Giles
15 June 2017
It’s a comment that’s heard time and again as new superyachts roll out of shipyard sheds around the world: In the 80-metre-plus marked, designs for top-heavy, overly beamy and inefficient yachts are becoming the norm over sleek and savvy naval architecture principles, all with the aim of delivering owners with the guest space they crave. When it comes to custom yacht design, the client’s wishes are usually prioritised, and efficiency has to play second fiddle. Not so with the latest 110-metre motor yacht designs from Laurent Giles Superyacht Architecture.
The High Efficiency Motor Yacht (HEMY for short) concept looks to provide an owner with a solution to “redressing of the balance” when it comes to the fundamentals of naval architecture (including high length-to-beam ratios and low displacements). The result: a very economically-driven hull that reduces the accommodation/efficiency compromise, says Laurent Giles, all within an LY3 framework that comes in under 3,000gt.
“The concept was to start with a typical 70 to 75 metre yacht and lengthen the hull to offer increased interior volume and remain within a 3,000gt limit. Not only does the HEMY offer increased accommodation volume, but with its more efficient length-to-beam ratio and lighter displacement to length, it offers significant improvements in performance and seakeeping” commented David Lewis, Managing Director of Laurent Giles.
With efficiency built into its name, the HEMY design means business when it comes to technical details. With a length overall of 110 metres and beam of 12.5 metres, it would require the same installed power as a motor yacht of the average 75-metre yacht (4,000kW). Its efficient cruising speed of 17.5 knots would deliver a mammoth range of 6,500nm, while the top speed of 20 knots is impressive for this size range.
The HEMY concept with the same power as a typical 75-metre [yacht] achieves speed improvements of two to three knots, or, to put it another way, achieves the same cruising or top speed for about 65 percent of the power, with corresponding savings in fuel consumption,” added Lewis.
The newly revealed renderings show a superyacht with minimal exterior fussiness and a sleek, modern look emphasising the horizontal plane; a plumb bow; and relatively low profile resulting in a balanced and attractive aesthetic. Accommodation is spread over 1,650 square metres and five decks and because it is subject to LY3 rather than PYC or SOLAS regulations, there are no life boats required (only additional life rafts) and no restrictive outfit material rules.
The preliminary general arrangement suggests a raft of modern features, including a large swimming pool with an eye-catching waterfall on the aft main deck. There is a helipad on the owner’s deck bow section and a helicopter hangar below on the main deck for safe stowage while underway.
There are naturally plenty of social areas on board, including a large main saloon with dining for up to 14 guests, a cinema and ample outdoor space to enjoy the surroundings.
The large owner’s deck features a saloon, private study, lounge and full-beam suite with panoramic views across the bow. The owner’s deck also enjoys an expansive rear deck with sun pads, loungers and a dining table seating 12 guests.
As well as the luxurious guest accommodation, there is provision for additional cabins for visiting staff. On the lower deck, a large tender garage can stow an 11m limousine tender, two further tenders and jet skis. And for the crew there is a dedicated gym, crew mess and separate officer’s mess.
For an owner looking to maximise their pleasure while minimising inefficiency, the answer could be HEMY.