A Coventry university graduate has teamed up with a local engineering company to create a model of a superyacht which pushes the boundaries of green design.
Twenty-three-year-old Alistair Callender developed the superyacht, Soliloquy, which will be powered by wind, solar and hybrid marine power.
And local specialist engineering company Visioneering, based in Coventry, has lent its support to help make the yacht come a step closer to reality by constructing an intricately detailed 1:48 scale model.
Mr Callender’s superyacht concept is flying the flag for green design with its renewable and hybrid-electric energy, rigid-wing rig and architecturally-dynamic form.
He has integrated eco-friendly materials and construction techniques, combined with latest technology, as well as a visually striking superstructure into the superyacht.
Visioneering was approached by Mr Callender to take his design concepts to model stage.
As an engineering consultancy which has been brought in by major automotive and aeronautical manufacturers to assist with new product development, Visioneering was able to provide the expertise, equipment and materials needed to create a scale model visualisation of Callender’s superyacht concept.
Visioneering chief executive Brian Horner said: “We’re involved with many engineering projects, the majority of which take concepts through to reality, whether that is a small aeroplane part, a specific area of a car, or a complete vehicle.
“We have a team of experienced model makers, specialist machine and design engineers with the unique skills needed for this type of programme.
“We are proud to have made a significant contribution to Alastair’s superyacht project and will be closely following its development.”
Visioneering’s scale model of Soliloquy has been on show at Coventry University and at the Future of Superyachts conference held recently in Mallorca, Spain.
Mr Callender said: “It has been a very exciting phase of the project to see my designs brought to life by Visioneering.
“The model is a work of art in itself, with the superb attention to detail and is a stunning interpretation of my design work. I am indebted to the company for helping me to realise my dreams and to bring me a step closer to having the yacht commissioned.”
Mr Callender’s superyacht is a radical 58 metres, rigid wing concept.
An intrinsic part of the design is the use of patented technology and automation of the Solar Sailor solarsail pivot which allows Soliloquy’s three solarsails to independently rotate through 360 degrees, coupled with the rigid-wing design to add propulsion efficiency.
The-luxury yacht will feature additional innovations including an “ever-evolving” superstructure which will create a unique visual display to onlookers.
The 12 guest yacht will also incorporate a novel touch-button control system for the rig, reducing the number of crew required.
And the vessel will offer a panoramic inside/outside socialising area, featuring alfresco living space on the main deck.
All of the elements of Mr Callender’s vision to develop a rigid-wing, cutting edge superyacht design have been translated into the model built by Visioneering.
