A Flying Tetrahedron Super Yacht

The Architecture of the Tetrahedron Super Yacht

The design of this spectacular floating home/hydrofoiling super yacht is instigated by the re-thinking of the form, superstructure and propulsion of the modern superyacht into a radically simple enclosure and an elevated mode of travel above the water line, per designer Jonathan Schwinge. 

The superstructure form is reduced to the absolute geometry of a tetrahedron. A three-based pyramid consisting of 4 faces and 6 leading edges provides fundamental stability and enclosure, per the designer. Its form produces a pure, precise, logical and mathematical ‘roof’ from which to connect to the hull assembly. Generally, simple forms are not known in ship and motor yacht construction through restrictions in ocean-going hull design. 

Aviation on the Sea - Ocean Flying Triangle 

The Tetrahedron would have the appearance at high-speed of ‘levitating’ over the water: a boat that can fly. This is produced by a “HYSWAS” hull - A Hydrofoil Small Waterplane Area Ship - that is comprised of a single vertical strut onto a single submerged ‘torpedo’ hull. The vessel will lift out of the water at speed on side-mounted adjustable hydrofoils. 

This hull form has two working ‘waterlines’ for its operation. At low speed the Tetrahedron rests on three underbelly hulls. At high-speed the hydrofoils rotate on the lower submerged hull, causing the hulls to rise above the water for an efficient and smooth ride. 

The concept design of this HYSWAS craft is based upon an existing hull design which has been developed by several companies, notably the Maritime Applied Physics Corporation in America, and has been proven by their technology demonstrator - ‘The Quest’ - in 1995. 

An auto-pilot ‘fly-by-light’ system from the aviation industry would take control of difficult roll forces and maintain ‘foil borne’ speed. This would also control pitch and heave. 

Long distances are achievable with reduced out-of-water drag. The company says stormy ocean conditions would incur virtually no slamming on seas in most conditions. Improved efficiency is driven by elevated hydrofoil propulsion and would be an inherent performance benefit of this type of design. 

The yacht is only a series of drawings at this point, but if one of the world’s billionaires decides to have it built, the concept appears viable. 

See details at www.schwinge.co.uk