At the moment under construction in Turkey, the ‘smart’ motor yacht Quaranta by Curvelle is currently the largest carbon hybrid composite power catamaran in the world. Quaranta superyacht boasts a re-configurable interior, super huge windows and plenty more. She is also the ideal vessel for anyone who requires wheelchair access.
Custom version of the Curvelle catamaran yacht Quaranta with glazed lift to sundeck
Also recently announced was the Curvelle syndicate ownership initiative which certainly caught the imagination of many yachtsmen who want superyacht benefits and luxury for the investment level of a new 55ft motor boat.
Clean sheet of paper
As with other announcements from Curvelle regarding the ‘quaranta’ yachts series the phrase ‘a clean sheet of paper’ can be used. Why? because the whole project and development has not had to be compromised by old thinking or normal yacht design parameters or restrictions. The vision was to design and build a unique compact superyacht on a highly stable catamaran hull form.
The list of benefits is extensive, fast, fuel efficient and as much interior volume and deck space as a mono hull yacht nearly 10m longer.
The 34m twin hull with a 9m beam allows for a wide hydraulic aft platform between the hulls that can launch the tender, create a beach club or even accommodate a small submarine (even a 4×4 vehicle) and very specific to this news review, create the ideal platform for access when boarding guests with mobility restrictions from a tender.
Electric wheelchair/scooter accessibility on the three guest decks of the Quaranta superyacht in standard configuration
Taking the elevator to the sun deck or making a splash at the beach club
The Curvelle team took a detailed view on how to create the ideal custom yacht solution for owners or guests with reduced mobility beyond the benefits already incorporated in the original design.
The whole process from the tender design, passerelle and movement to all decks was carefully considered then enhanced further with the addition of electric powered berths and the aft platform being able to submerge some 85cm to enable easy swimming.
Curvelle founder Luuk V. van Zanten takes up the story “In her standard configuration the ‘quaranta’ makes an ideal yacht for anyone who requires wheelchair access, the tender platform can be used to facilitate wheelchair movements, the interior as standard has wide doors to all areas and the side decks at 92cm wide can also be easily accessed. Add to this an optional ‘stair climber’ apparatus which can get a wheelchair up the staircases in less than one minute, the ‘quaranta’ is ideal for wheelchair users.
“Our original research found that superyacht owners very often had older parents who need wheelchair assistance and found it frustrating that they could not be included in the cruising itinerary. That’s why we addressed this factor right from the start. We obviously prioritised getting the project underway and starting the build of the first yacht, which incidentally is on schedule, before we completed the design scheme for a more specialised custom yacht where we added a glazed lift.
“We feel that adding this newsworthy additional custom option enhances the whole Curvelle ‘family’ which will deliver a world class compact superyacht series.”
Luxury catamaran yacht Quaranta in build
Here is a look at a typical scenario and how the mobility systems dovetail seamlessly together on the standard version. A crew member lowers the XL size passerelle onto the quay where the owner or guest can drive a powered wheelchair or mobility scooter onto the aft main deck and access any of the six guest cabins on this level.
The cruising experience also includes powered articulated beds so when relaxing in the cabin the owner or guest can enjoy the panoramic views offered by the extralarge windows. The cabins are so different from most yachts of this size with window spaces of nearly 2.8 x 1m creating a cabin ambience of a small cruise liner.
If the owner or guest would like the ‘spa’ treatment a waterproof wheelchair can safely lower the person into the water down to a depth of 85cm, for seawater swimming with other guests. The lowered platform then rises to become the beach club, which can have a floating safety net to keep out unwanted marine life. Under the platform are air nozzles to complete the ‘spa’ experience. The outdoor ambience is further enhanced by two seawater waterfalls and as the sun goes down the underwater lighting turns the whole experience into a floor show.
On a custom version, forward on the main deck is a compact glazed elevator which accommodates the scooter. This then allows access to the upper deck and upwards to the sundeck. The glazed lift on the sun deck is cleverly incorporated at the front of the fixed bimini which has been extended forward to incorporate this feature.
Custom version of the Curvelle yacht Quaranta with lift to the sundeck
One can have a look at the Curvelle website for details of the Quaranta yacht in standard configuration and also experience life on-board via a 360 degree video. The limo tenders are also shown on the website. Also one can revisit the Curvelle syndicate yacht ownership scheme, ideal for owners and guests with limited mobility as well as anyone who would like to enjoy the luxury yachting experience.
Curvelle will be present at the Cannes yacht show on the superyacht extension SYEO12 as well as at the Fort Lauderdale boat show, Bahia Mar Builders tent, booth 606.
