German automotive giant BMW continues its foray into electric watercraft by unveiling a new foiling day yacht that glides over the water and sets new standards for emission-free luxury watercraft design.
Christened The Open, this new luxury electric boat represents the second collaboration between BMW and German boatbuilder Tyde, following The Icon, which debuted at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May this year.
The aim of the two companies for the new design was to create a larger, even more luxurious electric foiling yacht tailored to cater to the needs of private users who are interested in sustainable luxury watercraft. Actually, the design team claims The Open is the largest luxury foiling motor yacht for private owners.
“With The Icon, we have shown how elegant and luxurious sustainable mobility on the water can be,” comments Christoph Ballin, co-founder and managing director of Tyde. “The continuation of the cooperation with BMW is now fuelling the launch into another segment. The new model brings future-orientated mobility to the day yacht segment.”
Just like The Icon, the new Open foiling watercraft was developed in collaboration with the expert team at BMW’s industrial design studio spin-off Designworks and borrows state-of-the-art components and technology from the field of electromobility.
The renderings unveiled by the two companies showcase an open-walkaround day boat that measures 49 feet (15 meters) in length and has a maximum beam of 14.7 feet (4.5 meters). It is equipped with hydrofoils adapted from racing yachts, which significantly reduces energy consumption.
According to the designers, the foils allow the motor yacht to glide over the surface of the water with minimal drag, wake, and emissions, all the while saving almost 80 percent of energy.
In terms of power, the vessel will be equipped with a zero-emissions drivetrain similar to that fitted on The Icon. As such, we expect the foiling boat to boast a 400kWh bank of BMW i3 batteries and twin 100kW Torqeedo Deep Blue electric motors, which will allow it to start gliding above the water at around 17-18 knots. Lift will be generated by a T-foil at the bow and a twin-strut horizontal foil aft with forward-facing counter-rotating props.
The Open will be able to reach a maximum speed of 30 knots and will offer 50 nautical miles of range while cruising at 25 knots.
In terms of amenities, The Open incorporates everything one expects a luxury day boat to offer. There is a two-seat helm station protected by an angular wraparound windshield and a large hardtop covered in photovoltaic panels. A small seating area can be found forward and presents a vantage point for spectacular views. The aft area of the open deck includes a dining space with sofas and a table, a sunpad, and a bathing platform.
As for the interior space of the new foiling day boat, there is accommodation for two people in a prismatic cabin with a spacious sleeping area, a small workspace, a large TV screen, and a fully equipped bathroom. Modern and luxurious, the cabin is flooded by natural light, which enhances the sense of space.
Tyde will handle everything related to the production and marketing of the Open electric foiling yacht. The startup has now started taking orders for the innovative watercraft, with the first deliveries expected to commence in autumn 2024
