Komorebi

Komorebi is a rather pleasant Japanese term that refers to the effect sunlight has when filtered through trees. This concept of light filtration is reflected in VPLP’s latest trimaran concept, the 86m Komorebi. SuperyachtDesign.com spoke to Marc Van Peteghem, VPLP’s chairman and a naval architect, about the design.

“The idea is to offer something a little different, more efficient in terms of drag and speed and also stability,” says Van Peteghem. “On a catamaran you have a lot of space, but sometimes the motion can feel a little stiff.” VPLP believes this ride quality can be uncomfortable for those less accustomed to life on board. A trimaran on the other hand offers almost as much deck space, but with a potentially softer ride, according to Van Peteghem.

The Komorebi concept also provides a platform on which VPLP can showcase its new rigging system, due to be trialled on a much smaller vessel in January 2016. “The new rigging features a fully automated wing so there is no need for a dedicated crew,” explains van Peteghem. “You can reduce the wing area when you are at anchor or in a harbour. The new system is what we call an alien engine, as it works with the wind but it is also powerful and automated, as well as there being no tension and it requiring little maintenance.”

Komorebi has been designed in such a way that it can be run using diesel power, wind power or a hybrid combination. “We have targeted a maximum speed of 20 knots because in reality people usually cruise at around 16 knots,” continues van Petegham. The fully automated wings are powerful enough to drive Komorebi at 15 knots with 20 knots of wind, as well as being able to save 30 per cent on fuel during a hybrid crossing.

Van Petegham sites a number of driving forces behind the development of the new system, starting with the growth in owners who are interested in fuel savings and environmental issues.

“It is designed to be as close to nature as possible, to be as close to the sea,” van Peteghem explains. “There is no specific brief behind it, it is a project we have done for ourselves. However, it has what you would usually find from an owner driven boat.” Koromebi has large open spaces, ample room for tenders and toys, a helipad and so fourth. The key design feature is the generous use of glass that will flood the vessel with light. In her renderings Koromebi features a small, green Japanese garden. In certain scenarios soil and plant life may carry unwanted legal complications, however, the space could equally be used as a Japanese rock garden, or another idyllic feature.

Despite her size Komorebi is designed to be large and gentle, rather than gargantuan and overbearing. It will sleep 18 guests across one 172 metres squared owner’s suite, six guest cabins and two children’s rooms, 20 crew will look after her maintenance. In conjunction with her wings she will have a 2 x 3300hp propulsion system and be able to cruise over a range in excess of 6000 nautical miles.