Expect world debuts and innovative engines, says Cannes organisers
Cannes Yachting Festival is due to open its gates tomorrow until 17 September. More than 700 boats of all sizes (from five to 50 metres) will be presented, including 130 previews.
World and European debuts will be taking place across the site.
Aquila‘s 42 Yacht Power Catamaran will make its European debut. It features three alfresco entertainment areas serviced by a full galley and wetbar; there are also various stateroom options.
Azimut is unveiling its new Fly 72. This is said to enrich the Fly Series, and features exterior lines by Alberto Mancini and interiors by architect and designer Fabio Fantolino.
Ferretti Group is presenting a fleet of 20 yachts, including five world premieres for the Riva, Ferretti Yachts, Pershing and Wally brands. It’ll be showcasing the Riva 82’ Diva; Pershing GTX116; Ferretti Yachts 1000 SkyDeck; Ferretti Yachts Infynito 90 (pictured left), and wallywhy150, the latest crossover spaceship in the wallywhy range.
Sunreef Yachts has three global premieres including the 80 Sunreef Power Eco – which Sunreef claims is the world’s most advanced electric motor yacht. The company says, one of the most impressive aspects of these sailing catamarans is their advanced hydrogeneration which allows the boats to produce energy while they sail.
Organisers say engine manufacturers are at the heart of this year’s show, with innovation and decarbonisation being main drivers.
In terms of engine innovations, Cannes has highlighted BlueNav, a French manufacturer of electric and hybrid boat engines which it says stands out for its ‘mild’ hybridisation approach.
The BlueSpin electric motor (available in three models) is retractable, rotatable, compact and lightweight. It can be installed on new or existing boats, without any structural modification, and allows switching from thermal to electric mode in a few seconds.
Next up is E-Motion which offers zero-emission hybrid propulsion systems, with the ability to switch to diesel-electric navigation at the touch of a button. e-Motion hybrid systems offer 10 functional modes for parallel hybridpropulsion and five functional modes for series propulsion. Advantages include reduction in fuel consumption of up to 30 per cent in economical navigation mode and fast charging of the batteries: 90 per cent load in 35 minutes thanks to Power Boost mode.
FinX creates finned propellerless boat engines. It’s showing new eco-designed and efficient nautical propulsion which mimics the swimming of fish. FinX has created Fin5, the world’s first propellerless, 100 per cent electric finned boat engine. It is intended for small boats and sailing boats up to three tonnes.
Also on show is The Icon, an electric hydrofoil derived from a cooperation between BMW and Tyde. This is capable of reaching a speed of 30 knots. It is powered by two 100 kW electric motors, combined with six 240 kWh batteries from the BMW i3. With this configuration, the boat has a range of 50 miles and a cruising speed of 24 knots. To increase its range, comfort and speed, it’s equipped with foils that reduce energy requirements by up to 80 per cent compared with a conventional hull.
Whisper Yachts is taking its Whisper 50 – which exclusively uses solar-electric propulsion. The propulsion system is powered by Torqeedo, using BMW batteries. It consists of two electric motors connected to shaft lines and propellers. The electric motors are powered by BMW 200 kWh batteries. The batteries are charged from three sources: solar panels (30 m2) with a total of 6 kWp, connection to the shore power grid (13.2 kW), 25 kW backup generator (2 x 25 kW optional).
