An Owner’s Vision on the Open Seas
Embarking on an adventure to crisscross the world’s oceans while leaving a minimal environmental footprint, the owner of Canoa has set sail on a maiden voyage. Recently completed at JFA Yachts, this remarkable yacht stands as an emblem of what it means to blend exploration with eco-consciousness.
A Record-Setting Explorer Yacht
At an impressive 164 feet (50 meters), Canoa is the largest vessel ever constructed by the French shipyard, JFA Yachts. Its sleek, taut lines stretch across four decks, creating a striking profile that ensures the yacht is not just practical but also eye-catching. Tom Humphreys, managing director of Humphreys Yacht Design, articulates the design philosophy: “Our ambition from the outset was to create an Explorer yacht that combines genuine long-range capability with exceptional efficiency and refined seakeeping.” The cohesive collaboration between naval architecture and exterior design played a vital role in achieving this ambitious goal.
Innovative Construction and Design
This yacht features a unique combination of an aluminum hull and a composite superstructure, striking a balance between weight and strength. This design results in a lower center of gravity, enhancing stability and efficiency while reducing fuel consumption. As a testament to comfort, Canoa is equipped with both fin and gyroscopic stabilizers, ensuring a smooth ride whether cruising or anchored. The hull’s fast-displacement form allows for efficiency across various speeds, providing an impressive range of 5,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 12 knots.
Pioneering Eco-Friendly Features
The environmental concerns of the owner are evident in the yacht’s engineering. Canoa is equipped with twin MTUs paired with electric motors, allowing for silent and fuel-efficient navigation at lower speeds. For transatlantic voyages, the MTUs take over, ensuring power and performance. Furthermore, a high-capacity battery bank and solar panels allow the yacht to remain autonomous from shore for extended periods, significantly reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. A Dynamic Positioning System enables precise positioning without the need for anchor, which is particularly beneficial in ecologically sensitive environments.
Interiors That Connect to Nature
The interiors of Canoa have been thoughtfully designed to maintain a connection with the great outdoors. With an abundance of natural light and expansive windows, the yacht embodies a sense of spaciousness and elegance. Collaborating closely with m²atelier, the owner ensured that the interiors would reflect his vision for a comfortable and stylish environment suitable for hosting up to 10 guests across five staterooms.
A Milestone in Yachting
The completion of Canoa signifies a culmination of years of creativity and engineering challenges. Frédéric Jaouen, president of JFA Yachts, proudly remarked on the achievement: “The delivery of Canoa represents the culmination of several years of work and an exceptionally ambitious project.” He believes the owner has received a true explorer yacht, designed for longevity and comfort, integrated with innovative energy-efficient solutions.
“Seeing the sea trial results so closely match our design predictions has been particularly rewarding,” adds Humphreys, further underlining the success of this project.
Key Specifications of Canoa
LOA: 163’10” (49.95 meters)
Beam: 29’9” (9.1 meters)
Draft: 6’6” (2 meters)
Guests: 10 in 5 staterooms
Engines: 2/1,450-hp MTUs w/electric motors
Range: 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots
Builder: JFA Yachts
Stylist: Humphreys Yacht Design
Naval Architect: Humphreys Yacht Design
Interior Designer: m²atelier
For more information on the yacht, you can visit: Humphreys Yacht Design, JFA Yachts, and m²atelier.