Yacht Design Includes “Sky Elevator”

U.S.-based Norwegian designer Kurt Strand has revealed a concept for a 161-m Viking-inspired sailing superyacht named Norway with a “sky elevator” hidden inside the middle mast and capable of whisking guests 340 ft above the water, BOAT International and others report. Norway features 96-m-high carbon fiber Falcon rig masts with 6000 m² of sails covered in flexible solar cell foil. The design takes inspiration from the “powerful square sails” of Viking ships. The push button sail handling reduces crew on board and allows all sails to be deployed and furled away in just six minutes. The yacht is also equipped with hydrogen power cells for use in light wind conditions with no sun. Norway also has a helipad forward with an elevator down to the hangar below and a large swimming pool on the aft deck. The yacht also includes a spa, gym, cinema and hospital alongside accommodation for a total of 24 guests in 12 cabins and 40 crew.