Servo Yachts LLC offers revolutionary stabilised catamarans that eliminate the motion that typically causes passengers to become seasick. The company was founded by David Hall, also founder of Velodyne Lidar, where he invented the 3D lidar vision system that spawned the development of autonomous vehicles, lidar companies and advanced robotics.
The unique electric suspension system connects the yacht's superstructure to two dynamic hulls which adjust in real-time to the height and angle of the waves, keeping the deck in a level position and absorbing the roll, pitch and heave motions induced by the ocean. The design also causes less drag than on traditional yachts, resulting in a remarkably efficient vessel that is not only safe and comfortable, but faster in rough conditions.
According to the United States National Library of Medicine, one in three people are considered highly susceptible to motion sickness. However, almost everyone will become motion sick if exposed to intense movement. Servo Yachts' technology solves the problem of seasickness and significantly improves the sailing experience so that everyone can enjoy travelling on the ocean.
Shuttleworth Design has worked with Servo Yachts on the development of the technology for over ten years and a variety of solutions, mechanical arrangements, and physical prototypes ranging from 17-45 ft in length have been explored and tested.
Like David Hall's 3D vision invention, the suspension system adjusts to feedback received in real-time based on a computer-automated electro-pneumatic mechanical system. This technology is an active method and is much more effective than current passive marine stabilisation devices which take more time to react to the motion of the sea. The system requires very little power and no warm-up time or complex vacuum systems, making it the most immediate, effective and safe option.
As well as providing total stabilisation, the system also has the unique ability to sync the motion of the suspended deck with another moving target, for example, when docking alongside a larger ship or recovering a smaller vessel at sea.
Shuttleworth Design are proud to work with Servo Yachts to push the boundaries of marine technology and believe this innovation will revolutionise marine travel in the same impactful way Hall's lidar invention revolutionised vehicle transportation.
Martini 6.0 is a concept for a 45m high-speed catamaran with 4.8m of vertical travel in each hull and is the next generation of the series of smaller prototype vessels utilising a control arm suspension arrangement that have been developed and tested in San Francisco Bay.
Unlike the previous aluminium prototypes in the Martini series, the superstructure of Martini 6.0 has been engineered for construction in lightweight carbon fibre and foam cores. To provide optimum efficiency at high-speed, propulsion is provided by twin waterjets mounted in each hull.
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The 51m Martini 7.0 catamaran, with 3.5m of vertical travel in each hull, incorporates an entirely different suspension arrangement to its predecessors. The two hulls are connected by four articulating scissor mechanisms positioned at each corner of the superstructure which maximises interior volume by spanning the full beam of the vessel.
The luxurious interior accommodates 10 guests and 11 crew, spaced over 4 levels. The main systems, engines, fuel, and anchoring equipment are housed in the hulls, making more space available in the suspended deck for accommodation. The layout is designed to optimise guest privacy and comfort with careful consideration given to the flow of passengers throughout the vessel, allowing the crew to operate the vessel and move independently between decks without entering the guest spaces.
External walkways around the enclosed flybridge helm station give the crew clear visibility for docking and manoeuvring. Aft of the helm station lies an outdoor gym and spacious sun lounging area.
The owner's suite encompasses the entire forward portion of the 4,600 sq ft upper deck and is complete with private office, bar and lounge. Spectacular forward views can be enjoyed in the bedroom through a large wraparound window which slides open leading to a spa pool surrounded by sun pads. The aft deck has a large entertaining area where up to 16 guests can enjoy alfresco dining with stunning views over the sea.
The main deck is home to four en-suite guest cabins, the dining room, gym and lounge. Sliding doors lead back to the 2,100 sq ft aft deck with a pool surrounded by day beds and bar.
The lower deck houses the crew accommodation, galley, stores, workshop, dive store, and a large garage with space for an array of water sports equipment including two jet skis and a 6.5m tender. When the suspended deck is lowered the garage becomes a wet dock, allowing the tender to drive into the back of the yacht unassisted by cranes or winches. The bathing platform can be lowered into the water for easy access to the sea when scuba diving and swimming.
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Together with Servo Yachts, Shuttleworth Design have helped develop and test working prototypes up to 45 ft in length. The first prototype, Martini 1.0, was launched by Servo Yachts in 2012. Subsequent iterations, Martini 1.5 and Martini 2.0, further advanced the concept and prototpying of new designs continues as the project progresses.
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Servo Yachts LLC was founded by David Hall, a serial entrepreneur and inventor with a 35-year history of successful businesses and inventions. Hall founded Velodyne Acoustics in 1984 with numerous patents and inventions that revolutionised the audio industry. After competing as one of the original entrants in the DARPA Grand Challenge, Hall invented 3D lidar technology in 2005 to give autonomous vehicles real-time 360 degree vision. Having transformed 3D lidar technology into the thriving company that is Velodyne Lidar, Hall turned to businesses based on his new inventions including the stabilization platform for Servo Yachts. Hall continues to work on developing innovative technologies that can address a wide range of challenges in the modern world.
Learn more at www.servo-yachts.com
Shuttleworth Design Ltd
Gurnard
Isle of Wight
PO31 8JU
UK
