Yachts and motor boats have been gathering mixed reviews in recent years by the press, particularly from an environmental standpoint. While they’re arguably more eco-friendly than cruise liners, officials claim that “as much as 25 per cent of total hydrocarbon fuel and lubricating oil goes out the tailpipe,” according to a report by Environment Canada. But the latest Mochi Craft by Ferretti – unveiled at the 48th Salone Nautico Internazionale in Genoa last October – is about to change all this. Hailed as both a design-led and eco-led marvel, Mochi’s Long Range 23 may well lead the pack to a friendlier, greener seafaring future.
To begin with, the 23-meter-long craft has been touted as the first of its size to obtain the RINA Green Star Clean Energy and Clean Propulsion certification, considered the top certification standard in the arena of pleasure crafts. This is mainly due to a Zero Emission Mode hybrid propulsion system developed by Ferretti’s Advanced Yacht Technology. The system can be managed in five different ways controlled through a touch screen, using a cutting-edge combination of power components such as diesel, inverter, batteries, generator and on-shore electric. Sailing in a protected environment, for instance, allows the skipper to switch to zero-emissions mode, driven by two 70 kW electric motors that are powered by lithium ion batteries.
The batteries are ideal for storing energy produced by the diesel engines, and can be also charged on shore by plugging them into the mains on land. In theory, this means that a trip between any of Lebanon’s marinas or the UAE’s emirates, for example, can be operated on electricity alone. Energy efficiency can even be realized on long cruises by recharging the batteries as you alternate between diesel and electricity. While cruising speed on the boat is said to be around 13.5 knots, the Mochi can achieve 16 knots with 800-horsepower MAN Common Rail engines – very handy if you’re trying to outrun your friends to the next Greek island.
On the outside, the Long Range 23 looks almost traditional in its lobster-boat design – albeit in a trendy-meets-retro way. Closer investigation reveals an undertaking with notable Italian design firm Studio Zuccon, one that has seriously taken into account the manoeuvrability and efficiency of the craft. Hidden in the craft’s rounded lines is Ferretti’s Fer.Wey or Wave Efficient Yacht trans-planing hull which virtually eliminates stern-down pull when speed increases. This has been combined with the anti-rolling gyro system and SteerCommand features seen in other Ferretti models to create the ultimate craft, along with the new propulsion system. In simple terms, what this all means to anyone commandeering the Mochi is that it’s ultra-comfortable and stable for all on board. One more technical design advantage worth mentioning is its ability to approach shallow areas of the sea easily – including the fashionable beach resorts with their jetties – as the propellers remain protected by the shape of the hull.
Even more avant-garde is the inside, resembling something out of an Italian home décor magazine. A surprisingly spacious cockpit opens on to the craft’s panoramic bridge that can fit up to eight people for dinner overlooking the horizon, while ample use of glass all around the main deck mixes the look of luxury with the highlife in novel ways. You can even open up the living area to the cockpit, creating a whopping 42-meters square of open space for the party of the century. Elements of teak and oak blend with quartz and leather to create a modern space, along with a hideaway LCD TV and other high-tech phenomena.
Perhaps the single most important design change over other crafts in the class of the Long Range 23 is the forward lounge with its sofas and modern deck chairs, occupying an area that has traditionally been reserved as a technical space.
The upper deck helm station – four full meters above sea level – provides an unparalleled view of sea and shore, and is choc full of high-tech equipment such as the NAVIOP monitoring system with a 15-inch touch screen display that allows control of the various cutting-edge control functions.
Noteworthy as well is the lower deck with its three to four cabins that feature a VIP cabin with a private bathroom. The deck itself boasts large windows on both sides, as well as a galley, laundry area and storage area. Lastly, a stairway to the flybridge with a second helm station that has its own dashboard, sun pad and two seats, represents the cherry on the cake.
The moral of the story is that you can now have your cake and eat it, meaning that small luxury yachts are no more an excuse for anyone to say that you don’t respect the environment. This compact beauty that’s oddly all space on the inside will certainly be the envy of every adventurer in the Arabian Gulf or Mediterranean, all while making its contribution to the planet with flying colours.
