The yacht has been developed for Young Designer of the Year 2015 contest organized by Boat International Media and sponsored by Oceanco.
The performance flybridge ketch Helios is an innovative and eco-friendly 55-metres sailing yacht able to explore the world with accommodations for 10 guests and 8 crew members. 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 yacht to pass through the Panama Canal, and the sails are suitable for cruising and occasional race. The cockpit offers dining for 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.
The flybridge deck has a dual helm stations with excellent all-round visibility and an infinity pool looking aft, but when the yacht 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-metres tender, two jet skis and two canoes, on the lower deck there is another tender garage for the 7-metres exact-replica limousine tender with opening on the starboard side, while on the port side the platform allows the guests to board the tenders.
The main salon can be converted in a cinema and is divided from the dining area.
In the lower deck there are the 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 are the sails, which are composed by 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.
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.
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.
Marco Ferrari and Alberto Franchi
