Have luxury yachts always sported a sea of technology, difficult to imagine new functions that surprise and bring something new to the sector?
I don't know. For example, I'll say one, a yacht that transforms into a submarine. This James Bond-worthy vessel is called Carapace, and was born from the talent of Italian naval architect, Elena Nappi.
Just a concept for now, but there's already everything you need to know about the ships of the future.
Carapace, light and powerful submersible yacht
Thanks to a diesel-electric fuel cell system and a lightweight structure made of aluminum, Carapace has a maximum speed of 29km per hour on the surface, with a maximum range of almost 4000 kilometres.
Once underwater, Carapace can dive to depths of 300 meters for up to ten days at a time, and can reach speeds of 22km per hour.
“The world of luxury submarines is one of the pioneers in the field of experimentation. Perhaps this hybrid mode will be a standard of the future”Nappi said in an interview with CNN.
“Yacht owners very often look for original solutions to be able to offer their friends and family something special. Certainly a diving cruise of this type is something unprecedented in the Superyacht and vessel market innovative".
Carapace remains a concept for now, but the renderings already show a host of luxurious luxury amenities such as a lounge, spa and hot tub, bar and spa.
Not only that: passenger cabins with only the best sea views complete the superyacht.
The price? A little thing. Let's say.
Naturally, the figures for this submersible superyacht threaten to be mind-boggling, but for now there is still no indication of the price.
Elena Nappi expects it will still take a long time for the advent of Carapace. “If we make a comparison with the automotive sector, it is not difficult to understand that the road for this type of boat is still very long”he said. “The first electric car was built in 1884 and is only on the market today, so it is impossible to think that a wiring harness like this could be put on the market before 100 years.”