Nautilus the Super Submarine
You will have heard of superyachts and perhaps come to terms with the word which in language terms is a fairly new addition to the ship lover’s lexicon. Now you need to brace yourselves for a new one, because the Supersub is about to be bandied about with the same air of nonchalance. This follows the announcement that the Dutch builder U-Boat Worx has released designs for Nautilus the 1,250 ton, 37.5 metre Yacht Submarine. Once built, the vessel will be equally at ease functioning as a yacht or a submersible.
Since Jules Verne’s book 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea came out in 1870, people have been dreaming of a luxury yacht with dive capabilities. Since then, while inventors have produced many impressive concepts, none has ever been realised. U-Boat Worx has been building small submersibles for some years now and has finally succeeded in engineering a realistic combination of luxury and safety in a fully certified private submersible.
The diesel-electric Nautilus has a depth rating of 200 meters, with a surface cruise speed of 9 knots and an underwater speed of 4 knots. Once ordered, an owner can expect to have their new Supersub delivered within 30 months.
When functioning as a superyacht, Nautilus offers a massive sundeck equipped with a freshwater pool, a bar, and a luxurious dining table. This al fresco arrangement is retracted before the submersible slips below sea level. A newly invented, completely pressure-resistant electrical tender is stowed under the vessel’s aft deck and will stay outside while diving. This tender, Aronnax, may also be used for transporting five scuba divers underwater to the intended dive spot.
The Supersub’s interior features a 50 square metre dinning and lounge area with four circular windows. Each with diameters close to 4 meters. The proposed design for the submarine has a master bedroom and four staterooms, as well as sleeping quarters for up to six crew. A fully equipped galley makes cooking an underwater meal simple and fun. However, interior layouts are fully customisable by the client. The superyacht submarine will be able to stay under water for up to four days. At cruise speed, the underwater endurance is six hours. When not in use, Nautilus the submarine can use any quay that can accommodate its 6.5-metre draught. U-Boat Worx Chairman Bert Houtman says, “People who have already decided to buy a yacht in the €25 million price bracket will now have to consider if their vessel of choice can also dive down to 200 metres.”
Nautilus will score one point against its surface only rivals in that it has the ability to combat seasickness. If the sea becomes too rough, the supersub simply dives and continues her voyage in comfort.