8/3/2019 Humphreys SkySail Yacht[1]

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40m SkySail MOTOR YACHT

This 40m Motoryacht represents a new development in yachting, mergingthe benefits of a low resistance, fuel-efficient hull form with an unusualpropulsive device a fully automated, self-tending kite.

Rob Humphreys had been keenly aware of the

potential propulsive power of kites since the lateSeventies, when the local Jacobs Ladder teammade their first forays into kite technology for apossible entry in the relatively new WeymouthSailing Speed Week. Although this early-day worknever came together in a convincing fashion therewas much promise in their efforts, and last yearwhen the Humphreys team was introduced toSkySails work and their development of anautomatically controlled system, it wasimmediately aware that here was a step forwardthat needed taking seriously.

The Hamburg-based SkySail GmbH has beentargeting its development towards the commercial

sector, seeking to make a convincing point that theSkySail concept can lower operating costs forshipping companies by offering power-assistanceto reduce fuel consumption. Obviously, thebenefits of this technology sit very comfortablyalongside the overwhelming need to findecologically responsible solutions for the future,and the technical case they have made throughexhaustive product development and testing ismost compelling.

Of course, mans harnessing of wind-power at seais as old as his desire to give up paddling, and theefficiency with which todays sailing boatsconsume huge distances over the oceans of the

world with negligible environmental impact shouldbe a role model to future co-existence with ourplanet. The Humphreys office has its own vastexperience of sailing yacht development, in termsof both speed and endurance. Boats like EllenMacArthurs Open 60 Kingfisher represent thespeed equation, whereas for endurance anoutstanding example is the Humphreys-designedChallenge 72 the twelve-boat fleet hasaggregated over one million sea miles, all of themunder sail.

However, despite ongoing breakthroughs in sailingyacht technology it is not everyone who can bepersuaded to take up sailing. Much as we might

believe otherwise, sailing is still a great deal morecomplex than inserting a key in the ignition andgrabbing the wheel, and it does have its quirks likehaving to tolerate life at an angle of heel.

What the Humphreys office foresees in the

SkySail development is a whole new genre ofleisure craft, and over the course of the year it hasbeen researching and developing configurationsthat make best use of the winds motive powerdelivered in this way. It is still a case of work-in-progress, but the first snapshot of this newdevelopment is a 40 metre SkySail-supplementedmotor yacht shown here.

The use of the word supplement is chosencarefully. While we expect this family of boats tobe able to sail very efficiently under SkySail, weforesee that fundamentally the boats have to bevery efficient and seakindly motoryachts, and inthis respect the common denominator for

efficiency under both forms of motive power is lowhull resistance. Thus our work on this generic sethas evolved towards slender body hulls that derivestability from wave-piercing outriggers they are ineffect trimaran derivatives, which will have longrange capability under engine, not to mention thefree miles under SkySail. What we envisage is amotoryacht with the trans-oceanic freedom of alarge sailing yacht, able to fly the SkySail forsustained periods for relatively fast, comfortableand quiet sailing.

The multihull configuration creates a wide overallplatform, generating considerable potential foraccommodation, as displayed in the 40m design

featured here. Furthermore, the pods growing outof the centre hull, designed to be clear of the waterunder sail but to produce additional planing andanti-squatting surface aft for fast motoring, createadditional accommodation volume in the main hull.

All in all, the yacht represents an intriguingpackage of comfort and trans-oceanic capability,with additional features like the integrated solarpanels in the superstructure making for a highdegree of self-sufficiency.

Work has also been progressing on a series ofsmaller designs and the intention is to build as afirst step a 15 metre yacht, where prototyping canbe refined. There is no constraining size for these

Sky Yachts, or skychts (pronounced skites) asthey have become known in the Humphreys office,and the designers foresee an extensive range indue course.

8/3/2019 Humphreys SkySail Yacht[1]

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Lower Seaforth House, Bath Road, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 3RW, UK. Tel.+44 1590 679344 email design@humphreysdesign.com