French design studio Merveille Yachting has presented a 68 metre sailing catamaran concept in collaboration with VPLP Design.
The Merveille 223W Eco-explorer has been designed with eco-responsibility in mind, resulting in a yacht capable of staying away from harbours and marinas for extended periods of time. It comes from the fledgling studio founded by Nicolas Cantenot and Jérôme Vollet.
Power comes from a fully computer operated wingsail propulsion system named Oceanwings devised by Ayro, an offshoot of VPLP.
Merveille said the Oceanwings provided “the safest and more performant handling you can dream of.”
VPLP co-founder Marc Van Peteghem added: “Oceanwings® provides a simple, efficient and reliable alternative to regular engines. We are delighted that Merveille Yachting has retained this solution for their breathtaking Eco-explorer.”
In 2017, VPLP revealed a 47.55 metre wingsail catamaran concept named Evidence featuring similar technology.
Alternative propulsion comes from azimuth pods when needed. The yacht also features electric batteries that can be recharged underwater and by the wind.
The interior meanwhile provides accommodation for a total of 12 guests. Fully customisable, the interior design is populated with “sustainable, local and non-rare materials”.
Other features include an on board garden for growing vegetables and an extensive use of glass to connect guests to the natural world.
Elsewhere, the yacht features a retractable beach platform that sits between the aft part of the hulls. It is also equipped with a spa/gym space, touch and go helipad, 16.7 metre swimming pool and space to store a 10.6 metre tender.