Six years in the planning and design stages using expertise from Formula 1 and the aerospace industry, including a proprietary Stability Control System (SCS) a revolutionary conceptual design has been brought to the market.
Gilder Yachts a newly created British based yacht design and marketing team have developed the concept of a high speed catamaran on stilts that, they say, “promises unparalleled performance, comfort and handling.”
Powered by four 260bhp Rotax 4TEC engines, the concept is said to be capable of very high speeds in excess of 50 knots safely without the discomfort associated with traditional sports boats, even in the choppiest of seas.
This would mean that a trip from Monaco to Saint Tropez or Miami to the Bahamas would be less than an hour away.
The shallow draught is designed to access little used bays, anchoring close to the shore and even take to the ground softly.
No orders have yet been received for the craft which will cost upwards of £475,000 but if they are the boats will be hand-built by UK by, Burgess Marine and take 6 months to complete
Drawings show the SS18 offers a spacious cabin featuring leather sports seating with carbon fibre, brushed aluminium and elegant upholstery throughout.
Robert McCall, Chief Designer and Managing Director of Glider Yachts, commented: “We are delighted to be revealing details of the SS18 to the world. We have spent many years designing and developing her, so we’re thrilled that she is now a reality. We’ve been asked what’s so special about Gliders and anyone who has travelled at over 30 mph in anything other than flat calm will know it’s an uncomfortable experience. Gliders’ unique hull form, propulsion and Stability Control System (SCS) actually tune to the sea conditions allowing passengers to ‘glide’ over the waves in unprecedented comfort at up to 70mph.
“The SS18 is unlike any other yacht seen in the market, with unparalleled design and technological capabilities – we’re sure she is going to be a game-changer and make a real splash in the superyacht market. I’m excited to see the reaction as we introduce her to the world at leading boat shows this year.”
The designers plan an even faster Hyper Sports (HS18), that could reach speeds of up to 87 knots. A range of luxury sports limousines and the GT and SX-E range of superyachts from 100-265ft are planned, if the company attracts additional external funding/investment.
Specifications
- LOA 18m
- Beam 5.3m
- Four passengers, plus one crew
- Power 4 x Rotax 4TEC
- Output 1040bhp
- Speed 50 + knots
- Price £475,000 and up