As a journey across the Mediterranean: Hydro Tec presents its latest yacht concept that gives in to the charm of multihulls
Among the various projects and new builds presented at the recent Cannes yachting festival and Monaco yacht show, the multihull has established itself as a new trend, or, if you prefer, a new field of action in which designers and shipyards try to bring new fresh ideas. Among these, the latest project by hydro tec stands out, celebrating Mediterranean elegance and technological innovation.
During the last Monaco Yacht Show 2023, the Italian engineering studio for naval architecture, Hydro Tec, presented its latest creation, a 55-metre catamaran project inspired by the natural and architectural richness of the Mediterranean, designed for long summers abroad or winters in the warm waters of the Red Sea, but also equally suitable for navigation in Nordic scenarios.
As in every project developed by Hydro Tec, the importance of a harmonious integration between aesthetics and functionality is central. Every technical detail is carefully analyzed to ensure a pleasing appearance, while every aesthetic element is designed to maximize technical efficiency.
“The exterior is conceived with clean yet sinuous lines, embellished by a distinctive lighting element that emphasizes the arch that stretches from the expansive bow to the stern, bestowing grandeur and character to the entire design”, says Richard Partington, Design Director at Hydro Tec.
The superstructure is a floating sculpture which meanders and parts like a river around the discrete wheelhouse
The interiors are developed along four decks, all habitable and connected by an elevator. Among the living priorities, we find the challenge of preserving the privacy of the owner and guests, while allowing the crew to operate unhindered, cabins have been distributed on the upper decks, while technical rooms and crew cabins have been allocated inside the two hulls. The left hull accommodates crew quarters, while the right hull is dedicated to tender and toy transport.
Every detail reflects the Mediterranean style, from the selection of organic materials and textures to the subdued tones, enlivened by bold splashes of color.
The main deck stands out for its generous spaces, with a maximum width of 17.50 meters, creating a residential atmosphere. The aft pool is one-of-a-kind, offering an unobstructed panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. What makes this pool unique is its seamless integration with the main deck, facilitating service with a practical bar, allowing guests to enjoy the large jacuzzi or refresh in the waterway surrounding the rear area.
The pool’s shape naturally directs the gaze towards the main salon, boasting an impressive 6.5-meter window where the dining area and recessed seating lounge are located.
The interiors are bathed in natural light thanks to the expansive full-height windows, representing an authentic celebration of the Mediterranean. With vibrant and rustic shapes and colors, they stand out for their versatility.
The journey through the Mediterranean continues in the guest cabins, each inspired by a different destination, from Santorini to Casablanca. Each cabin, with its 40 square meters of space, offers retractable balconies that provide guests with an oasis of privacy and comfort, both indoors and outdoors.
Moving forward to the foredeck we find a unique observation point directly facing the horizon. Here, guests can enjoy a relaxation area with a sheltered lounge around a fireplace and a jacuzzi pool, also oriented towards the bow. This space offers an ideal relaxation area for onboard social life, accessible directly from the cabins and at the same time protected and reserved.
The sumptuous owner’s cabin, oriented towards the bow and located on the upper deck, occupies an exclusive and privileged position. With its 90 square meters of surface area, it completely embraces the width of the yacht.
The spacious and bright interiors blend harmoniously with the external areas, recalling the typical layout of sumptuous residences overlooking the coasts of the Mediterranean. This extraordinary gem offers its guests direct access, through sliding doors of six meters, to an owner’s alcove: a private balcony with jacuzzi and ample seating, all elegantly concealed to not obstruct the breathtaking view.
Behind the owner’s cabin, we find a huge 90-square-meter fitness and spa area that can also be used as a second owner’s cabin, facing aft. The helm has been designed to discreetly fit on the fifth deck, primarily dedicated to technical purposes, and includes a helipad and onboard office.
“When we decided to develop this concept, we had a clear goal: we wanted to incorporate all our experience and expertise into it, enriched by our know-how in the field of explorer yachts. A fundamental part of the brief was also to create a project imbued with a strong Mediterranean inspiration, celebrating our beloved sea and its unparalleled diversity. We worked hard to condense all of this into this extraordinary project”, concludes Sergio Cutolo.
From a technical standpoint, the propulsion is entrusted to two MTU main engines, connected, via shaft lines, to two fixed blade propellers, and, in addition, to two electric motors powered by the on-board network. Electric motors allow speeds of up to about 10 knots in electric diesel mode.
For this project, Hydro Tec has enlisted a special collaboration, incorporating VBH’s latest innovation, ‘Alchimia’, within the Main Salon. This seamlessly blends technology and design, leaving each room free from visible technology while magically transforming natural materials into screens, speakers, or user interfaces.
“We are pleased to have collaborated with Hydro Tec, a company that, like VBH, has used its engineering experience over the years to develop an innovative and intelligent approach to design. It’s a harmonious partnership where technology meets nature, creating spaces that captivate and adapt with a touch”, says Jeroen van den Hurk, CEO of VBH. “This collaboration represents our desire to redefine the interiors of boats, harmonizing technology and design to create spaces that truly inspire”.
