The luxury yacht that turns into a submarine
Tamara Hardingham-Gill, CNN • Updated 13th December 2019
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(CNN) — It looks like something straight out of a James Bond movie, but this concept might just signal that the future of superyachts is sub-aquatic.
Dreamed up by Italian-based naval architect Elena Nappi, the hybrid vessel can travel on both the surface of the sea and underwater.
Known as the "Carapace," it submerges to a depth of 985 feet for up to 10 days at a time, offering amazing views of marine life.
Nappi, who came up with the innovative concept after years of nautical experimentation research, says it represents a "new class of mega yachts," bringing together the cosiness of luxury yachts and the "privacy" of immersion navigation.
Hybrid vessel
A rendering of hybrid vessel Carapace, which can transform into a submarine.
Courtesy Elena Nappi
"The world of luxury submarines is one of the last frontiers in the field of experimentation, and perhaps the hybrid will be the language of the future," Nappi says in a statement.
"Very often yacht owners are looking for original solutions to be able to offer their friends and their family something special, and certainly that of a diving cruise of this type is something unprecedented in the super yacht market."
Carapace, which would be powered by a diesel-electric and fuel cell system, is designed to have a light aluminum superstructure that measures 256 feet in length.
It would hold three deck levels, with VIP cabins, a lounge, a spa, a bar and health club among the onboard amenities.
Pioneering design
The vessel concept represents a "new class of mega yachts," according to its designer.
Courtesy Elena Nappi
Nappi envisions it being hired for private trips, as well as business meetings that require "complete secrecy."
Although there's no indication of a price as yet, it's thought the vessel will set buyers back some hundreds of millions.
But anyone hoping to get their hands on this mega yacht should sit tight.
At present, the Carapace is merely a concept, and Nappi predicts it will be a long while before anything like it hits the waters.
"If we make a comparison with the automotive sector, it is not hard to understand that the road to this type of boat is still very far away," she adds.
"The first electric car was built in 1884 and is only on the market today, so it is impossible to think that a harness like this could be put on the market before 100 years."
Nappi is currently a designer for Italian shipyard Fincantier, but the company is not involved in the Carapace project.
