The best animal-inspired superyacht concepts

When it comes to creating the most extreme superyacht concepts, the imagination of yacht designers knows no bounds. BOAT rounds up some of the most radical designs that take their inspiration from the animal world…

This striking swan-inspired superyacht concept comes from the boards of Lazzarini Design. The 137 metre design features an extendable control tower intended to resemble the head of a swan. The control tower/ bridge, which is used to operate the yacht, is moved by an extendable crane. The head can even be detached from the yacht entirely and used as a separate 16 metre chase boat. Spread across five decks, Avanguardia accommodates 24 guests, 10 crew and 12 staff.

Designed in collaboration with SuperYachtsMonaco, Roberto Curtó’s 63.2 metre Hypnosquid was inspired by the shape of a cuttlefish and the creature’s ‘elegant, fast and agile’ nature under water. One key exterior design feature is a line of LED coloured windows punctuating the main deck which represent the cuttlefish's eyes. Hypnosquid accommodates a total of 10 guests and 12 crew, andalso includes an onboard garden, massage centre and cinema room.

Sporting a minimalist yet sinister-looking exterior, the 70 metre concept Black Swan comes from the boards of designer Timur Bozca. Designed around the helipad, from which guests can descend into the yacht thanks to a concealed lift, Black Swan features plenty of al fresco relaxation spaces on the aft deck. Two forward balconies provide far-reaching ocean views and an infinity pool sits aft. Accommodation on board is for a total of 12 guests, split across a master suite and six guest cabins.

With an upper deck specifically designed to resemble the shape of a shark, Lazzarini Design’s 153 metre concept Prodigium is spread across six decks and would be constructed from carbon and aluminium if built. Other features include garages large enough to store eight tenders and three helicopters. The design also features three swimming pools with waterfalls cascading from each pool into the one on the deck below.

Designed to mimic the movement of a whale, this wild superyacht concept features two submerged pods creating waves to drive the yacht forward. Other features include a trailing aft section, a pair of superyacht swimming pools and a tropical garden. Seataci was designed by Montreal based designer Charles Bombardier in collaboration with industrial designer Martin Rico.

The 25 metre solar-powered amphibious catamaran concept from Lazzarini Design takes its inspiration from the shape of a giant crab. Named Pagurus, after the Latin for crab, the concept features screw cylinders along the bottom of its twin steel hulls which allow the catamaran to move across sand or mud terrain. The yacht’s exterior is covered with solar panelling providing a full electric sailing mode with a range of six- seven hours at a speed of five knots. Total accommodation on board is for a total of eight guests and four crew members.