SAILING WITHOUT WIND

Norwegian designer Kurt Strand has designed a sailing yacht that requires no wind or motor, but only sunlight. The Norwegian designer couldn't get enough of the Sunshine State of Florida, so he paid tribute to the American state by designing a yacht named Florida. Text: Fleur de Jong
Image: Kurt Strand

Never an empty battery

The futuristic yacht is equipped with technology that allows sailing without emissions, largely due to the ingenious sails. The ship is equipped with three carbon fiber wing masts. The sails are covered with an advanced system of solar panels that automatically position themselves to capture the sun's rays. If there is no wind, the Florida can switch to 'solar sail mode' and sail on solar energy. 

Conversely, the ship can simply sail if there is enough wind and continue to collect solar energy at the same time. This energy is then stored in a large battery on board. To ensure that the solar panels are always in perfect condition, the ship also has a built-in system that washes and polishes the sails every time they are retracted. But even when there is neither wind nor sun, the yacht can sail. The yacht is equipped with generators that produce electricity while the yacht is sailing.

Interior

Apart from all the technical gadgets, the Florida also has a beautiful interior. The color palette is inspired by the city of Miami. To continue the eco-friendly theme, the floors and furniture are made from recycled materials and vegan leather. In the middle of the ship is a two-storey lobby with bar. The ship also has 12 luxury suites that can accommodate 24 guests, plus cabins that can accommodate an additional 40 crew members. 

Guests will never be bored on this ship. On the foredeck there is a helipad and a large swimming pool, on the aft deck there is a garage that offers space for a supercar, for example. There is also a huge selection of fun toys, such as jet skis or an amphibious limousine tender that can take guests to the beach.

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