The £250m design for King Charles’ superyacht, which was scrapped last year, has been unveiled.
The plans for the 125-metre Royal Yacht Britannia were previously secret but have now been published by London-based firm Vitruvius Yachts.
The superyacht was initially set to sail by 2025, but in October last year it was reported that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt was planning to scrap the plans as part of a package of spending cuts.
The concept for the yacht – initially put forward by Boris Johnson – was described as a “celebration of British society and technology in a ship designed for the people but fit for a king”.
Vitruvius noted that a key feature was the focus on enduring power. He added that the “highly efficient” hull design would have reduced fuel consumption and focused on emerging green technology.
Vitruvius said a key feature was the focus on enduring power.
(Vitruvius Yach / SWNS)
The design of the interior used recycled materials and would have a flexible deck and interior design that could switch between exhibition showcase or floating embassy, with the yacht firm saying it is “suitable for everything from VVIPs to school children and the disabled”.
The previous Royal Yacht Britannia – used by the Royal Family since 1954 – had visitors including Dwight D. Eisenhower, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Famously, Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales, took their honeymoon cruise on the Britannia in 1981.
The design was created in collaboration with Team FestivAl, Vitruvius Yachts, Zaha Hadid Architects and aluminum ship and yacht specialist Ocea.
The design was prepared by Team FestivAl
(Vitruvius Yach / SWNS)
The company said the vessel would have an energy-agnostic propulsion system based on efficient pod drives, capable of maintaining a geostationary position without damaging sensitive seabeds with an anchor.
Vitrivius Yach said: “In the development of the design, the essence of Britishness takes center stage through the central flag ribbon motif and scheme of viewing height, reflecting the multicultural society that defines Britain today.”
Yacht designer Philippe Briand said: “The major collaboration was an incredible opportunity to act as an architect realizing the design of a project that was enormously complex, as it was aimed not at one person’s taste but at the essence of an entire nation.” to represent.
“It’s actually much more difficult than designing for the most demanding person.”