The new Zattera 24m that is began with an idea from Renzo Piano and Olav Selvaag. Nauta Design and Francesco Rogantin gave shape to that idea, and Siemens Energy created its propulsion system. Inspired by the dream of living life at sea in spiritual silence and harmony with the natural environment, Zattera, meaning raft in Italian, is more a means for enjoying life at sea than a yacht. Built from sustainable yet durable wood, its design is pared down and modern with clean and straightforward hull lines. The boat is currently under construction at Castagnola Yacht in Lavagna, Italy.
The idea behind Zattera is following the sound of the sea, sailing slowly: the dimension of serenity and peace at sea. The idea initially came from Renzo Piano and Olav Selvaag, Nauta Design and Francesco Rogantin gave shape, and Siemens Energy created its propulsion system. Purity and simplicity are the words that best define Zattera’s inspiration. These are achieved through a design that features a raft-like low freeboard and wide beam.
Fundamental aspects of the project were increasing serenity to the maximum and reducing noise pollution to a minimum. Zattera is relatively lightweight with a displacement hull that can navigate at up to 12 knots with a 10,5-knot cruising speed. Siemens Energy’s hybrid propulsion system was fundamental in reducing emissions, and careful attention was dedicated to eliminating vibration and sound pollution in the surrounding environment. Zattera has lithium-ion batteries and can navigate in silent mode under electric power only.
The propulsion system and the craft’s hotel functions run on two180 kW variable RPM diesel generators and a 95kWh battery pack connected to a 700 Volt continuous distribution system. The diesel generators were purpose-developed by Mase Generators for Siemens Energy with Volvo Penta D4-300 motors using variable speed technology with permanent magnet alternators to minimize consumption and emissions. Zattera has a traditional shaft drive run via twin 135kw permanent magnet motors that are directly connected to the shafts without inverters to increase the efficiency of the system and further reduce sound and vibration produced by rotation.
The generators are installed on a double anti-vibration pad, an unusual measure taken on this vessel and one that underlines its calling to reduce noise pollution. The same care and attention were dedicated to soundproofing the generators’ cases and the entire engine room. Even the underwater exhaust system is undergoing thorough soundproofing testing. Solar panels will also be mounted on Zattera to create a zero impact and no cost renewable energy source. These systems were purposely designed to allow Zattera significant autonomy while navigating and during use in hotel mode.
The Castagnola shipyard has constructed the hull, the deck and the superstructure in solid wood that has been treated with silica-infused epoxy resin for optimal adherence and marine-grade plywood. The unusual hull shape called for a keel beam and a counter keel in cold-molded iroko wood that get larger towards the bow. Given the particular form of the bow, all of the wood planking in that area is crafted using five different layers laid cross-grain to each other. All frames are in solid ash, while hull planks are in marine grade plywood. The deck is in lightweight marine grade okoune’, while the interior structural bulkheads are in wood lined with rubber and cork for insulation from vibration and sound.
The interior layout sees the owners and two guest cabins fore with the galley, crew area and the engine room aft, while the styling is understated, clean and simple while ceiling heights are generous throughout. The saloon in the lower deck is directly connected to the coachroof via symmetrical stairs. Natural light floods in from a large skylight placed at the center of the bar. The floor is at the same height as the waterline, so you feel as if you’re walking on water while inside the boat!
