iYacht is to help German TV and film actor Daniel Roesner realise his vision for a sustainable, circular catamaran. Scrap and recycled wood and cork will be used to build the nearly 17-metre-long catamaran.
The design and engineering firm iYacht acts as a filter for the imagination of the actor, producer and environmental entrepreneur. Some of his ideas were technically challenging, but iYacht confirmed the feasibility of most of them. Roesner named the catamaran Hu’chu 55, a name that not only indicates its length (55 feet) but also refers to the region where the actor grew up: an area in Malibu where he discovered one of his passions – surfing.
Recycled aluminium
Roesner worked with an aluminium manufacturer on a new type made of more than 90% recycled aluminium. The metal scrap reportedly comes from discarded number plates, road signs, cosmetics cans, car and construction scrap, as well as shredded scrap from recycling and sorting plants. The result is a metal that has one-eighth the carbon footprint of commonly used metals for yachts. Sustainable materials will also be used in abundance in other parts of the ship.
catamaran model is designed to sail a lot and fast. The rigging and sail system are designed for easy operation from the helm and the rear cockpit. As the mast is positioned a little further aft, the mainsail can be easily managed.
Also electric
The design also includes two electric motors and a 100 kWh battery pack which, it is reported, can be charged passively and via solar panels whilst the yacht is underway. Renewable energy will also be used to power the water treatment system and to meet other on-board electricity requirements.
Roesner plans to live and work on the yacht, produce documentaries and conduct ocean research. Vertical hydroponic gardens in the centre of the ship will enable a self-sufficient existence regardless of location. There is dry storage for electronic equipment and two garages to store diving and sports gear. Now that the design is complete, Roesner is looking for partners, sponsors and investors to make the concept a reality, while also seeking shipyards with expertise in aluminium construction.
