Duel

France-based McDiarmid Design has announced its third concept since May 2011, the 100m Duel, a concept somewhat outlandishly inspired by handcrafted duelling pistols.

“The profile of Duel is inspired by the silhouettes of such pistols, particularly the colourful 17th to 19th century European versions,” explains designer, Alex McDiarmid. “The hammer of the pistols inspired the design of the communication tower, while the deep-cut Asprey Scroll engravings found on some pistols were added as a little piece of artistic license on our part.”

Able to accommodate 14 guests including her owner and 24 crew, Duel embraces some of the design features used in the Iwana concept, with the inclusion of a full-length panoramic roof window. However, Duel goes further with the incorporation of solar panel technology in the smart glass to avoid excess heat penetration.

Creating three different exterior options, McDiarmid explains how the master craftsmen and engravers of duelling pistols produced great works of art through the inlaying of precious metals, stones, pearls, woods and corals. A finished pistol would be unique and a very personal item to its owner. Through the study of these pieces, McDiarmid has attempted to capture this styling in one of the exterior options, although in our view the final effect is bizarre.

McDiarmid Design has also tried to keep the number of decks to a minimum, thereby reducing weight and increasing efficiency in performance. “Notice that the profile of the yacht is low in comparison to others in her class size,” explains McDiarmid. “Other details on the concept include the reintroduction of the figurehead on the bow for good luck, as sailors are supposedly a superstitious breed.”

The hull and aluminium structure will be powered by four MTU 3,600 kW engines or a hybrid power diesel-electric propulsion system with pod drives. A maximum of 20 knots is envisaged for the superyacht, with a cruising speed of 14 knots.