This futuristic 3D-printed superyacht is ‘virtually invisible’

After the world premiere of the CLX96 design at FLIBS 2022, designer Jozeph Forakis has revealed his design for Pegasus — a ‘rule-breaking’ superyacht he says could be introduced in 2030.

The futuristic yacht was conceived on a beach in Koufonissi island, Greece. “I was inspired to create a yacht as close to the sea and nature as possible, made of clouds floating above the waterline,” Forakis says, “I wanted to honour nature by blending into it, becoming virtually invisible.”

This desire for “invisibility” drove Forakis to develop a true zero-emissions yacht that is “invisible both in design and in her environmental impact.”

The 88m superyacht’s construction uses robotic 3D printing to create a “mesh framework” integrating both hull and superstructure. The result is a super-strong and lightweight structure that Forakis says can be produced using less energy, material, waste, space and time compared to conventional construction.

The unique exterior design starts with a low, linear hull with a plumb bow and metallic finish, designed to blend with the water’s colours and movements. The superstructure features multi-tiered, overlapping glass wings that create the illusion of invisibility by reflecting the clouds and the sky.

The lattice framework of the vessel’s 3D-printed structure only becomes visible through the glass at certain angles and lighting conditions.

The dramatic triangulated structure allows light to penetrate all levels of the interior while framing the surrounding views.

Forakis explains that the centrepiece of his futuristic interior design is a multi-level “tree of life” described as a “living, breathing monument to mother nature and the nucleus of the hydroponic garden providing fresh food and air purification.” The base of the ‘tree’ rises from a reflecting pool on the lower deck and is surrounded by a hydroponic zen garden, designed for meditation. The tree extends vertically through all four levels of the yacht, accompanied by a spiral staircase.

The top level is exclusive to the owner, with a forward-facing master suite featuring a large private terrace.

The forward pool club has an aquarium-style lap pool and wide horizontal windows that transform into open balconies on both port and starboard. When closed, the pool cover functions as the helipad.

At the aft of the ship, the open beach club with an oversized Jacuzzi and fold-down balconies transform into a solarium with sliding glass panels across the ceiling and down the transom bulkhead.

Solar energy converts seawater into hydrogen, which the designer says ensures Pegasus has zero carbon emissions and a virtually unlimited range.

Solar energy is also used to convert seawater into hydrogen which is stored for longer periods. Onboard fuel cells convert the H2 into electricity stored short-term in Li-ion batteries.

“Now is the time for courageous leaps toward our collective sustainable future,” says Forakis. “Pegasus is a bold but achievable vision for the near future of the superyacht industry, where man and machine live in harmony with nature rather than competing or compromising it.

“The aimed added value here is the design vision that guides the skilled selection, research, development, and transfer of several critical technologies from disparate industries that generally don’t communicate with each other to create a unique composition that helps fulfil that vision as a harmonious, original design.”

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