International Spotlight — Vento Megasailor
Nuvolari Lenard paves the way for the future of conscious sailing with its latest project, ‘Vento’
The future of sustainability
Nuvolari Lenard, consisting of engineer and architect, Carlo Nuvolari, and designer, Dan Lenard, have released its plans for ‘green’ yachts in its ‘Vento’ project presented at the Venice Boat Show 2021. The 100m megasailer offers a realistic return to sustainable sailing through wind-powered sailing, regardless of size. According to Nuvolari Lenard, the project is a manifesto for environmental protection as well as an appeal to designers and owners to develop authentic green and large yachts.
To be as environmentally friendly and have as little impact on the ecosystem as possible, owners can reverse course, adopt virtuous behaviours and combine the knowledge, technologies and materials already known about. The ‘Vento’ project goes back to basics by building a sailing yacht that uses sails and is efficient. It combines the sporty and muscular design Nuvolari Lenard is known for while maintaining well-thought out efficiency, such as with the reverse bow which allows the waterline length to be extended to the maximum to increase stability and performance while sailing. The hull, therefore, has reduced drag and lower requirements for a given speed. The stern is sloped and, with its small volume, will have less impact on the overall displacement, which is crucial to an efficient and sustainable hill.
Sustainability doesn’t stop there, as the sailboat will be built in aluminium with superstructures and masts in advanced composite to keep weight down and concentrated at the bottom. The light and long hull means it will have less residual resistance, making smaller waves, which benefits the coastline which is constantly exposed to the motion generated by large and fast boats. The sails on the ‘Vento’ are created by Omer Wing-Sail which offer significantly greater efficiency than traditional rigs as they create less displacement. The retractable keel will make the vessel able to go from a draught of 5.5m to 9m, with the carbon masts measuring 64m and supporting a total sail area of 2100sq/m. A hybrid/electric system with variable-speech generators and variable-pitch propellers to achieve maximum efficiency and minimum specific consumption is in plans for the engine propulsion.
Onboard, the interior will be spacious, with six double cabins — four VIP, one super VIP and the large master suite forward of the main deck, with a private terrace. The outdoor spaces include a fly bridge, spa, beach club as well as many more found on a 100m megayacht. The project highlights the mentality shift that needs to occur within the boating industry to make greener and more sustainable choices for the future of the marine ecosystem and shows that a new way of thinking about sailing mega-yachts is developing.
QUICK SPECS
Vento Megasailor
LENGTH 100m
DRAUGHT 5.5m to 9m
ENGINE Hybrid diesel/electric system
CABINS 6