Built on spec by Wider Yachts, now owned by a Hong Kong based corporation, Project Cecilia, is available for sale at 30 million Euros and is scheduled to be launched in the Spring of 2018 with final delivery in time for the summer.
With the scheduled launch approaching fast, emphasis has been focused on the installation and testing of the technical systems to ensure that the commissioning time after the yacht is splashed is kept to a minimum.
Much has been learned from the sistership Bartali delivered to her owner in June of last year
Constructed entirely in aluminium, the WIDER 165 was created by the in-house design team in collaboration with Italian yacht designer Fulvio De Simoni.
Designed to accommodate the owner’s long wish-list of toys, both inside and out, the yacht will satisfy the desires of the most adventurous, with helipad included.
The interior layout, designed by IdeaeItalia in conjunction with the owner’s architect, is packed with more stand out features including a generous study with terrace on the port side, private gym with terrace on the starboard side, a sauna room as well as a spacious and light owner’s cabin and ensuite bathroom.
On the foredeck, the helicopter-landing pad, and circular seating areas set into the superstructure, forward of a large Jacuzzi tub, offer a versatile space that will double as generous dance floor for fun evenings afloat.
The beating heart of the project is its diesel electric propulsion system combined with a 544kWh Lithium polymer battery bank and Azimuthal pods, which guarantees hugely reduced fuel consumption.
Four inline variable speed diesel generators, controlled by a power management system and the latest battery technology, serve the hotel and propulsion requirements of the vessel.
The traditional engine room has been replaced by a Power Generator Room, located in the bow.
This leaves the mid ship of the vessel free for larger, more comfortable guest cabins located in the most stable part of the yacht. This arrangement is only possible because of the use of Azimuthal pods, which receive power through an electric cable unlike traditional propulsion systems which have shafts.
In addition to space gains, this combination of Diesel Electric combined with Lithium polymer battery banks and Azimuthal pods affords significant advantages compared to conventional shaft-line propulsion. These include:
- increased reliability
- fuel efficiency
- greater range
- shallow draft
- lower noise and vibration
- reduced maintenance
- greater flexibility
The propulsion system is also completely modular, meaning the WIDER 165 can cruise using only the battery packs, in ZEM (Zero Emission Mode), or with up to four inline diesel generators. When fully charged, the battery power is sufficient to power all of the hotel services, including air conditioning, for an overnight stay at anchor or while enjoying the beach in complete silence, with no engines running.
A range of 3,100nm is expected at a cruising speed of 12.5kn, increasing to 5,400nm at the ecological speed of 10 knots. The yacht has a maximum speed of 14.1 knots. Also available at Zero Emission Speed, the WIDER 165 can run solely on batteries for silent cruising at lower speeds (5 knots), or for short movements, avoiding the need to start generators to move anchorages or for early starts.
Onboard power sources are controlled by a power management system, a smart and fully integrated system which controls the power supplied by the shore connection, the gen-sets and the battery packs, distributing it between the hotel requirements, the propulsion system and the recharging of batteries, as required.
The yacht’s design focuses on minimising fuel consumption and emissions while maximising onboard living space, without underestimating the importance of easy maintenance.
The entire construction of the yacht is in aluminium, a noble, durable metal that, being particularly lightweight, makes it possible to increase the performance/consumption ratio of the yacht and hence achieve a considerable reduction in emissions.
Combined with the fact that aluminium is completely recyclable, this helps to reduce the vessel’s footprint on the environment. Aluminium also provides greater freedom during construction as it increases the opportunity for customisation, yet considerably shortens production times.
The choice of materials used onboard are primarily deep sanded oak, roman travertine stone, premium quality leathers and Italian white marbles. These have been elegantly combined to give a contemporary styled interior with a distinct Italian flair. Among the many unique features on board the WIDER 165 are the owner’s private terrace overlooking the sea, which opens off the full-beam master cabin. The sizeable guest quarters comprise four en-suite cabins on the lower deck.
The crew of 11, are divided among five cabins on the lower deck and a sizeable cabin for the captain next to the wheelhouse. An ample crew mess complies with the latest standards (LY3) for crew. A central corridor gives direct access to the engine room, located at the furthest point from the guest accommodation.