Despite environmental concerns and lots of conversation on whether a car this size is really necessary for someone who rarely leaves the city, SUVs remain increasingly popular. Even boat designers are paying attention.
The latest concept from Officina Armare Design is directly inspired by SUVs, both in terms of actual design and in more abstract notions like the spirit of adventure one attaches to the mighty SUV. Meet Aquanaut, a catamaran so gorgeous and powerful that the only thing more impressive than this is the fact that it comes with its very own submarine.
Aquanaut may be a concept, but it’s not like those other yacht concepts we’ve discussed in other coverstories. This one is actually being built, so it won’t remain on paper for all eternity. More on this later on.
Photo: Officina Armare Design
The idea for Aquanaut came from the versatility and the ruggedness of SUVs. The designers wanted something that would have the same boxy form factor and practicality, but which would travel on water. This is the perfect cat for the ultimate adventurer: able to travel the distance, carry all the necessary toys, be highly adaptable and make absolutely no sacrifice in terms of luxury and comfort.
Aquanaut accommodates up to 12 guests and, because it’s so technically advanced, can be operated without a crew. If you can do without a professional cook and waiting personnel, you and 11 of your closest friends (or family) can take to the sea and know for a fact that you will have the best experience possible.
The cat features a well-appointed galley, two difference dining areas (on on the aft deck and one on the foredeck, one larger and the other more intimate, seating just four), professional bar, and a generous deck that can serve as a lounge or sundeck. For those not feeling adventurous enough to take the watertoys out, there are sunbeds and a jacuzzi – two of the things you’ll never find on a land SUV.
Photo: Officina Armare Design
However, those that come out to explore will have plenty of occasions to do that. The 60-foot (18.2-meter) catamaran has ample storage for watertoys, including surf boats, Seabobs and professional diving gear. Most notably though is the submersible on a platform at the stern: that’s a Nemo Submarine by U-Boat Worx, which is why Aquanaut is dubbed a joint effort by Officina Armare and U-Boat Worx.
We’ve spoken about Nemo before: at 2,500 kg (5,510 pounds), it claims to be the world’s lightest personal submarine. It can be towed by an SUV or carried in a superyacht garage, or in this particular case, on a platform of a catamaran. Nemo can go as deep as 100 meters (330 feet) and reach underwater speeds of about 3 knots, has an 8-hour autonomy and carries 2 passengers.
The platform on which it sits on Aquanaut can be lowered under water for release, and it can then serve as a beach club. Or it could be lifted again and be used as a sundeck. For even more space on the deck, especially when at bay, Aquanaut has bulwarks that act as extensions.
Photo: Officina Armare Design
Power comes from twin 800 hp Volvo engines with Volvo IPS drives, with a top speed rated at 45+ knots and a cruising speed of 35+ knots. Beauty, brains and brawn – a combination many have said is impossible.
Designed by Officina Armare and U-Boat Worx, Aquanaut will be built by the Turkey-based shipyard Licia Yachts. Construction of the first cat is expected to take roughly one year, after which future examples will be made in roughly nine months. The first delivery will be made in 2021. All catamarans will be made to order and come with a starting price tag of $3 million.
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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