German luxury yacht manufacturer Tyde has teamed up with BMW to create a larger, more lavish successor to an eye-catching foiling e-yacht they debuted at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May. Named the Open, the new yacht is expected to be the “largest hydrofoil luxury yacht for private individuals.”
According to the available specs, it will have a hull length of 48 feet (14.7 meters), a 7.76-feet (2.36-meters) hull beam, and will sit 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) above the waterline, making it larger than other similar models in the market.
Designed by BMW‘s Designworks studio, Open is equipped with hydrofoils adapted from racing yachts that significantly reduce energy consumption. The design team claims that the foils can save up to 80% of energy by allowing the vessel to glide over the water with minimal drag, wake, and emissions.
The yacht features radical innovations developed by BMW for the automotive sector, contributing components and expertise from the field of electromobility. The performance and range of Open are not specified, but Icon, its predecessor, can reach a top speed of 30 knots (34.5 mph) and a cruising speed of 25 knots (28.7 mph) with its two 100-kW motors.
It features a 400-kWh battery pack that offers a range of more than 50 nautical miles on a single charge at cruising speed. The batteries are from BMW’s i3 electric car, so we can perhaps assume something similar for the Open. The yacht’s roof also comes with photovoltaic cells that can help extend the range.
The vessel will have a flush deck with a two-seater helm station that will probably feature a digital platform with a touch display, voice-activated controls, AI-based collision avoidance, and infotainment. The yacht will have a single cabin with a big-screen TV, a work desk, a spacious sleeping area for two, and a fully equipped bathroom. Additionally, the yacht will have a double sunbed area at the stern and a relaxation zone on the foredeck.
“With the Icon, we have shown how elegant and luxurious sustainable mobility on the water can be,” said MD and co-founder of Tyde, Christoph Ballin. “The continuation of the cooperation with BMW is now fueling the launch into another segment. The new model brings future-orientated mobility to the day yacht segment.”
Open is now available to order, with production scheduled to begin this month. The first deliveries are expected to take place in the fall of 2024.
