Marco Ferrari and Alberto Franchi from Italy, both students of Yacht and Cruise vessel design at Politecnico di Milano, have developed the solar powered sailing yacht Helios concept for Young Designer of the Year 2015 contest, organized by Boat International Media and sponsored by Oceanco. The performance flybridge ketch Helios concept represents an innovative and eco-friendly 55-metre vessel, able to explore the world, providing accommodation for 10 guests and 8 crew members.
Solar Powered Sailing Yacht HELIOS concept by Marco Ferrari and Alberto Franchi
The exterior styling of the deckhouse is modern and is shaped from the soft curves of an oyster-shell. The height of the ketch rig allows the Helios yacht to pass through the Panama Canal, and the sails are suitable for cruising and occasional race.
The cockpit of super yacht Helios offers dining to 10 guests and is protected from the elements, while the deck , which is clean from riggings, offers a wide space for relaxation and sunbathing areas for the guests.
Superyacht Helios concept under sail
The flybridge deck has a dual helm stations with excellent all-round visibility and an infinity pool looking aft, but when luxury yacht Helios is under way the water is pumped out and is converted into a sunbathing area with cushions.
On the main deck there are two tender garages with a 5-metre tender, two jet skis and two canoes, while on the lower deck there is another tender garage for the 7-metre exact-replica limousine tender with opening on the starboard side. On the port side the platform allows the guests to board the tenders.
The main salon can be converted in a cinema and is separated from the dining area.
Luxury yacht Helios concept - aft view
On the lower deck there are crew cabins, four guest cabins and the owner’s suite that has a private beach club with a retractable swimming platform.
The main characteristic of Helios superyacht are the sails, which are composed of flexible solar cells made of silicon. The surface of the solar cells (2052 sq. m.) of about 2500 panels can generate a power of circa 355 kWh that can be accumulated in storage batteries placed in the engine room.
Helios Yacht Concept by night
The spinnaker is made of nylon and the mizzen staysail is made of dacron because they must be light, handy and functional to be lifted up and then hauled down in the forepeaks.
Luxury yacht Helios is a diesel-electric sailing yacht that, together with the reduced draught of 4 metres thanks to the lifting keel, can go in shallow waters or protected areas using only electric propulsion expanding its range for expedition.
Helios superyacht concept - Owners Cabin
Helios yacht concept - Owners Cabin
About Marco Ferrari and Alberto Franchi
Marco Ferrari and Alberto Franchi from Italy study Yacht and Cruise vessel design at Politecnico di Milano. They were among the Top 10 designers at 2014 Show Boats Design Awards in the Young Designer of the Year section with superyacht Project Lyra, a 60-metre SWATH design. They gained experience with internship at Mondo Marine Shipyard (Marco) and Amico & Co Shipyard (Alberto). They have both passion for the sea and go sailing during the summer.
