It’s now a firmly established tradition at the Monaco Yacht Show, the international superyacht show, for VPLP Design to present a new concept. At this year’s show, which has just finished, the French studio, founded by Marc Van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot Prévost in 1983, unveiled Seaffinity, a 45m streamlined concept trimaran which embodies their vision for the superyacht of the future. Silent, partially automated and propelled by a virtuous energy, the wind, Seaffinity features two Oceanwings, those automated and reefable soft wingsails designed by VPLP and currently developed by the company Ayro.
This multihull is, according to the keywords chosen to guide the project, “daring, symbolic and soaring”. She’s the new addition to the line of concept boats released in recent years by VPLP Design, including Manifesto, Evidence, Komorebi and Ampersand.
Seaffinity is the latest demonstration of the VPLP’s values, and an opportunity to undertake a company-wide discussion on the naval architecture of tomorrow. “Seaffinity is a clear indication of our determination to exceed expectations and promote our collective creativity,” says Mathias Maurios. “We are often asked about the pertinence of our strategy to publish concept boats, and we always reply that they are an ideal way of moving beyond the projects in development at the firm. This approach allows us to discuss among ourselves the direction vessel design seems to be taking in a world facing multiple environmental issues.”
As with other concepts developed by VPLP Design, Seaffinity benefited from input from Patrick le Quément, a designer who has been bringing to the world of recreational sailing his experience in producing concept cars for industry giants such as Renault. “We are always delighted to get feedback from the market,” says Patrick le Quément, “but we also believe that we should ‘listen from a distance’. If we only act in accordance with wishes of our customers, we risk adopting a ‘me too’ approach which would prevent us from exploring inspirational concepts. Concept boats are a breeding ground for new ideas. Seaffinity will be, without question, a rich source of innovation for our projects in the years to come.”
“This yacht is 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.”
“We chose to design a boat with a monolithic shape inspired by the world of sea birds, seagulls. Also, we wanted to create an almost total fusion between the hulls and the coachroof, with the aim of optimizing 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 outwards and give off an impression of great lightness.”
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 colors is intentionally reduced. The maximum effect is obtained with the minimum of resources. The ambiance is more important than the decor. 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 of art that would stand between the spectacle of the sea and ourselves, which would make us look away from it. The plastic expression should aim for next to nothing, obviously well-being. Precious time is best enjoyed around moments without constraint, because Seaffinity is a real boat to experience the best.”
