UltraLuxum CXL

Project

‘...To travel is not enough. Throughout history man has endeavoured to combine style and technology to travel from A to B, quickly and in comfort. I set myself the challenge to push the boundaries even further in every aspect and now you can travel to the future with me in the ULTRALUXUM CXL...’

Jean-François Ruchonnet, Founding Partner of the ULTRALUXUM

ULTRALUXUM CXL is the most extreme fusion of architecture, design, comfort, performance, economy and technology ever created in a luxury sailing yacht. It challenges the forces of nature and the rules of engineering to race across the ocean without using a drop of oil and can cruise the most exclusive harbours powered only by renewable energy.

Ultra in this context means a 48 metre carbon-fibre trimaran designed and developed by the world’s leading naval architect combined with technology from Formula 1 motor racing to create a unique yacht with folding multihulls.

Completely automated to ensure ease of operation and provide the ultimate levels of comfort, ULTRALUXUM CXL harnesses the luxury and convenience of a motor yacht with the excitement and speed of multihulls.

The striking ‘avant-garde’ styling, minimum draft, extreme speed and manoeuvrability, stability under sail without the heeling of a monohull, smart use of energy and bespoke luxury interior are unique to each single craft.

The CXL has the power to seduce and delight everyone who sees, or sails in her.

ULTRALUXUM have brought together the world’s finest minds to create the ultimate sailing experience that will satisfy the desires of the most demanding yachtsmen.

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Introduction

‘...I had a dream of leaving my house in Monte Carlo, getting onto a yacht in the harbour and sailing with my family for New York to arrive in less than a week. I wanted to travel in the same style, comfort and speed as a motor yacht but without using thousands of gallons of fuel. And when I arrived, I saw myself driving my car off the yacht straight onto the road in the USA....’

‘....My dreams become obsessions. As soon as I can see them in my mind I have to find a way of bringing them to life.

‘...That’s how the ULTRALUXUM CXL began....’

Jean-François Ruchonnet, Founding Partner of the ULTRALUXUM

Concept

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The ULTRALUXUM CXL is the first sailing trimaran of this size ever to be built with folding hull beams. In open water she is 23 metres across, but in harbour configuration the outer hull beams fold in to a slender 11 metres. In just 2 minutes almost any mooring becomes accessible but when you’re back on the ocean with the hulls extended you will enjoy the benefits of a stable platform without the heeling of a monohull.

The CXL is a three-deck sloop-rigged trimaran writing new rules of yacht design and comfort. All of the features you would expect to find in a motor yacht come as standard but with the performance and sensation of a fast sailing yacht. She is capable of achieving exceptional speeds under power as well as high speed, long range cruising.

With comfort in mind her stability is such that at anchor there is little rolling, and when underway heeling has been kept to a minimum even in rough conditions because of the design of the trimaran’s long narrow hulls. The low draft allows anchoring and cruising close to the shore and in shallow waters.

The ULTRALUXUM CXL is 48 metres long with a deployed beam of 23 metres (stowed beam of 11 metres), a height of 60 metres at the top of the mast and has an overall weight of 150 tons. This is an outstanding yacht in every respect and one of the most refined and beautifully appointed sailing vessels ever constructed.

The CXL has been designed to be built and sail in harmony with nature and all of the energy used on board comes from renewable sources. The ULTRALUXUM CXL harnesses the latest Battery Management System (BMS) technology using state-of-the-art lithium/ ion batteries. Additional power is available from the optional hybrid propulsion system and ensures that the CXL is a flagship for low emissions in the industry. Each yacht will also be built in accordance with the requirements of ‘Wood Forever’ program under the patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco Fondation.

Design

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The ULTRALUXUM CXL concept was developed using the latest naval architectural research including tank testing and computer simulations. Extensive development at the cutting edge of hull design has shaped the form of the CXL and enables it to achieve such remarkable performance and sea seaworthiness.

The yacht’s structural calculations have been conducted using Finite Element Analysis to optimize weight/strength, maintaining the highest level of integral and at-sea safety.

The ULTRALUXUM team have brought together the latest thinking and expertise in design and testing simulation technology so that each vessel is mapped out and shares the same foundation but can then be customized to reveal how the completed yacht will look according to the owner’s wishes using:

  • 3D modeling
  • Naval architecture
  • Structural calculations
  • Interior design
  • Exterior styling
  • System engineering
  • Deck and sail plans

Construction

The CXL is constructed with high-tech composite materials for their light weight and strength. The construction process combines epoxy resin, carbon fibre and a polyurethane foam core. The folding carbon fibre hulls bond to the main hull with the two symmetrical external hulls in a single piece arrangement. All structural elements (bulkheads, frames, roof and floors) are integrated with the interior.

During construction, the vessel’s weight is constantly monitored and checked against the plan. Every single structural component is approved by laboratory testing.

The yacht is built inside a temperature controlled construction hall, in accordance with the strict Bureau Veritas (BV) quality control standard. Weight, quality of finish, density, resistance to ageing and ease of maintenance are all determining factors in the choice of materials and construction methods.

Exterior

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The stunning exterior styling of the CXL is the result of hydro & aerodynamic research to meet the demanding requirements of speed, performance, comfort, ergonomics, interior layout and safety. The exterior aft salon provides shaded lounging with unobstructed panoramic views and is separated from the large interior salon by a sliding door. The aft stairs in the hull lead to Lazarette compartments and down to the transom where the scuba diving equipment and other water sports equipment is stored. Access to the water is via a swim ladder.

Access to the fly bridge from the aft deck is via a comfortable stairway. The two helm stations and rigging equipment are located to port and starboard for ultimate control and ease of handling. The vast sunbathing area is located around the Jacuzzi, while amidships there is a dining area with a huge sofa where guests can dine with the most extraordinary view. All anchoring and running rigging has been integrated into the deck’s layout.

Interior

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The bright, contemporary interior created by Coste Design & Partners and ULTRALUXUM’s Jessica Sbaraglia matches the cutting-edge philosophy of the yacht.

The CXL interior accommodation and styling are designed and built to the highest standards of comfort and luxury using lightweight materials and state-of-the-art craftsmanship. The yacht is equipped with the latest automated controls and high-end entertainment systems including flat screen TV, audio and video on demand and high speed internet access.

Interior accommodation includes:

  • 1 master cabin + en-suite bathroom
  • 4 guest cabins + bathroom
  • 3 crew cabins + bathroom
  • 1 spa (optional, with 3 guest cabins)
  • 2 optional cabins with bathroom in the hull during anchoring and harbour configuration
  • 1 lounge area
  • 1 dining area
  • 1 galley
  • 1 navigation station

The layout is designed to make the boat usable for either commercial or private yacht use.