Futuristic Yacht Designs That Will Leave You Breathless

Though the argument may seem far-fetched when it comes to luxury yachts and futuristic designs, the ingredients are the same. One needs imagination to think how a yacht would look in a few years' time (with all that rapid development we're seeing). Imagination is, it seems, on the brink of the possible. One stretches the limits of possibility. It looks familiar, known and comprehensible and yet it is new, different, odd, not quite what we're used to. But, hey, it floats! At least in pictures it does! And sometimes, as you will see below, in real life too! So let's start with the possible and then have a look at the probable...

EarthRace Biodiesel Powerboat

Later called the MY Ady Gil. It pains me to tell you that this beauty is defunct. Its status is that of KIA (Killed in Action) while defending whales in the name of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

MV Brigitte Bardot

Currently in service for the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and formerly known as the Gojira as well as the Ocean 7 Adventurer. Interestingly enough, she was launched more than 10 years ago but I'd still say she'd qualify for the futuristic designs list. But then again I'm also a bit biased…

The Code X Yacht

This one is real as well – and it has an in-built solar panel which can provide for energy to power the motor to up to 9 knots. Sleek, smart and sexy, it has something of a Bond charm to it. Her full capabilities will impress any Bond girl – 1420 horse power that provide up to 80 knots.

The Wallypower 118 Super Yacht

The angular design of the Wallypower gives it a different look from the standard rounded and smooth shapes we're used to seeing when it comes to futuristic designs. It conceals power and force, making it look like a predator of the seas. A futuristic one, that is.

Bugatti Veyron Sang Bleu (concept)

This one, though only a concept, has me wowing each time I see it. It looks like something that descended from space – so otherworldly, smooth, clean and untouchable. If aliens have such a sense of style, I'm certainly all up for interplanetary exchange!

Ocean Emerald

This yacht certainly deserves its name - an emerald it is. Seen from the side its design is rather elliptical, resembling an eye. From the front it is straight, thin, almost like an arrow. The best part is the fact that it is a real yacht, completed in 2009, with a design by Foster + Partners. Futurism in action.

Oculus (concept)

The Oculus yacht by Schöpfer Yachts is another great example of imagination coupled with an understanding of the possible. Schöpfer Yachts describe their goal as one of pursuing advanced yacht aesthetics and technology. Seen from the side, the Oculus resembles a marine mammal - a dolphin or a whale. The designers have certainly hit the mark with this one.

Valkyrie Trimaran Yacht (concept)

Valkyrie Trimaran Yacht was designed by Chulhun Park as a thesis project at the Royal College of Art London. It also received support from Palmer Johnson, a company with a long and famous history in yacht design and naval architecture. The yacht (230 meters!) is designed as a floating entertainment factory that will feature anything from restaurants to a theater, a casino and a club. On a (slightly!) more prosaic note, Palmer Johnson's SuperSport yachts are also worth a look.

I have drifted off in my imagination while writing this article, the sci-fi fan that I am! There is a long list of other concept yachts which are worthy of the title futuristic. Have a look, for example, at the Horizon Yacht by Barnaby Heseltine, the IF60 Luxury Powerboat by Hermes & Zeus Design or the Xhibitionist Superyacht Gray Design. Are there any which you would like to add?