The VPLP designed and Océan Development creation “MODX 70” is a new cruising catamaran that uses 100-percent renewable energy and has new technologies. This catamaran is features two automated propulsion systems: two inflatable wings on retractable masts and an electric motor system with variable pitch propellors for hydrogeneration. The cat has been sailing for a year now and is proving to be viable using wing sails and renewable energy power.
The MODX 70 is 70 x 32.9 foot with a weight of 50,700 lbs and a displacement of 57,300 lbs. The biplane rig has retractable 63 foot carbon fibre masts with inflatable sails (Aeroforce). Each sail is 1,345 square foot and can be “reefed” to 600 square foot. When fully “reefed”, the entire cat’s total height is 13.1 foot which will allow it under bridges etc. The sails are literally pumped up like a long balloon or an air inflated SUP. The draft is 6.5 foot over the low aspect keels and rudders. The engine power drivetrains 2 x 40 kW electric motors powered by propeller hydrogeneration at 10 knots that produces 3 kW and Solar panels that produce 12 kW. Batteries are 230 kWh. That is not a cheap installation but there are no backup generators. The cat is meant to be 100% renewable. The sail and mast controls are mainly automated and push button. The sail inflation requires a low pressure pump to be running continuously will the sails are up. The hydrogeneration and PV is also automated to take advantage of energy production under any circumstances.
The accommodation has 5 double berth cabins with ensuites in the hulls. There are 3 crew berths with a private crew area. The main saloon and integrated cockpit have the galley, seating and forward based helming and navigation area. The flying bridge also has a helming position.
The lightweight composite construction is the result of in-depth work with the VPLP firm and a pragmatic construction process (40 percent bio-sourced, 15 percent carbon, among other materials). The design of the MODX integrated bio sourced material such as flax fiber and linen fibers, cork (a CO2 positive material), a 38% bio-sourced epoxy resin and a PET foam integrating 30% of recycled components. In short, a foam glass composite of environmentally friendly materials. All of the products used throughout this design have been used and developed in other production boats. The MODX 70 is the first to bring all these technologies into one cat.
The MODX 70 has been sailing for a few years and has completed a 2,000 nautical miles voyage powered exclusively by wind and electric motors. The wing sails can generate up to 2.2 the power of a sloop rig for a given sail area and with computer controls can generate 6 knot speed in 5 to 10 knot wind speeds. Average speeds are in the 10 knot plus range with peak speeds approaching 20 knots. In short, the cat is living up to initial comments about sailing and renewable power capability.
The jpegs give the idea of a very interesting design.
The MODX 70 is 70 x 32.9 foot with a weight of 50,700 lbs and a displacement of 57,300 lbs. The biplane rig has retractable 63 foot carbon fibre masts with inflatable sails (Aeroforce). Each sail is 1,345 square foot and can be “reefed” to 600 square foot. When fully “reefed”, the entire cat’s total height is 13.1 foot which will allow it under bridges etc. The sails are literally pumped up like a long balloon or an air inflated SUP. The draft is 6.5 foot over the low aspect keels and rudders. The engine power drivetrains 2 x 40 kW electric motors powered by propeller hydrogeneration at 10 knots that produces 3 kW and Solar panels that produce 12 kW. Batteries are 230 kWh. That is not a cheap installation but there are no backup generators. The cat is meant to be 100% renewable. The sail and mast controls are mainly automated and push button. The sail inflation requires a low pressure pump to be running continuously will the sails are up. The hydrogeneration and PV is also automated to take advantage of energy production under any circumstances.
The accommodation has 5 double berth cabins with ensuites in the hulls. There are 3 crew berths with a private crew area. The main saloon and integrated cockpit have the galley, seating and forward based helming and navigation area. The flying bridge also has a helming position.
The lightweight composite construction is the result of in-depth work with the VPLP firm and a pragmatic construction process (40 percent bio-sourced, 15 percent carbon, among other materials). The design of the MODX integrated bio sourced material such as flax fiber and linen fibers, cork (a CO2 positive material), a 38% bio-sourced epoxy resin and a PET foam integrating 30% of recycled components. In short, a foam glass composite of environmentally friendly materials. All of the products used throughout this design have been used and developed in other production boats. The MODX 70 is the first to bring all these technologies into one cat.
The MODX 70 has been sailing for a few years and has completed a 2,000 nautical miles voyage powered exclusively by wind and electric motors. The wing sails can generate up to 2.2 the power of a sloop rig for a given sail area and with computer controls can generate 6 knot speed in 5 to 10 knot wind speeds. Average speeds are in the 10 knot plus range with peak speeds approaching 20 knots. In short, the cat is living up to initial comments about sailing and renewable power capability.
The jpegs give the idea of a very interesting design.
