TAKING FLIGHT

VPLP is leveraging wingsail technology for a hybrid-yacht series.

VPLP’s Komorebi mega-yacht series is designed around a combination of electric engines and wind power.

French design house plans and scale models. Marc Van VPLP is using its expe- Peteghem, VPLP’s co-founder, points rience penning grand to three main challenges in reaching prix-racing sailboats, this point: hoisting and lowering sailcloth, including the America’s Cup winner reefing, and wingsail trim, all of BMW Oracle Racing 90, to create an which will be tackled by automation. expedition-grade trimaran series ¶The wingsail-powered trimaran from 130 to 260 feet. The Komorebi platform should deliver less roll series will have a hybrid propulsion motion than catamarans and greater system with electric engines and comfort and speed than monohull fully automated wingsails—a first for yachts. “A wing can work at every expedition-level cruising. ¶ Unlike rig- apparent wind angle—it’s one of [its] id, film-paneled America’s Cup wings, big strengths,” Van Peteghem says. VPLP’s Oceanwings use supporting “With no wind, only the engine will be carbon-fiber spars and (possibly used; up to a certain wind speed, both photovoltaic) sailcloth that’s hoisted engine and wing will play together, to create two-element wingsails. and above [this wind speed] it could ¶ While VPLP says it has several be only wingsail. It’s very flexible.” interested customers, to date the

Komorebi concept exists only as lines Take the next step: vplp.fr