If it ain't broke, why fix it. Since we're here throwing around words of wisdom, we'll also say this to preface the latest superyacht concept to come across our desk: change isn't always necessary, but small variations can do wonders.
There is nothing small about this superyacht or the way in which it introduces variation on a design that's already gotten plenty of coverage in the industry press. This is 2US, the latest concept study from U.S.-based automotive and naval designer Steve Kozloff, who previously penned the impressive – and downright bonkers – entries in the Goliath series.
Kozloff is a famous naval designer with an impressive resume, though not a single item from that portfolio has made it across from paper into reality. It includes the aforementioned Goliath series and vessels with a unique hybrid propulsion system that Kozloff himself devised: powerful diesel-electric engines working in conjunction with semi-rigid sails on tilting masts.
We've seen the system deployed on vessels of various sizes, with single, two, or three masts. 2US, the latest Kozloff concept, takes it and applies it to a pocket-size explorer with a single mast, thus creating a most badass, easily operable, and possibly romantic sailing explorer.
Photo: Steve Kozloff
2US is a superyacht explorer, but it stands out from other superyacht explorers today for this unique propulsion system, albeit only in theory for the time being. The fact that it's a sail-assisted vessel that could easily be operated by only two people makes it even more impressive.
To be sure, 2US (which reads as "To Us") doesn’t exist yet, so that helps with how impressive it comes across. It's a study that Kozloff believes could be built with the right shipyard at a total cost of $40 million or $50 million with everything onboard. It would be the perfect 2-person vessel if that ever happened, with the possibility to accommodate an additional 6 guests and 3 crew in separate quarters.
2US is a luxury yacht but one of smaller dimensions, with an ice-class hull that would render it perfect for long-range expeditions to remote regions and the possibility to sail with minimal crew and the utmost ease. With a total length of 134 feet (40.8 meters), a beam of 47.4 feet (14.5 meters), and five decks in total, it would be able to offer all these without compromise.
Photo: Steve Kozloff
Propulsion would come from a pair of diesel-electric Cummins X15-M engines, assisted by the sail inspired by the Chantiers de l'Atlantique Solid Sail and the AeolDrive sail and mast system. The mast is free-standing, which means the captain can point it in whichever direction, regardless of the direction of the wind. It also tilts 70 degrees forward, reducing air draft from 143.9 feet (43.8 meters) to 86.8 feet (26.5 meters) and allowing the vessel to pass under bridges.
The Solid Sail system is made of semi-rigid panels deployable at the touch of a button. Besides automation, Kozloff imagines the system with load sensing tech, making operation all that smoother and more intuitive, even with a two-person crew.
Because 2US comes with an ice-class hull, the designer imagines it with a de-icing system on the mast, heated handrails and open surfaces. On the same note, because 2US is an explorer, it comes with a packed garage and a helipad with gyro-stabilization tech, and an attached hangar.
Photo: Steve Kozloff
Both the helipad and the hangar are located aft and are designed with safety and comfort in mind. The hangar is over 1,800 square feet (167.2 square meters) and allows for easy storage of a helicopter and an IKON seaplane when not in use, while the helipad's gyro-stabilization tech enables safe landings and takeoffs even in rough weather.
Kozloff also imagines a large water-level garage with a NEMO sub from U-Boat Worx (an all-time favorite with the designer) and a large tender. A crane is integrated into the boom of the sail system to lower the tender and the seaplane when needed.
Interior space favors "multi-levels, curved walls, and a multitude of large windows providing a near panoramic view." Renders show luxurious areas with plenty of polished woods and glass, a spiral staircase, formal dining, and the occasional playful touch of a more colorful piece of art – and there's even a jacuzzi in the spa area on the sundeck!
Photo: Steve Kozloff
Make no mistake about it: 2US might be a competent explorer, but it's also a very luxurious cruiser where guests would want for nothing.
Speaking of cruising, Kozloff says it would max out at 10 knots (11.5 mph/18.5 kph) on wind power alone and 12 knots (13.8 mph/22.2 kph) on diesel. At a cruising speed of 9 knots (10.3 mph/16.6 kph) on diesel, range would be 6,000 nautical miles (6,905 miles/11,112 km), with the possibility to extend it "greatly" through careful management and use of its hybrid capabilities.
Unless you or anyone else happens to have $50 million to spare and a desire to go out and explore, 2US remains a (pipe) dream.
Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends. Full profile
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