Featured Project No. 2
ICC
by Beneteau Group
The main way of achieving greener boating is by implementing the power of the sun to charge the batteries and propel the boat via electric propulsion. 4 kw of power are supplied through the solar panels mounted on the roof. This photovoltaic power alone can push the boat up to 4.5 knots of speed, making it a true solar sailing boat.
Two Fischer Panda pods of 10 kW power each are capable of pushing the vessel to a top speed of 8.5 knots. Energy isn stored in a large capacity 48 V Lithium battery pack. Supported with a 22 kw 48 V DC range-extending genset the autonomy is about 300 miles on a full tank, even without using the solar power. This allows the Island Cruising Concept to visit special protected areas where combustion engines are not allowed or desired. Additionally electric sailing adds to comfort with complete absence of noise, fumes or vibration. It is expected that 50% of fuel consumption in an average yearly sailing programme will be saved using this design and technology.
The hull shape is a new type called mono-maran, sporting a monohull shape in the bow area, morphing to a catamaran shape in the aft part of the boat, providing excellent consumption at hull speed while ensuring high stability.
The interior consists of four double berth cabins, and a separated skipper cabin in the bow area. Each cabin has an en-suite bathroom with a separate shower stall. The Island Cruising Concept is pampering the guests with the enormous deck real estate of 30 square meters which can be further enlarged by opening the two side cockpit platforms.
With a draft of only 0,85 meters the yacht is be able to access all of most protected shallow water bays and anchorages.
Quiet Power, Lower Impact
The concept was penciled by Beneteau Group and the naval architecture was supplied by Marc Lombard Studio. J&J is responsible for the design, engineering and tooling of this project, and two first prototypes were built by J&J. The two first yachts are being used for gathering market feedback in Croatian and BVI Caribbean waters.
Our office was proud and happy to be given the opportunity by Beneteau Group to work on this project. The Island Cruising Concept is a direct development of our conceptual, design and engineering efforts in the field of responsible boating (starting in 2009 with the Greenline 33 Hybrid, and with latest project being BMW/Tyde electric foiling yacht). We are happy to be able to state that (by far) the largest fleet of hybrid/electric boats sailing today was designed and engineered in our house.
Why ICC Matters
ICC matters because it is not just new styling placed over old thinking. It asks what boating is actually for, then designs from that answer.
This is close to the best J&J logic: start with use, add technical intelligence, remove unnecessary complication, and keep the boat enjoyable. Green boating will not succeed if it feels like punishment. Comfort will not succeed if it ignores energy use. A good concept must make both sides work together.
The ICC is therefore not about doing less. It is about wasting less while enjoying more.
ICC web page: