The Bugatti-inspired Tender Leading a Hybrid Evolution
World-leading superyacht tender manufacturer, Vikal International, is no stranger to innovative and pioneering designs. The Australian company has a proud history of establishing new norms in the industry, and its latest Sea Limousine tender heralds in a new era of hybrid tenders.
When Director of Vikal International, Lynden Vikingur, spoke to Superyachts.com in November 2020, he underlined his intention to lead the company into an electric future. The release of a Bugatti-inspired 57 SEA Limousine Tender has fulfilled this ambition in quite some style.
This 12.5m tender, penned by renowned yacht designer Sam Sorgiovanni, pays homage to the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic, while her dramatic sweeping curves also draw inspiration from Bugatti’s Veyron and Chiron models. Most importantly, though, she has been designed with an electric hybrid sterndrive, the first step in fulfilling the company’s vision. The eco-friendly propulsion package reflects both Vikal’s commitment to advancing sustainable designs and the growing consciousness among yacht owners to embrace them.
“Over time, owners have developed an increasing awareness of the environmental footprint, as such, impact conscious designs are becoming more prevalent in the industry,” says Lynden Vikingur. “Along with the environmental benefits, electric tenders have additional bonuses for clients, such as drastic cabin noise reduction, reduced vibration, faster holeshot, smoother and higher torque & power delivery.
“As a company that prides itself on undertaking daring and innovative customer requests,” Lynden continues, “we are encouraging our staff and design teams to lead with this focus in mind. We hope to challenge the way we and the wider industry view tender specification and capability, along with the all-important impact we leave behind on the planet.”
In keeping with Vikal’s reputation for developing captivating bespoke designs to accompany some of the world’s finest superyachts, the 12.5m Vikal SEA Limousine provides something that will rival any mothership in terms of quality, performance, and detailing.
Lynden and his father, Vikal founder Gunnar Vikingur, both share a strong passion for cars, which they have been able to express in this truly unique take on a Limousine tender. As Lynden explains, Vikal has worked to translate iconic elements of Bugatti designs to this next-generation project.
“The 1930 art deco influences of the Bugatti-designed vehicles were the inspiration in shaping the 12.5m Vikal SEA Limousine. Her riveted roof spine recreated in carbon and the sweeping window and teak deck curves pay homage to the unique style of the Veyron and Chiron. Even the stainless-steel bow grille and transom air vents are auto inspired.
“Our tender design has often been influenced through a lens of, and appreciation for, automotive excellence. The SEA takes its cues from past beauty and an inspirational future, as a standout in design and style.”
The hybrid sterndrive that she will feature not only delivers an eco-conscious solution, but carries significant performance benefits for an owner, as it has done in the automotive world. “Electric-diesel hybrid marine propulsion,” explains Lynden, “is an excellent solution for range, power, and efficiency, whilst considering one’s environmental footprint. The technology is well established, reliable and modular in nature. Systems are also fully upgradable, as battery power density, rapidly improves over time.
“Torque delivery from digitally controlled electric motors is ferocious, with instant throttle response and full power avaialble from zero RPM. The superior delivery of power to the water increases safety, improves manoeuvrability at low speeds, allows quicker time on plane, and is simply better fun when driving a tender.”
The eye-watering list of renowned superyachts that Vikal has worked for includes Lurssen yachts Topaz and Octopus as well as the iconic Oceanco Barbara. What has always attracted owners to Vikal is the prospect of a tender that is intricately tailored to their own preferences and needs. For prospective buyers of the 12.5m electric Limousine, there is still plenty of room for customisation. “Any request a client makes will be considered and researched thoroughly to ensure Vikal delivers an end result that meets their needs and expectations,” assures Lynden Vikingur.
“We enjoy having rigorous discussions around new and exciting concepts which challenges us to build a truly custom tender, that sets our client and their vessel apart.”
The 12.5m Vikal SEA Limousine is a foray into the future of the superyacht tender market. This is a design that boasts timeless elegance that resonates just as much with the heritage of design as it does with the present and future.
