WD's 100m trimaran with tiltrotor aircraft

In response to feedback from clients, Winch Design has created a 100m trimaran with space on deck to land an Agusta Westland 609 thanks to its 21m beam.

“We’ve done a lot of research for this concept,” explains Jimmy Carroll, head of marketing and communication at Winch Design. “It was inspired by clients who want something that will challenge the norm and we believe this does.”

With better performance, range and payload compared to a helicopter, the design team set out to create a superyacht that could accommodate a tiltrotor aircraft. Using a trimaran platform to achieve the beam required, WD has managed to design a vessel with a large landing platform and hangar towards the aft on the upper deck. When at anchor, the owner and his/her guests can enjoy the many tenders and toys stored on board including submarines.

The masculine exterior styling features a reverse bow with a visually unbroken glass feature that elongates and enhances the sporty look of the profile, with smaller honeycomb shaped windows below and aft of the central glass adding intrigue to the design. While little has been revealed about the interior layout at this stage, the concept provides the studio with the opportunity to explore new ideas while incorporating features expected on superyachts of this size, such as a large in-door swimming pool.

Carroll reveals how the studio has been in conversation with Netherlands-based Oceanco, which has expressed interest in the project. “Their new shed is massive,” he says. “It would allow for the construction of a 100m-plus vessel with the kind of beam we would need to achieve this type of project.

"The hammerhead shape of the bow on this design has also led us to think about an explorer version, making the most of the tiltrotor Agusta on the back."

A top speed of 28 knots is predicted using a standard diesel engine system, with more energy efficient solutions such as kite technology under review.