Wind beneath wings
VPLP Design has conceived of a super streamlined trimaran known as “Seaffinity”, which runs on wind power.
21 October 2021
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Seaffinity, produced by VPLP Design under the design direction of Patrick le Quément, is a super streamlined trimaran which illustrates VPLP Design’s vision of a yacht of the future, silent, partly automated, and propelled by virtuous energy, the wind.
Equipped with two Oceanwings wings, real sailing revolutions, the same as those which will equip the Canopée freighter which will transport the Ariane rockets from Europe to Guyana.
It is also equipped with a hybrid engine, powered by electricity produced by a fuel cell and hydrogen, the journey on board is a communion with its environment.
As its designers explain “It is a boat open to the sea, inspired by the sea, inspired by birds like seagulls, inspired by their lightness and fluidity but also by their beauty. We reject any threatening warlike expression, just as we reject any association with a design that only values machinist perfection and, in so doing, lacks the warmth of the living.
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“We chose to design a boat with a monolithic shape inspired by the world of sea birds, seagulls.
“Seabirds are fascinating by their total adaptation to their natural environment and their agility in air and water. The name of the concept expresses the intention of a timeless project, propelled by the wind and in harmony with the sea.
“Also, we wanted to create an almost total fusion between the hulls and the coachroof, with the aim of optimising the formal integration of all the components of the boat, so that they are no longer separate elements, but a global whole. We have associated the shape of the boat with breakthroughs that enhance the view to the outside and give off an impression of great lightness.
“It all started with our desire to meet the expectations of new customers who are not attracted by a traditional yacht offer, because they pollute too much. Also, we wanted to offer them our vision of a new concept of boat, more in harmony with nature and the environment.
“These new generations of customers are designing the future by bringing systems where the user has easy access to technology. The sense of ease of use is essential and gives way to pleasure and envy.”
The interior of Seaffinity is a living space and not a technical feat or a work of art that seeks to stand out. The range of colours is intentionally reduced. The maximum effect is obtained with the minimum of means.
“The ambiance counts more than the elements of the décor. Because what matters while sailing is the outdoors, to be able to marvel at the spectacle that unfolds before our eyes.
“Sailing is an event. We did not want to create a work that stands out between the spectacle of the sea and us, which would look away from it. The plastic expression must aim at almost nothing, obviously at the well-being. Precious time is best enjoyed around moments without constraint, because Seaffinity is a real boat to live better.”
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