Project Tyrena was born of a desire by VPLP Design and the Italian design agency Micheletti and Partners “to pool their complementary expertise and offer an innovative alternative to traditional megayachts”, says Quentin Lucet. “We started from scratch, a blank page. We weren’t doing this as part of a competition or tender, so we had complete freedom. In our discussions with Micheletti and Partners we first asked ourselves what services could we provide to a client who wanted an exceptional yacht?” Very quickly the focus turned to catamarans because of their “stability and performance, and to avoid having to stack spaces like you do on a monohull.” The length of 76 metres was determined by the limits of building in aluminium, several shipyards being consulted on this particular question.

This initial premise left the field wide open for the designers to bring their specific skills to the table. “We met up with the Micheletti teams on several occasions,” says designer Yann Prummel. “They came to our Paris offices, and we went to visit their agency in Milan. We work with the same tools, and share a common approach to design. It was very exciting and spontaneous from the outset.” Initially, VPLP Design defined the main thrust of the project, drawing on 40 years’ experience in naval architecture and the tools developed in-house which, according to Quentin Lucet, “contributed a well thought-out and sustained architectural argument. Some might find the size impressive, but we have the tools and the methods. The key figures involving mass, structural weight and performance are the fruit of particularly precise and rational design work.”

Tyrena, like the Tyrrhenian Sea,
an intermediary

On this basis the Micheletti teams, who are accustomed to organizing very large spaces on land, took on the responsibility of developing the layout. “They brought with them a vision and considerable meticulousness regarding the general arrangement,” says Yann Prummel, to make this very long and low-lying catamaran (much lower in the water than many monohulls) an exceptional vessel for hosting 12 guests and 30 crew members. “The guiding principle was to eradicate the pyramidal effect that plagues megayachts to develop a vessel which integrates its surroundings.”

Installing two OceanWings wingsails, each 363 m2, at the centre of the boat significantly lightens its silhouette, creating an instantly recognizable deck line from stem to stern, and from every viewpoint. This hitherto unique arrangement was made possible by the usable depth of 8 metres and the considerable distance between the two hulls, whose profiles do not interfere with each other. “We are well aware of the power of these sails because they are the same size as the ones on Canopée,” says Quentin Lucet. “We expect a cruising speed of 12 knots in 17 knots of wind.”

At moorings, Tyrena offers unparalleled access to the sea from the stern thanks to its Venetian platform deck which occupies the available breadth of the vessel and can be lowered to sea level. There is also a very original private area forward. “It’s a space for sharing, located between the two hulls, and enjoys a terrace-like design that brings its occupants closer to the elements, while sheltering them from the sun and unwanted gazes,” says Yann Prummel, who also highlights the catamaran’s energy independence while at moorings. “It’s a venue for enjoying private moments, or perhaps even putting on a cultural event,” says Quentin Lucet. “Its design was inspired by ancient theatres which served to bring citizens together. ”

No doubt this extraordinary catamaran, which takes its name from the Tyrrhenian Sea, an intermediary of sorts, will be turning heads when it goes on show in Monaco.