Effect Ships International (ESI) and leading Italian designer Mauro Sculli, working with Ermanno Canzi as chief member of his staff, have developed a new, innovative 22,2 m Air Supported Vessel (ASV) yacht called ASV Namaste 72 with unique styling and capabilities. ESI can today supply Air Supported Vessel (ASV) solutions for most markets and segments. A huge number of different vessel sizes, shapes and applications; mono- and multihull, will benefit from the proprietary ASV technology.
ASV NAMASTE 72’ motor yacht design by Studio Sculli and Effect Ships International (ESI)
The Innovation Award winning ASV Mono concept
The “European Power Boat of the Year 2011 – Innovation Award” winning Air Supported mono hull form has been blended with a stylish, yet very functional, topside. The overall beam of the yacht is 6, 70 m, a full meter more than most conventional vessel. These proportions give a sharp, sporty and distinctive appearance. With generous beam and near vertical hull sides the interior volumes for accommodation is unrivalled.
ASV NAMASTE 72’ motor yacht design by Studio Sculli and Effect Ships International (ESI)
When activating the air support system, more than 70% of the overall weight of the yacht will be supported on a cushion of pressurised air, entrapped in a very well enclosed air cavity underneath the vessel. In contradiction to a hovercraft, using rubber skirts around the air cushion, the new ASV utilizes solid, rigid hull elements to maintain the pressurised air underneath the boat. At speed the yacht will have additional support from the planning surface elements of the two propulsion gondolas, located on either side of the hull.
ASV NAMASTE 72’ motor yacht by Studio Sculli and Effect Ships International (ESI)
Suitable for a wide range of propulsions
The new ASV NAMASTE 72’ motor yacht may either be configured for pod propulsion, fitted out with surface piercing propulsion or be operated on Water Jets. Even conventional shaft propellers are possible. Pod propulsion and ASV technology function very well together. The first full scale ASV Mono 65’ test- and demonstration vessel, launched last year, has a twin Volvo Penta IPS 600 (320 kW) installation, and is with such modest power still able to reach 33 knots +. Regardless of propulsion, the ASV hull will deliver a significant reduction in hull/water resistance, securing unrivalled efficiency, performance, environmental benefits and economy in use. Other distinctive features are very modest wake wash and almost no hum.
ASV NAMASTE 72’ motor yacht design by Studio Sculli and Effect Ships International (ESI)
General arrangement – main deck level
The generous beam of the ASV NAMASTE 72’ yacht enables a main helm station, arranged with two-three forward facing raised seats at STB side, and one huge chart table (suitable as big writing desk) at the centre. Unlike most rivals, an ASV will operate with almost neutral trim throughout the full speed range, giving excellent forward visibility. Directly above the helm a large sliding sun roof is arranged to let in plenty of air and light if requested. Behind the steering position a mega yacht size dining table, seating 8 in comfort, with plenty of surrounding space, is to be found. The galley is on the lower deck level, arranged close to the dining area with a separate staircase. A large high/low TV screen at the centreline of the vessel may be used to separate the saloon- and dining areas, if required. With an inside width of 5 meter, there is plenty of space for socialising in the saloon, with two tlarge L -shaped sofas to port and starboard. The feeling of space inside resembles more a 90 footer than the actual size. On either side of the saloon aircraft type doors lead to the side decks.
ASV NAMASTE 72’ motor yacht design
General arrangement – fly, cockpit, swim platform, tender garage and forward deck
Moving aft to the cockpit area the positive effects from the generous beam are maintained. The cockpit and sun pad area may be customized and furnished in several different ways depending on the owner’s choice. On the presented alternative the vessel will have a wet bar to port. A spacious tender garage is accessible from the large swim platform. The centre section is hydraulically operated for launching / retrieving of tender or water toys. The wider than usual steps from the swim platform to the cockpit will function as additional seating, ideal for chilling out after a swim.
From the cockpit wide steps lead up to the sun pad /fly bridge area. Two different layouts will be available; a smaller sun pad fly (as showing on these images) or a stretched fly bridge with a second steering position. On the foredeck of the vessel yet another inviting sun pad / seating area is to be found, with large locker rooms for fenders, ropes and the like on either side.
General arrangement – lower deck level
A total of three staircases are leading down to the accommodation deck level. One from the cockpit area port side, giving access to the crew cabin with separate shower and toilet, to a utility room with independent crew galley, as well as to a technical room, with access to the engine room. On port side of the main steering position stairs are leading to the accommodation areas. The port side staircase gives access to the galley.
Amidships, the boat is featuring a unique full width owner suite with a large seetee, a working desk and large hanging wardrobe/lockers. With a net beam of more than 6 meter, and shower/toilet facilities en suite, this cabin is nothing short of spectacular. In the forward section of the boat, behind the lift fan compartment, one will find an airy and spacious VIP double cabin also with en suite facilities and a full size settee to port. To starboard a third twin cabin with separate shower/toilet is located. This toilet will double as a day toilet during normal operation. All cabins have a full standing height of minimum 2 m. Due to the generous beam of the vessel; studies positively conclude that a second layout version for the lower level can be conjured for 4 cabins, a large owner suite, two double VIP cabins and a twin cabin. Special emphasize has been given to arranging large windows throughout the vessel to give an airy, pleasant and welcoming atmosphere.
Technical issues
The ASV concept utilizes a special lift fan system, located far forward in the bow. Air is ducted into the fan room via vents in the upper forward hull sides and via vertical slits on main deck level forward. The double inlet single outlet centrifugal fan is feeding pressurized air, via a duct into the air cavity underneath the vessel. In the aft section the air cushion chamber is enclosed with use of a proprietary enclosure flap arrangement. The system is designed to reduce and control air escape and to reduce power consumption for operating the system. The less flow the less power demand for the lift fan. With the fan system engaged, and with no forward speed, the 40 – 50 ton vessel is effortlessly raising 50 – 60 cm out of the water, thus reducing wetted surfaces and hull/water resistance to a fraction compared with conventional boats. Powering the lift fan system will either be a hydraulic- or electric system, depending on the preference of the owner/builder.
Alternative propulsion driveline options
Several pod propulsion arrangement are possible; Volvo Penta is the pioneer for Pod Propulsion systems suited for pleasure boats and yachts. Their forward facing twin contra rotating IPS propulsion (Inboard Performance System) is available from the smallest 225 kW (IPS 400), through 515 kW (IPS 900 Series 2) to 655 kW (IPS 1200 Series 3). Depending on speed requirements both the IPS 900 and the IPS 1200 may be fitted in the ASV NAMASTE 72’, to deliver very low fuel consumption pr NM and speeds well beyond 30 knots.
ASV NAMASTE 72’ motor yacht design by Studio Sculli and Effect Ships International (ESI)
Rolls Royce, famous for among other their Kamewa water jet range, has now developed their own Pod Propulsion system for yachts, to be launched shortly. Their system uses forward facing single propeller, and the main underwater housing is made from carbon to secure low weight. Their start up size will be 900 kW. Most engines, i.e. MAN, MTU and Caterpillar may be used in combination with the new RR system.
Surface Piercing Propulsion is yet another option: Twin Disc Arneson is the market leader, offering trim- and steerable units (ASD series). The ASV Mono 72’ may be configured for ASD. The targeted speed, overall weight and outfitting will decide the unit size.
Construction alternatives
The new ASV NAMASTE 72’ motor yacht may be constructed in either conventional GRP (single skin or sandwich lay-up) or in advanced carbon sandwich, with resin infusion and vacuum bagging for reduced weight and strength. With a carbon construction, depending on level of sophistication, several tons can be saved. During the development phase of the ASV Mono 65’ Test Vessel, ESI commissioned a full carbon engineering package from High Modulus LTD (NZ / UK). A similar approach is possible for the ASV Mono 72’. When it comes to deciding, most yards and end clients will carry out a price/performance assessment to guide the selection of construction materials and methods.
Speed and fuel consumption
In this preview of the new ASV NAMASTE 72’ no fixed speed estimates and fuel consumption data will be given. However the ASV team is confident to offer market leading efficiency, performance and mid/high speed fuel consumption with a very good margin. More information to follow shortly.
Exploitation of the ASV technology and ASV 72’ Mono design
The presented ASV NAMASTE 72 design is the first yacht design presented to the public with the new ASV Mono technology. Interested yards and clients wishing to discuss access to the ASV IPR and designs are kindly advised to contact either Studio Sculli or Effect Ships International AS.
