On the Water

The concept of a floating island is not new, having first surfaced in Homer's Odyssey and with the first artificially-constructed floating island making an appearance in an 1895 novel by the father of science fiction, Frenchman Jules Verne. In recent times we've seen WallyIsland, The Streets of Monte Carlo and Tropical Island Paradise, but Project Utopia is both viable and strangely enticing - a 100m x 100m construct spanning 11 decks with the equivalent floorspace of a cruise liner. Read More

Of the various water toys for big boys that were unveiled at last week’s Cannes Boat Show, one of the more intriguing was the EXO, from French company EXOCONCEPT. Perhaps the best way of describing it would be to say that it’s like an electric Jet Ski, but the rider lies down on top of it in a prone position, instead of sitting on it. Read More

Sid Lee Architecture is the design firm behind the transformation of a 1950's steam ferry, currently named Bota Bota. The storied ship once operated as a ferryboat between Sorel and Berthier, Quebec during the 50's and 60's, followed by a stint as a Richelieu River show boat. The ship is now anchored at the Quays of the Old Port of Montreal and has been completely refurbished into a day spa, featuring five decks fitted with various spa installations. Read More

Maritime surveillance and monitoring systems that require remote power at sea often rely on diesel generators that need frequent maintenance and fuel replenishment. Now New Jersey-based wave energy company Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) has commenced sea trials of an autonomous wave energy device that provides clean energy for sea-based radar and communications systems in remote ocean locations and in all wave conditions. Read More

Provocative French designer Thierry Mugler's star has risen and fallen many times in thirty years of international prominence, though he seems to be back in vogue right now thanks to uber-fans Lady Gaga and Beyonce. For someone who has designed perfumes and fashion collections with a strong fetishist bent, he's certainly produced a remarkable effort in reimagining the 100 mph Spire powerboat with electric coupe roof. Not much information will be available on Mugler's design until the Monaco Yacht show next month, but it already represents some wonderful new and fresh thought on powerboat design. Read More

First of all ... yes, you’re right, there are already folding canoes. Those boats don’t necessarily pack up all that small, though, and typically weigh in the neighborhood of at least 18 kilograms (40 lbs). They’re portable, but you’d certainly notice that you were carrying one. Israeli designer Ori Levin, however, has created a one-of-a-kind folding canoe called the Adhoc, that tips (no pun intended) the scales at just 4.1 kilograms, or 9 pounds. Read More

Monaco-based yacht builder Wally has become the best known and most easily recognized luxury yacht brand in the short 17 years since its inception. Its yachts have won the Millennium Design Award, it is the only yacht builder to twice win the Compasso d’Oro and now the company's top-selling Wally Tender is to be replaced by the Wally One. According to Wally founder Luca Bassani Antivari, the EUR580,000 (US$825,000) Wally One offers more performance, technology and comfort with less overall length, consumption and cost. Read More

Owning one's own yacht must surely be one of man's greatest indulgences. The ability to take your own tailored environment anywhere you want. Yacht Island Design creates tailored environment like no other. Following on from its "Streets of Monaco" design is the "Tropical Island Paradise", a 90 metre island with a top speed of 15 knots. The main deck is a beach “cove” of cabanas surrounding a massive ocean view swimming pool, with a waterfall falling nearby from the volcano. A bar area, outdoor dining, there's a private spa and four VIP suites for friends, all with their own private balcony. Great image gallery. Read More

Joining the list of foldable products, Foldaboat is a flat-pack recreational boat suitable for flat water environments like canals and lakes. Designed by Arno Mathies & Max Frommeld, the 2.5-meter (8.2-foot) boat is made from a solitary piece of plastic, and after a few simple folds it packs nicely into a 150 x 60 cm (59 x 24 inch) parcel. Read More