Not-so-filthy rich
Low-emission luxury yachts are now possible with the latest technology
IN THE world of mega-yachts, with their multiple sun decks, staterooms, jacuzzis, saunas, cinemas and helicopter-landing pads, there might seem little room left for one-upmanship beyond fitting yet more gold-plated taps and a mini-submarine berth. But the modern fashion for greenness has enabled a number of designers to find something new, in the shape of vessels so clean and self-sufficient they might never need refuelling.
Despite the wind-powered image projected by the word, not all modern luxury yachts have sails and those that do rely on their engines during calm weather or when manoeuvring in harbour. Even a medium-sized luxury motor yacht can burn through several hundred litres of diesel an hour while it is at sea. And the generators needed to produce the electricity required by accommodation akin to a small five-star hotel gulp down many more. As John Pierpont Morgan, a financier who was keen on such craft, is said to have remarked, if you have to ask how much a large yacht costs you cannot afford one.
This article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline "Not-so-filthy rich"
From the April 30th 2011 edition
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