autoevolution
 

Caribu 2 Superyacht Explorer Is a Dream Beast With Solid Sails and Tilting Masts

If today’s superyacht explorers could dream of what they’d want to be when they grew up, it would probably be something like the Caribù 2, the world’s first superyacht explorer with solid sails and tilting masts. On paper, that is.
The Caribù 2 superyacht explorer concept has solid sails and tilting masts, incredible amenities 11 photos
Photo: Steve Kozloff
The Caribù 2 superyacht explorer concept has solid sails and tilting masts, incredible amenitiesThe Caribù 2 superyacht explorer concept has solid sails and tilting masts, incredible amenitiesThe Caribù 2 superyacht explorer concept has solid sails and tilting masts, incredible amenitiesThe Caribù 2 superyacht explorer concept has solid sails and tilting masts, incredible amenitiesThe Caribù 2 superyacht explorer concept has solid sails and tilting masts, incredible amenitiesThe Caribù 2 superyacht explorer concept has solid sails and tilting masts, incredible amenitiesThe Caribù 2 superyacht explorer concept has solid sails and tilting masts, incredible amenitiesThe Caribù 2 superyacht explorer concept has solid sails and tilting masts, incredible amenitiesThe Caribù 2 superyacht explorer concept has solid sails and tilting masts, incredible amenitiesThe Caribù 2 superyacht explorer concept has solid sails and tilting masts, incredible amenities
Steve Kozloff is a designer whose work has made international headlines countless times before. His work in naval design never fails to surprise and break the mold, with particular standouts being the projects grouped under The Goliath Series moniker. This is where you will also find the newly-introduced Caribù 2.

Caribù 2 is a hybrid, sail-assisted superyacht with explorer capabilities thanks to its polar class certified hull and superstructure. It is preceded by a similar concept, named simply Caribù and introduced in 2019. Unlike its predecessor, Caribù 2 ditches the traditional sailing rig in favor of a system inspired by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique Solid Sail and AeolDrive sail and mast system. Simply put, this superyacht has solid sails and masts that tilt 70 degrees forward.

A prototype of the Chantiers de l’Atlantique Solid Sail presented earlier this year is available at the bottom of the page, for illustration purposes. On Caribù 2, the idea is that, instead of typical sails, the surface is now made of semi-rigid panels hinged together, and they fold down and up automatically. The free-standing masts can also rotate, allowing the captain to fold or deploy the sails regardless of the ship’s position or wind direction.

The Caribù 2 superyacht explorer concept has solid sails and tilting masts, incredible amenities
Photo: Steve Kozloff
The number one advantage of this type of sail and mast system, according to the designer, is that it allows easy passage through harbors where other sailing rigs would not fit. The tilting masts decrease effective height from 237 feet (72 meters) to 131 feet (40 meters), and the vessel could then gain access to the Panama Canal, San Francisco, or San Diego.

There’s also the question of costs and maintenance, with this type of rig being cheaper to put together and maintain, while having a longer life than typical Dacron sails, and being easier and more time-effective to operate. Since the Caribù 2 is meant to be a polar expedition superyacht, a de-icing system could be implemented for the masts and solid sails, the designer notes.

Technicalities aside, life on the Caribù 2 would be one of pampered luxury. The superyacht is 113 meters (371 feet) long and has a total of six decks, offering accommodation for up to 14 guests and a crew of 20 to cater to all their needs and perform maintenance tasks. Because all the nice things in life come in pairs, this superyacht offers two master suites. The owner’s is massive, at 2,000 square feet (186 square meters), and comes with a full-size private pool with a retractable hard cover, which means draining is not necessary when sailing in rough conditions. This is a common feature in most vessels in The Goliath Series, and a Kozloff invention.

No details on the other guest suites are offered, but we do have plenty on the amenities available. In addition to the private pool, there’s a full-beam beach club aft, with retractable decks – a most common feature these days on superyachts, but still a rarity where explorers are concerned. Other things this beast shares in common with today’s superyachts include a spa, generous lounge and tanning areas, and panoramic views.

The Caribù 2 superyacht explorer concept has solid sails and tilting masts, incredible amenities
Photo: Steve Kozloff
A giant, 1,913 square feet (178 square meter) aircraft hangar is available, offering housing for three small or two medium-sized helicopters. The nearby landing area is large enough to allow safe landing and operations even in rough conditions. The full-beam garage can be stocked according to the owner’s needs, but it is large enough to house at least a couple of tenders and plenty of water toys. Two large cranes will then ensure loading and lowering these or other research equipment to water.

We’re still speaking about a hypothetical superyacht explorer, so in theory, the Caribù 2 would deliver on the performance side, as well. It would have a range of 6,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots running on diesel only. Using sail power and the hybrid diesel-electric system, that range would be far greater. On sail power only, Caribù 2 could max out at 15 knots, the designer estimates.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Elena Gorgan
Elena Gorgan profile photo

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

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories