Sabdes 50M: the Hybrid Superyacht

March 31st, 2008 by BallerRide No Comments

Green concepts have come to dominate recent auto shows. Now, eco-friendly design is taking hold in the yacht world. At the forefront of the trend is Sabdes, an Australian yacht design firm that has unleashed plans for a diesel-electric hybrid superyacht, unoriginally coined the Sabdes 50.

Bucking the bigger-is-better stigma, the Sabdes 50 comes in at just 164 feet, about a third of the size of some of the bigger personal yachts that have hit the seas in recent years. To minimize energy consumption and its impact on its surroundings, the yacht features a slender hull form with a reverse bow that reduces wave slamming and allows the boat to travel long distances at an economical speed of 25 knots.

Like a hybrid car, the Sabdes 50 can motor silently by switching off the generators and running on its main battery banks. Retractable bow and stern thrusters keep the yacht quiet as it maneuvers in and out of harbor.

Additional green features on the vessel include LED lighting, a natural cooling system to reduce the need for air conditioning, and energy-efficient insulated windows.

Superyacht stylist Scott Blee is responsible for the boat’s aggressive modern look.