South Florida–based Altitude Water, an award-winning innovator in Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) technology, has announced the completion of the full systems conception and production-ready design for the SXR 75 XLC — a next-generation hybrid explorer yacht that will become the first U.S.-built yacht capable of producing its own drinking water directly from air.
First revealed last year, the project brings together RM Design Pro, M2 Holistic Studio, and PHI Cubed in a collaborative effort to redefine onboard self-sufficiency, sustainability, and long-range capability for both private ownership and global charter operations.
Rethinking Water Independence at Sea
At the heart of the SXR 75 XLC is a fully integrated Atmospheric Water Generation system, allowing the yacht to extract fresh, potable drinking water from ambient air — dramatically reducing reliance on bottled water and shore-based supplies.
“Our focus is on changing how the yachting industry thinks about drinking water,” said Jeff Szur, Founder and COO of Altitude Water. “Yachts no longer need to depend on bottled water to deliver great-tasting, healthy potable water onboard. By integrating eco-conscious water-generation technologies, we reduce waste, protect the oceans we operate in, and improve onboard self-sufficiency.”
Hybrid Explorer Platform with Integrated Renewables
Designed as a self-reliant, owner-operator explorer yacht, the XLC combines long-range naval architecture with a regenerative energy suite developed by RM Design Pro. The system integrates solar power, with options for hydro-generation and wind assist, reducing generator runtime, emissions, and operational noise.
Power, comfort, navigation, and safety systems are unified through YICSM (Yacht Integrated Control & Smart Management), offering intuitive control and real-time monitoring across all onboard systems.
Wellness-Driven Interior Architecture
Interior design by M2 Holistic Studio introduces a wellness-focused approach rarely seen in explorer yachts. Features include circadian lighting, purified airflow systems, antimicrobial copper touchpoints, and tactile natural materials that create calm, contemporary interiors connected to sea and sky.
“Our approach merges neuroarchitecture, holistic wellness, and refined design curation,” said Marta Halwany and Mahria Carolihna, Founders and Design Directors of M2 Holistic Studio. “The result is an environment that supports human performance, elevates the onboard experience, and remains timeless and highly desirable.”
Digital Twin Engineering for Precision and Longevity
Engineering partner PHI Cubed, led by Hector Camps, developed a full CATIA-based digital twin of the yacht. This virtual model enables precise system routing, verified service access, and repeatable fabrication — addressing performance, maintenance, and refit requirements before construction begins.
“Virtual twins allow us to pre-solve complexity,” Camps explained. “From mass and energy balance to maintainability and service access, we build smarter from day one.”
Functional Growth for Long-Range Reliability
Following the project’s initial announcement, the yacht’s length was increased to enhance engineering margins. Rogerio Mariani, head of RM Design Pro, emphasised that the change was driven by operational necessity rather than aesthetics.
“The additional length is functional, not cosmetic,” Mariani said. “It provides the redundancy, serviceability, and stability required for a yacht designed to operate continuously and far from support infrastructure.”
A Platform for Industry-Wide Adoption
Beyond the SXR 75 XLC itself, Altitude Water sees the project as a showcase for technologies that can be integrated across the wider fleet.
“We are aggressively educating the yachting industry that dependence on bottled water is unnecessary,” Szur added. “We’re not just building a new yacht brand — we’re demonstrating how these systems can be easily integrated into existing yachts.”
The team is targeting the Miami Boat Show for the debut of scale models and technology demonstrations, marking a significant step toward a more sustainable, self-sufficient future for luxury yachting.
