The idea is obvious. When it gets too crowded or monotonous on the water, simply go deep below the surface and spend your time there. Christian Gumpold, designer and CEO of Migaloo Private Submersible Superyachts (PSY), appeals to a special type of owner with his hybrid of superyacht and submarine: "Adventurers, innovators and trendsetters," he explains, "career changers for whom motor and sailing yachts are not special enough."
Submarine with spa and cinema
His Migaloo M5 concept comes under the "passenger ship" category and would take up to 20 guests plus 32 to 40 crew members on a 165 metre long and 23 metre wide vessel. They could stay there for four weeks and enjoy everything from cinema to spa that makes everyday life on superyachts so pleasant. Two 17-metre-long U-tenders are stored on board for shorter excursions in the surrounding area. Back in the fresh air, ordinary dinghies, the on-board helicopter, drones or a hot air balloon are used. The crew also organises ski trips or expeditions with overnight camping near land and in appropriate temperatures.
The double-walled hull is thick enough to withstand icy conditions or water pressure at a depth of 250 metres. The Migaloo M5 is intended to be diesel-electric, reach a maximum of 20 knots above water and twelve knots under water. The plans include an impressive range of around 8,000 nautical miles, even for mega yachts. This would make ocean crossings no problem.
Superyacht for financially flexible owners
According to Christian Gumpold, the Migaloo could become firmly established as a third type of yacht, guaranteeing maximum privacy, autonomy and security: "We can also organise the project as a private submersible fortress." A private fortress with a hospital for use in crisis areas. The roles and tasks for the realisation are clearly defined: The Austrians take care of the design in close dialogue with the owner or his representative, supervise the construction and take over the yacht management on request. The chosen shipyard or external engineers come into play for the construction.
The Migaloo M5 is an exciting endeavour - and not for clients who value a detailed schedule and a manageable budget. For Christian Gumpold, a project like the Migaloo M5 is something for owners who "define challenges as opportunities and experiences" and know "that this is a new type of ship that requires flexibility in terms of time and financial resources".
Uske Berndt
Editor News & Panorama
