Some superyachts aren’t suited to carrying a submarine. So, why choose? Sub manufacturer U-Boat Worx doesn’t see the need. In fact, the U-Boat Worx Nautilus is both in one, a 123-footer (37.5-meter) that can cruise and dive.
While it’s still a concept thus far, the project does have engineering ready, so it’s capable of construction. As a yacht, Nautilus is primarily an alfresco-enjoyment platform, much like any megayacht. For instance, the sundeck shows off a freshwater pool, along with a dining area and a bar. Accommodations for up to 10 people all sit below decks, in the submarine section, as do additional dining and lounging areas. The crew’s quarters for six are below, too, along with the galley and other work and stowage areas. Equally notable, an electric tender can stow below and aft, itself a submersible, too, for taking five divers to a spot to explore.
Naturally, U-Boat Worx will work with clients to customize the layouts. The one caveat: The sub part extends 21 feet (6.5 meters) below the surface, requiring a deep-draft dock and equally deep cruising regions.
Regardless, when the owners want to switch to life below the surface, the sundeck retracts, and the sub operations take over. A handful of round windows nearly 13 feet (4 meters) in diameter provide extraordinary views of fish, reefs, and more. While the windows are adjacent to the main dining area and forward lounge, anyone in the open-plan area can enjoy the sights due to the sizable glass.
U-Boat Worx has partnered with Officina Armare to give customers an idea of what the ambience can be like. Having the forward lounge up a few steps from the main lounge, dining area, and bar provides guests with different areas to gather together or to enjoy quiet privacy. Staterooms, meanwhile, benefit from the big windows as much as customary creature comforts. Further rooms onboard include a gym.
With diesel-electric power, the U-Boat Worx Nautilus superyacht/sub can dive to 656 feet (200 meters). It also can stay underwater up to four days, depending on how often it’s moving. When it does move, though, its below-surface cruise speed is 4 knots. Related to this, it can remain submerged for six hours when running continuously at that cruise speed. As a yacht, meanwhile, Nautilus can cruise at 9 knots and cover about 3,200 nautical miles.
Starting price: €25 million (about $27.4 million at press time), with Moravia Yachting as the central sales agent on behalf of U-Boat Worx. Delivery can take place two and a half years after contract signing.
Moravia Yachting moraviayachting.mc
Officina Armare officinaarmare.com
U-Boat Worx uboatworx.com
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