Tropical fish inspire innovative yacht design
By Susannah Palk for CNN
April 8, 2011 1:37 p.m. EDT | Filed under: Innovation
(CNN) -- A yacht to match your holiday? Sounds absurd, but if the coral-themed "Tofi" yacht becomes a reality, you could be exploring the reefs of the world in your own tropical fish-inspired luxury vessel.
Designed by South Korean Kim Hyun-Seok, the colorful concept yacht has garnered much attention after winning the 2011 Millennium Yacht Design Award at Seatec, an international exhibition focused on boat and megayacht technologies.
Judges at the exhibition in Carrara, Italy, praised Kim for his "brave interpretative exploration of the motor boat concept."
Drawing inspiration from the beauty of the sea and its marine life, the 12-meter- long trimaran was designed to combine "natural beauty with fun activity."
"I imagined a yacht which has a strong catchable concept with very simple lines that express enjoyable, casual vacation and remarkable yachting experience," said Kim.
The exterior of the yacht boasts an extensive rear deck with easy access to the sea while the upper deck features a seating area for lounge lizards as well as a diving board for the more adventurous.
The round, modular interior is divided by coral-themed partitions, while the cabin's walls are replaced by floor-to- ceiling windows -- providing panoramic views and a stream of natural sunlight.
The interior's fittings and furniture, all of which Kim designed, aim at creating a "natural sea-like" experience above the water.
The yacht can accommodate up to four guests across two double cabins and is designed to reach a maximum speed of 17 knots.
Kim, who has a Master's in mechanical engineering and a degree in yacht design, is already at work on his next project, a 125-meter superyacht complete with helipad and indoor pool.
But those interested in sailing on these vessels will have to wait and see if any of the innovative designs make it from drawing board to the water.
Credit: CNN (www.cnn.com)
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