A New Era at Sea
The world of luxury yachting is preparing for a transformation, as the Aqua daysailer makes its highly anticipated debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Monaco Yacht Show later this month. Measuring 60 feet in length, Aqua is already recognized as one of the most forward-looking vessels in its class. She represents the combined expertise of Novem Nautical Design, Wisamo, and JFA Yachts, three French innovators whose collaboration underscores the nation’s longstanding mastery of maritime excellence.
Aqua is not simply another entry into the crowded field of luxury yachts. She is a showcase of how technology, design, and environmental responsibility can intersect to create a vessel that speaks to both performance and prestige. The project was envisioned not as a passing experiment, but as a robust and enduring solution that reflects the future of sailing. For connoisseurs, the vessel embodies the balance between cutting-edge engineering and the timeless romance of the sea.
By bringing Michelin into the fold through its Wisamo sail technology, Aqua positions itself as more than a yacht. It becomes a manifesto for sustainable innovation within the luxury sphere. Michelin, renowned not only for its pioneering tire solutions but also for its global authority in fine dining, now extends its reach to the ocean. This cross-disciplinary contribution elevates Aqua beyond a leisure craft into a cultural statement, one that sets a new standard for eco-conscious luxury.
Elegance Meets Sustainability
Sailing has always been celebrated as a harmony between wind, water, and human ambition. Yet the modern reality of environmental responsibility demands more than tradition can offer. Aqua addresses this imperative by presenting a vessel that is both elegant and ecologically mindful. With her carbon epoxy hull and refined deep appendages, she combines strength with weight reduction, achieving a design that minimizes environmental impact while maximizing performance.
Her exterior lines are purposeful and striking, reflecting a futurist aesthetic that avoids ornamentation in favor of simplicity. Wide, open decks encourage seamless movement, offering a freedom of circulation that enhances the experience of life on board. This minimalism is not austerity but beauty distilled into its purest form, reminding us that restraint can often be the greatest luxury.
Aqua’s essence lies in her duality. She is at once an instrument of high performance and a vessel of quiet grace. For the modern collector or yachtsman, she demonstrates that sustainability need not sacrifice allure. Instead, the pairing of cutting-edge materials with forward-looking design creates a yacht that is as considerate of the planet as it is indulgent to her guests.
The Wingsail Advantage
At the heart of Aqua’s innovation lies Michelin’s Wisamo wind propulsion system. This inflatable textile wingsail, mounted on a self-supporting telescopic mast, represents a radical leap forward in yachting technology. Fully automated, it controls hoist, trim, reef, and stow without demanding the traditional labor of sailing, bringing unprecedented ease to both seasoned sailors and newcomers alike.
The true marvel of the system is its ability to vanish completely when not in use. Retracting into the deck, the mast and sail disappear from view, leaving behind a pristine and unobstructed expanse. Free from ropes, wires, and clutter, the yacht’s exterior becomes an open stage for entertainment and relaxation. This seamless integration of innovation into lifestyle defines the difference between a technical solution and a luxury experience.
Inside, Aqua continues to impress with an interior designed for both refinement and comfort. Accommodations for six guests, a salon for eight, and a fully equipped galley ensure that her ecological commitment does not compromise indulgence. Instead, her spaces are curated with the same philosophy that guides her engineering: efficiency, elegance, and effortless living. The Wisamo system is not simply a technological triumph but a gateway to a new understanding of luxury at sea.