By Codelia Mantsebo

The Tetrahedron Super Yacht designed by Jonathan Schwinge could very soon become a reality.

The Tetrahedron would have the appearance at high-speed of ‘levitating’ over the water, similar to a boat that can fly. The design of this flying pyramid is inspired by modifying the form, architecture and propulsion of the modern super yacht into a fundamentally simple enclosure and an elevated mode of travel above the water line.

The superstructure form is reduced to the absolute geometry of a Tetrahedron. A three-based pyramid consisting of 4 faces and 6 leading edges provides fundamental stability and enclosure. Its form produces a pure, precise, logical and mathematical ‘roof’ from which to connect to the main body of the vessel.

While it is only 21 meters in length, the pyramid design means it features plenty of interior space, with the capability to sleep six guests as well as four crew members.

At normal cruising speeds it floats on three separate hulls, while at higher speeds it rises out of the water and can move up to 38 knots. Produced by a HYSWAS hull – A Hydrofoil Small Waterplane Area Ship – is comprised of an individual vertical strut onto a single submerged ‘torpedo’ hull. The vessel will lift out of the water on side-mounted adjustable hydrofoils. An auto-pilot ‘fly-by-light’ system from the aviation industry would take control of difficult roll forces and maintain ‘foil bourne’ speed. This would also control pitch and heave.

The pyramid yacht will be able provide long distance, smooth travel through rough water at high speed. The reduced out-of-water drag and stormy ocean conditions would incur virtually no slamming. Improved efficiency is driven by elevated hydrofoil propulsion and would be an inherent performance benefit of this type of design.

The yacht’s designer is in talks with partnering a German shipyard to make the Tetrahedron Super Yacht a reality.