World’s First 3D-printed Yacht is Yet to Make an Appearance

Image Source: Jozeph Forakis Several businesses that cater to or create products for the rich are realizing that wealth should not be associated with excessive consumption. Sustainability is less cheesy and healthier for the environment. A new yacht idea is motivated by environmental concerns. According to CNN, the concept would not only be sustainable and eco-friendly, but it will also be 3D printed and "invisible." The yacht is known as the Pegasus. The 288-foot-long proposal was created by Jozeph Forakis and his design firm. He claims that the idea for the ship occurred to him one day when he was relaxing on a Greek beach. "I was motivated to design a boat that was as near to nature and the sea as possible, built of clouds floating above the waterline." "I wanted to appreciate nature by blending in and being almost invisible," he explained. Every component of the design is concerned with environmental friendliness and sustainability. And there are some excellent suggestions here. [caption id="attachment_126978" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Image Source: Jozeph Forekis[/caption] The Pegasus would be created using 3D printing, making it the world's first yacht to use the technology, according to Forakis. It will include a one-of-a-kind framework that integrates the hull with the superstructure. Forakis adds the Pegasus will be outfitted with solar panels around that superstructure. Solar panels power an onboard electrolyzer, which extracts hydrogen from saltwater and converts it into energy, which is then stored in onboard battery packs to power the vessel's systems. Within, there will be a pool club with a lap pool that doubles as a helipad when covered, fold-down balconies, and a beach club. The focus of the interior, however, is what Forakis refers to as "The Tree of Life." The "tree," a collection of live plants and vines that spans the yacht's four decks, is the focal point of an onboard hydroponic garden that will provide the ship with air purification and fresh veggies. [caption id="attachment_126985" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Image Source: Jozeph Forakis[/caption] While all those ideas are quite excellent, the issue with Pegasus stems from its "invisibility." The Pegusus will be made to appear "invisible." It will achieve this invisibility by deploying mirrored glass wings on either side of the vessel. This will be accentuated further by the ship's "silvery metallic" appearance. This is an issue for several reasons. Reflective paint has the potential to be hazardous. Some boaters claim that any color other than white will absorb heat. Even worse, there are issues with glare at night or other boaters' surprise when they gaze at the horizon and see something that appears quite suspicious. The ship's construction is yet another issue. Forkais hopes to launch the ship in 2030, with a five to seven-year building timeline. It seems plausible until you understand Forkais' squad is still gripped by reality. They told CNN the ship was conceived using “science fact, not fiction” but “key technologies necessary to bring it to life will require “further evolution” in order to create it.” Until that critical technology takes whatever technical leap is required to build this thing, it will remain a twinkle in the eye of its designer and the multiple prospective purchasers Jozeph Forakis Design claims to have for the Pegasus.