Oceanco has used the opportunity of the Dubai International Boat Show to present a new 131-metre concept called Aeolus. Named after the Greek god of wind, the design is characterised by unique curves and fluid lines intended to give the appearance of being sculpted by the wind.
The exterior of Aeolus has been designed by Giles Taylor with Njord by Bergman Design House creating the interior concept. According to Oceanco, the concept is in keeping with the yard's eco-focused NXT initiative and harnesses Lateral Naval Architects' Energy Transition Platform (ETP), which is described as "an adaptable architecture to enable a future-proofed pathway to net zero".
To create Aeolus, the design teams reconsidered how people relax and work on board their yachts and aimed to create a layout that would allow for both functions. A beam of 18 metres and gross tonnage of 6,200 has allowed for a number of multi-functional areas, including "pod-like" spaces that prioritise privacy and more open areas with sweeping views through large glass windows.
A focus on "bio-materials" has been envisioned on board the yacht, with vegan leather made from cactus plants and materials sourced from Oliveri Home, which works with organically-certified cottons and employs non-toxic processes in its dye.
Sarah Colbon, co-founder of Njord by Bergman emphasised the importance of "organic" elements and a sense of playfulness. "[This] played a big part of Aeolus’s design, bringing that exterior language to her interior for a soft and cocooning feeling. Every element has been rigorously considered, including sourcing and traceability of materials and working with some of the world’s most innovative artisans in biomaterials," she said.
The cabin configuration and list of amenities have not yet been disclosed by the yard, but initial renderings indicate an aft swimming pool, forward dip pool and large beach club. The bow also plays host to a helipad and there are numerous sun lounging spots across her open decks.
Meanwhile, the exterior of the yacht draws inspiration from J Class sailing yachts of the last century and aims ensure the yacht is a "harmonious" presence wherever she cruises. "Her curves do not make her overly feminine because there is a masculine quality to her bold, forthright architecture," said Giles Taylor. "Apart from the deck surfaces themselves, not one surface is flat or brutally geometric, which provides a unique aesthetic that sets Aeolus apart."
Working in partnership with MTU, Lateral and sustainable technology firm ABB, the yacht's efficient platform has been designed to "span the energy transition" by ensuring multiple alternative propulsion solutions can be pursued, according to James Roy of Lateral.
"This demands an adaptable technical architecture that can accommodate the alterations to layout, configuration and specifications needed to integrate future technologies and alternative fuels in the least invasive way possible," he explained.
Aeolus comes shortly after Oceanco introduced its 88-metre sailing yacht concept Double Luck to the market earlier this year. Both of the designs use the yard's NXT technology which promises a reduction in emissions and an enhanced focus on the yachts' environmental footprints.