Florida -based designer, Lukasz Opalinski, who hails originally from Poland, has created a new 393ft (120m) superyacht concept that he is calling Indah— meaning ‘beautiful one,’ a word that has origins in Indonesia. The design is intended to meet the growing demand of yachts over 100-meters in length.
In talking about his new design with Yachts International’s Editor-at Large, Jill Bobrow, Opalinski describes his concept this way,
“Yachting / boating to me as all about connection with the surrounding environment and being on Mother Nature’s doorstep. A vessel can take us to the most beautiful places in the world, but due to its structural limitations it keeps us confined within its shell with little access to the very nature we came to see and enjoy. The original concept of fold -down bulkheads was conceived to create more usable space at the water level so when anchored the guests can immerse themselves with surrounding waters, nature and wildlife at a much larger space than, just a relatively small swim platform. Space that can be used for all outdoor activities from sunbathing , through various water sports ,fishing, dining and many more.”
Indah utilizes a proven design template while at the same time pushing the boundaries in terms of technology and innovative features,” says Opalinski. “The design is an evolution of Project Magnitude that we designed for Oceanco in 2009. We noticed that after publishing our design, many varieties of balcony features were being implemented onboard much smaller vessels from 10 -20 meters. This was possible because the complexity and power required to operate fold-down bulkheads was much more attainable at that size. Now one does see them on yachts much larger in size, on 50-meter + yachts. While it is certainly possible to keep scaling this amazing feature to mega and giga yacht caliber, I decided to use a different method to deliver similar purpose, at the same time addressing other operational aspects of the vessel at this size.
I wanted to use existing components of the vessels and move them in such a way that they could become a natural extension of the swim platform. So I did…
Aboard, the 120m Indah, I conceived a brand new concept of ” Transformation Transom” Instead of using horizontal axes to rotate massive flaps—which require enormous hydraulics—I decided to use vertical axes instead and rotate the bulkheads outward to maintain their upright position at all times. What this does and it takes away the need to overcome massive forces of gravity as it is in case of lowering and lifting fold-down bulkheads.
Both port and starboard bulkheads rotating outwards suspended on two hinge brackets (similar to the large gate on the driveway), are integrated with two horizontal extension decks. When deploying the beach-club the two extension decks are simply being pulled outwards in rotational motion whilst resting their weight on the bearings allowing them to be rolled out supported in 3 critical spots at all times.
This configuration allows for seamless transition from closed shell vessel in cruise mode, into the fully deployed beach-club when anchored. The curved edge deck opens the space to the water and vistas allowing guests to be integrated into the environment on another level. Furthermore, when deployed, the uniquely designed openings, created by the rotating bulkheads allow for mooring the tenders and water toys, thus keeping them “out of sight”, but readily accessible when required. Once deployed the top surfaces of extension decks raise approximately 70mm, level with the swim platform unifying it into one massive surface. The entire system can be operated by using small electric motors at the very minimal power required.
All aspects of this feature are protected under International Utility Patent Law. Application no. P435916. We are currently offering licensing to builders and designers to implement this feature on board their yachts. (Opacmare central stepped platform allows for water access Opacmare platform is a separate product and NOT included in our patent).
At Opalinski Design House we are committed to a sustainable future for our planet including our oceans. While proposed propulsion system includes proven diesel- electric power plant, we are always motivated to implement the latest technology related to renewable energy with inclusion of hydrogen, solar generating surface coatings, hidden vertical wind turbines and other available cutting edge equipment.”
– Lukasz Opalinski
Indah Specs
Exterior Design: Opalinski Design House
Interior Design: Opalinski Design House
Naval Architect: TBA
Builder: TBA
LOA: 120 meters
Beam: 20 meters
Cabins: 12
Crew: 32
Power: 4 x MTU16V
Drive: Rolls-Royce Pods
Hull construction: Steel
Superstructure: Aluminum
Gross tonnage: 5.500 ton
Maximum speed: 24 knots
Range: 7,000 Nm
Classification: Lloyds Register
Fuel capacity: TBA
Stabilizers: Rolls-Royce retractable
