As campers, pilots and residents of a luxe L.A. building have recently learned, the future is bright. As in literally: it’s powered by the sun.
And now a yacht company wants to get in on the act.
Outfitted with solar panel-equipped sails, the Aquila is a 165-foot concept yacht that utilizes ultra-thin CIGS cells (Copper-Indium-Gallium-Selenide) to capture energy.
Created by Dani Santa, whose portfolio also includes designs for futuristic cars and motorcycles, the Aquila’s sails are connected to batteries in the yacht’s hull that provide juice to the boat’s propulsion and electric systems.
The eco-friendly boat’s sails can also collect limited amounts of energy from the wind, and its aerodynamic shape allows it to slice through the sea with a minimum amount of resistance to increase speed, maneuverability and energy efficiency.
With space for 10, an onboard sunbathing platform, a pool and an entertainment area, the boat’s open design is short on potential barnacle repositories and long on sun-soaked goodness.
“When it comes to yachts, I am a firm believer in the idea that designers should be pushing the aesthetic envelope and taking risks,” Santa says. “After all, car design has evolved a great deal in the last 50 years, so why can’t the same happen for boats?”
Kid’s got a point.
And a bright future.
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