Echo Yachts Initiates Building of the Largest Sailing Catamaran in the World
Located in Western Australia, Echo Yachts has launched an ambitious endeavor to build the world’s largest sailing catamaran. This vessel, named ASC57, is a 57-metre multihull, marking a pivotal expansion for the company into the large-scale sailing yacht sector.
The design of this new catamaran is influenced by Echo Yachts’ prior project, the 56-metre Charley 2, and is being developed in partnership with One2Three Naval Architects, a company that specializes in aluminium multihull design. The aim is to produce a lightweight, long-range cruising yacht that is both user-friendly and environmentally sustainable.
Advanced Design and Features
The ASC57 will come equipped with a twin-Dynarig sail system from Southern Spars, complemented by design contributions from the prestigious Dutch firm Dykstra Naval Architects, known for their work on iconic vessels like Black Pearl and Hetairos. Additionally, the yacht will feature a helicopter landing pad, mirroring the design of Charley 2.
In terms of eco-friendliness, the catamaran will incorporate a regenerative power system that includes twin shaft generators and battery capabilities. This configuration will enable the yacht to sail silently and enhance efficiency during motoring, aided by a controllable pitch propeller (CPP) system.
Eco-Friendly Efficiency and Performance
The aluminium hulls are engineered for optimal hydrodynamic efficiency, anticipated to lessen the environmental footprint of the vessel compared to conventional motor yachts. Echo Yachts has already showcased this efficiency through past projects, including the 84-metre White Rabbit. Despite having a gross tonnage similar to that of a 92-metre monohull, White Rabbit operates with substantially less power to achieve comparable speeds, illustrating the advantages of multihull designs.
For instance, while a 92-metre monohull requires 7.2mW of power to reach speeds of 19 knots, White Rabbit only needs 4.2mW to attain 18.7 knots, showcasing a 40% reduction in required engine power output.
Multihulls in the Superyacht Sector
Despite the notable benefits of multihulls—like enhanced fuel efficiency, stability, and tonnage—the development of large multihulls in the superyacht market has been relatively gradual. The majority of activity in this realm has focused on vessels under 30 metres, making larger multihulls a rare sight.
Nevertheless, Echo Yachts has taken the lead in this segment, with prominent projects such as Charley 2 and White Rabbit redefining the boundaries of multihull design and efficiency. The introduction of the ASC57 is poised to further strengthen the company’s leadership in this ever-evolving market.
Future Prospects
As work continues on the ASC57, Echo Yachts remains at the forefront of innovation in the superyacht sector, especially regarding large multihulls. With a commitment to efficiency, sustainability, and cutting-edge design, the company is set to create a substantial impact with this trailblazing project.
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