Imaginocean's new designs

Hot on the heels of the full displacement 47m Tango 2, Australia’s Imaginocean Yacht Design (IYD) has released details of two exciting new designs -- the 40m GT-40 H and the 55m GT-55 H: a pair of semi-displacement superyachts unlike anything else on the market. As with T2, IYD has pursued its "longer, lower, lighter" ethos with these two projects, but the company has taken it to a new level with their latest yachts… and even added "green" into the mix as well.

Both run hybrid propulsion systems, allowing them to operate at up to twenty knots courtesy of the main engines, travel at up to eight knots for short periods under electric power alone, or for extended periods in diesel-electric mode, with just the gensets running.

From maximised waterline lengths, to the LED lighting and smart glass glazing to cut down on the air conditioning load, every aspect of the designs were considered from a low-impact and efficiency point of view.

The styling is a beguiling mix of retro and up-to-the-minute. Features like reverse bows with titanium cutwaters and cosy forward cockpits, complete with helm stations, are common to both craft -- proving that superyachts can still be fun! Designer Will Allison says: "The designs were partly inspired by the styling and efficiency of the original Midnight Lace series, designed by the late Tom Fexas in the early 80s, partly by the sensible proportions of modern sailing vessels, and partly by the long-held desire to create a new class of relatively compact, stylish yachts that represent the latest in efficiency and technology".

Innovative layouts, with an emphasis on relaxed, casual living, see features like the split-level main saloons, which provide a mix of light-filled and intimate living spaces. Both yachts have expansive, full-beam master suites. In the GT-55 this is located forward, with an adjoining office. In the GT-40 it is aft and has direct access to the aft deck. There are four en-suite guest cabins in both yachts, all of which feature large windows and extensive storage.

The highlight of the GT-55 must surely be the "Beach Resort". A second saloon located down and aft, it can be accessed directly from the guest cabins, and opens out on to the aft watersports deck. A combination of folding bulwarks, balconies, spa pool and hydraulic swim platform ensure that it will be a favourite among everyone on board.

Indeed both yachts enjoy a variety of open and covered outdoor living spaces. An electric bimini, that is completely hidden when stowed, provides shade when required on the bridgedeck of the GT-40.

Generous crew cabins and living areas are up forward below the tender storage facilities, which in the case of the GT-40, can be filled with water to provide an enormous foredeck spa pool. On the GT-55 there is room for a tender of up to 10 metres in length, along with a variety of water toys, all stored below deck.

These latest offerings from Imaginocean certainly mark the design office as one of Australia’s progressive. The GT-40 H and GT-55 H will be released officially at the 2012 Monaco Yacht Show.

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