Boats are meant to float, but a new concept from Italy-leading Lazzarini Design Studio will make them soar, too — kind of.
The company has released renderings for its latest creation: the Plectrum, a futuristic, 242-foot superyacht capable of traveling at speeds of up to 86 miles per hour above the waterline—similar to a hoverboard.
The seven-bedroom, helipad and swimming pool-equipped luxury cruiser is set to debut at an asking price of $99.31 million.
“We like to remember that in 1964, shipbuilding was already capable of building similar vessels,” the studio – which is headed by designer Pierpaolo Lazzarini – said in a statement. Rob Report, The studio was referring to the first use of a hydrofoil, a fin- or wing-like technology that lifts a ship above the surface of the water, giving it the appearance of levitating. “This different superyacht configuration will allow for much faster travel than conventional vessels of similar size,” the statement continued.
The Plectrum will be 314 feet tall, making it roughly equal in height to Big Ben, and will be divided into four floors. The primary suite will compose the core of the behemoth boat, with six guest bedrooms below. Elsewhere, there will be a helicopter hangar and a central garage, designed to store cars or water vessels, depending on the owner’s preference.
In terms of outdoor amenities, the extensive deck area will be prime for sunbathing or taking a dip in the pool. Hydrogen-powered motors will power the beast.
In terms of truly flyable vessels, Lazzarini’s helium-based Air Yacht concept is capable of not only crossing the waterline, but using two “floating balloons” to soar above it.
The studio said of the vessel, “With the Air Yacht, there is a way to cross the sky without harming the future.” Boat International previously reported.