This month was marked by celebrations at the WIDER shipyard in Ancona, Italy, as work started on the motor yacht Wider 150’s superstructure.
Rendering of new super yacht WIDER 150 under construction at WIDER shipyard in Ancona, Italy
The WIDER 150’ yacht project was first announced to the public by President and Founder of WIDER, Mr Tilli Antonelli in September 2011. At a Press Conference in the spectacular setting of the Hermitage in Monaco a crowded room of journalists and industry professionals witnessed the unveiling of a project that was as noteworthy for it’s innovative technology as for it’s sleek and modern styling by Fulvio De Simoni.
SHIPBUILDING TECHNOLOGY IN A SUPER YACHT
The WIDER 150’ has a propulsion system that draws inspiration from thousands of military and commercial vessels that run using diesel electric power. This technology is actually over one hundred years old, and has been refined over the last century to provide the most reliable and economic solution to many applications in the marine industry today. The WIDER Engineering team have sourced experienced and proven suppliers to adapt diesel electric technology to a super yacht setting, where not only reliability and economy are called for, but also supreme comfort and convenience.
The layout of the vessel is quite unlike any other super yacht. WIDER have placed four variable speed generators in the bow that produce energy and transmit it to the propulsion system and the “hotel”. By using AziPods, there is no need for mechanical components such as a propeller shaft. “This is an important feature” says Antonelli, “conventional yachts have two large engines right in the middle of the hull, connected to two propeller shafts. The best part of the yacht is given over to the engines, these can create noise and vibration that can disturb the owner and his guests.”
WIDER say that they have eliminated this problem. Energy from the generators is carried by cable, not shafts, so there is no need for a large engine room mid ships. The results are impressive; not only is there more room for the guest cabins in the best pat of the hull, but the yacht can also hold a 32’ tender that launches from the transom to leave space for a spa and indoor pool.
Lithium Polymer batteries are at the heart of the system, these store the energy produced by the generators and release it according to the requirements of the owner. If the owner wishes to run at zero emission mode using just the batteries, or if he would like a night at anchor without running the generators, he can do so. If he needs higher performance then he can run the yacht from the variable speed generator engines, but any excess power is diverted to recharge the battery banks so there is no wastage whatsoever.
The benefits of this system are truly noteworthy. Conventional yachts run generators at a fixed speed, burning fuel at a fixed rate whether that be too little or too much for the load at the time. By connecting MAN engines to VISEDO alternators WIDER offer variable speed generators that will only be run at the speed that is necessary at the time. The result of this is greater time between overhaul of the engines, greater fuel economy, and greater comfort since noise and vibration are kept to an absolute minimum.
The entire system is simple to control by the Wider Management System, and touch screen pads will be positioned strategically on board so that the owner and Captain can chose their preferred operational mode, whether that be zero emission mode, night mode, fast mode, or manoeuvring mode.
Emerson Industrial automation, which like Wider is an international leader in bringing technology and engineering together to create innovative solutions for its clients, will supply the electric propulsion system for the luxury yacht Wider 150’.
Luxury yacht Wider 150 - aft view
AN EVOLUTION OF DESIGN
The WIDER 150’ that can be seen today in Ancona is a sophisticated evolution of the prototype revealed in Monaco in 2011. The designers have focussed great attention on the need to bring natural light into the vessel, allowing owners and guests to enjoy the spectacular scenery that usually surrounds super yachts and also guaranteeing easy access to the sea for them. To accomplish this, the beam of the yacht has been increased to 8.53m (28ft), windows have been enlarged, bulkheads moved to give better access to the upper side decks, and side bulwarks lowered to give greater visibility from the inside looking out. The WIDER 150’ retains all of the sleek Italian styling of the prototype but has enhanced its assets to a maximum and retained the hallmark “WIDER beach”.
The shipyard’s Engineering Department have spent countless hours researching the most reliable and efficient mechanisms for the beach area, a feature of the vessel that has drawn the attention of well over two hundred thousand viewers on Youtube, where a video demonstrates the spectacular process. In a superbly produced computer rendered graphic video, a generous section of the transom sides and stern are seen to fold down from the hull to form a sea level deck area that is a perfect base for sunbathing and water sports activities. The WIDER 32’ tender is seen to launch from inside the yacht, leaving an indoor swimming pool and spa area that would be the envy of any seven star hotel.
The upper deck encompasses a skylounge and casual dining area adjacent to large windows that are designed to ‘disappear’, allowing access to the side terraces. This groundbreaking Wider design allows a continuous dialogue between indoors and outdoors. The captain’s cabin is located aft of the bridge, enabling him or her to have complete control of the ship at all times.
The main deck features a well-equipped exterior cockpit and a large interior salon that is split into two living areas. Forward lies the master suite, which stretches out across the entire beam of the yacht.
Large windows draw huge amounts of light into this area and offer unparalleled panoramic views. Moreover, the master stateroom can be divided into two separate areas by closing a sliding partition. Just aft is an ensuite salon/office where the hull side opens outwards to create a beautiful private terrace overlooking the sea in true Wider fashion.
The forward portion of the lower deck is designated for the crew quarters and various service areas. A separate stairway accesses the guest accommodations, comprising four spacious staterooms with en-suite heads positioned in the finest area of the ship.
The foredeck design provides enclosed housing for the crew tender and the water toys. This part of the superyacht also is engineered for extreme versatility, as it features a large, comfortable, yet unexpected patio that appears in just a few seconds when the upper section of the deckhouse is elevated. Yet another exterior space that enhances the owners’ and guests’ connection to the sea, it offers an area of complete privacy when the yacht is in port, as well as a great view while at anchor.
Wider 150 yacht - Saloon
FIRST SIGNS OF A FINISHED SUPER YACHT
Although WIDER have produced a number of well received videos to illustrate the finished yacht, it is only now that visitors to the shipyard can see what the finished product will look like. The new state of the art production facility in Ancona has just been fitted out with a prestigious and welcoming Show Room and hospitality area for clients, but entering the yard directly from the huge front doors offers visitors a truly memorable sight.
The yacht’s imposing bulbous bow looms above the shipyard floor and stretches back almost 45 meters, towering above the workers who are concentrated on cutting and welding aluminium plates to add to the growing structure. From the rear of the vessel the superstructure can be clearly identified, but the most interesting and distinctive feature that is still visible is the “V” shape of the tender bay and pool set deeply into the hull. Here the bow of the WIDER 32’ tender is designed to fit neatly inside, as she floats in and out of the mother ship according to the requirements of the owner.
During navigation the tender will be safely stored and secured inside the transom, then at anchor she can be launched and this entire area will be fitted out as a luxury spa area, the tender bay is filled with water, and guests can enjoy the wonderful experience of relaxing on a super yacht with the sea on one side of the WIDER BEACH and an indoor swimming pool on the other.
The finest suppliers have been sourced, and delivery schedules are being drawn up to move steadily towards completion, aiming to launch the superyacht next summer 2015.
Superyacht Wider 150' under construction at Wider Yachts in Ancona, Italy
TENDER TO WIDER 150’
The WIDER 32’ yacht tender has always been an integral part of the WIDER 150’ superyacht project. Custom designed to fit neatly into the transom tender bay, this nifty and modern sport cruiser offers a remarkable degree of space and comfort in a tender that is already far larger than this found on other 150’ super yachts. Work on the WIDER 32’ project is so far ahead that the first unit has just been launched and shall in fact be offered to the public as a stand alone express cruiser or a tender for the WIDER 150’.
Wider, Never Enough!
