Why? precisely, why!

[Twister_Ken]

"58m long, 38m wide, max speed ONLY 14 knots - WHY?"

Wetted surface area?

 

[robp]

I'm going to be controversial... I don't like it, I'm not sure many nautical folk will like it, BUT I can see a market for the concept... maybe not now but 20, 30, 50 years from now. As world population continues upwards, industrial pollution/accidents take out swathes of habitable land, sea level rising to take out idyllic islands for the rich (unless 'tropical islands' a la Dubai style continue), entrepreneurial rich folk from BRIC countries get ever richer... etc... this could well be the must have capital asset to be able to get away from the crowds (as someone mentioned above, capitalism taken to it's natural conclusion). Stick a veggie patch, solar panels, desalination plant and helipad onboard and never have to mingle with the plebs again I can see it happening, why restrict yourself to an overated pad in St Tropez when you can have 360 views and get someone to move it to another location when you're bored or follow the sun. Just my tuppence worth.

Kevin Costner is first in line...

 

[emsworthy]

WTF? more like!

 

[Genoa]

When I first saw a Wally 30 about 12 years ago, I thought it was horrible, not a real yacht. Now I would be a very very proud owner, now just the status symbol, but they are very very good boats, and what is percieved ugly 1 decade can become a classic in the next. I think, being controversial, it is lovely. It reminds me of alot of Asian hotels with the space and simplicity of lines. Having just seen Grand Blanc outside Yarmouth, with her 20m yacht, power boat and helecopter, this looks so elegant in comparison, and as others have said, it becomes your own private island, with no issues should global warming/ or cooling affect the water levels.
The only drawbck for me? I don't think the owner will be pleased when even the grimey old tankers go past as if he's standing still. I'd have thought a cat/tri hull design under, with foils could have got this upto 25-28knts?
I'm making friends with Kevin Costner - anyone got a number?

 

[Emjaytoo]

It's just a variation on a cruise ship - a lot smaller and far more exclusive! But in the same way as a cruise ship has little or nothing in common with yachting, this has nothing in common either.

For what it is, I think it is spectacular, but in the same way I wouldn't be seen dead on a cruise ship, I wouldn't be seen on that.

 

[Clyde_Wanderer]

Philip, I'd prefer the Hummingbird, at least I could sail it single handed!
Enjoyed last night.
Cheers, C_W