Yes, there is Flying Yacht out there and let me tell you the story of this amazing boat. Visions of the 21st century as depicted in early science fiction movies were always so spectacular. Most of them had one thing in common – the flying car. Anything that was remotely attached to the ground was considered passé and archaic. Even buildings seemed to have conversations with the sky. Well, 21st century is here, but we still have to catch sight of cars that can hop, let alone fly. The only thing that seems to be soaring high are gas prices and they seem to take quite a lot away from the glamour of having space age flying cars.
That’s probably the reason why French designer Yelken Octuri has turned his attention to modifying yachts. Versatility being the operational word here – Octuri has designed a yacht that can, believe it or not, spread its wings and fly off, solving forever more the problem of having to cut your pleasure cruise short to get from the Bahamas to Florida in a jiffy for a boring business meeting.
The flying yacht first created ripples and wowed spectators in full measure at an exhibit organized at Paris’ Air and Space Museum. In fact, it impressed just the right sort of people – three princes who also happen to be corporate executives of “Masqat Airways“, Aziz, Dawood & Hashim – who immediately desired to have such a splendid piece of engineering for their own. To bide by their wishes, the French aircraft manufacturer Aerocoché set down to turn dreams into reality. And I have to say, it is an enviable reality.
The trimaran sailing yacht measures has a 150+ feet hull, while the 4 masts are each 133 foot tall which, when turned into wings, span 297 feet. The yacht is powered by four Nissen & Brasseur brand dual propellers and can hit speeds of more than 240 miles per hour while flying more than 350 miles without feeling the need to refuel.
Onboard, the yacht is as luxurious as it is powerful. Although you can’t use the word “spacious” for it, it’s just enough for a small group to getaway for the weekend. The lower deck accommodates the main room, toilet, a kitchen, and storage room while the upper deck has three very plush bedrooms and a bathroom. The windows of the main room are strategically placed at level with the boat’s waterline which brightens your cozy moments with a very “aqua” feel.
As one can predict, the flying yacht is going to be the in-demand toy of the filthy rich. After all who can resist the charm of a boat that can fly and a plane that can sail? Remind me to add it to my shopping list when I am rich and famous, I need this!