(CNN) – For the lucky ones who own a superyacht, the prospect of escaping to open waters and living in luxury remained a reality during the pandemic.
But boarding a multi-million dollar ship and taking a long voyage during such a chaotic period of the world does not come without complications.
After dealing with the issue of frequent changing travel restrictions and border closures, there is also the small issue of ensuring that your yacht remains Covid-19 free, especially if you are hiring new staff and / or guests along the way.
‘Protective layer’
ShadowCAT Haven will help yacht owners keep bubbles safe by Covid on board their ships.
Clint Jenkins photography
However, Australian marine design company Incat Crowther and the catamaran support vessel designers ShadowCAT have found a creative way to get around this obstacle. (Support or shadow vessels are smaller vessels used to carry crew, kit and supplies.)
The team, who previously envisioned Hodor, the largest ghost ship in the world, recently unveiled a new concept that is “a barrier between the main yacht and the outside world”.
Measuring 224 feet (68.2 meters), the multi-colored vessel can accommodate 52 people and is equipped with a hospital and laboratory, as well as thermal cameras designed to detect any signs of infection.
Haven, which has a catamaran configuration, will be equipped with air conditioning and circulation systems mixed with “nanotechnological surfaces” that destroy bacteria and viruses.
As soon as guests or staff arrive on board, they are taken to the vessel’s “coastal zone” and tested for infection. Those with a positive test are kept in quarantine.
Passengers who have received permission are moved to the “yacht side”, which is equipped with jet skis, a submarine and a diving center, while waiting to enter the “mothership”.
“All new crew and guests must pass through Haven for testing before boarding,” says an Incat Crowther statement.
“As a result, the mothership will not have direct contact with the coast. All reservations and transfers will be entirely managed by Haven.”
safe harbor
The vessel is divided into two zones and has a hospital and a laboratory on board.
Clint Jenkins photography
The very modern concept comes at a time when the demand for large yachts seems to be increasing.
Although this indicates a slight drop in the market compared to the 404 sold in 2019, sales started to rise at the end of the year.
“I think what happened was that the world got tired of being locked up and said it couldn’t go anywhere,” he told the UK’s Daily Telegraph.
“So, I suppose people who have money thought ‘now is as good a time as any to buy a boat because it is my own safe controlled environment’.
“You go from your home on your private jet to your boat – the perfect Covid arrangement.”
For those who choose a Haven, it will be at least one more step in this arrangement, albeit very expensive.