KAZE: Philippe Briand Unveils 60-metre Ketch Concept

Philippe Briand’s name is synonymous with sailing yacht design. While the acclaimed naval architect and designer has also founded a revolutionary range of motor yachts under the Vitruvius Yachts brand, his own brand name still resonates with the purity of sail design.  

Briand’s latest sailing concept, KAZE, reflects the designer’s belief in focusing on the lifestyle of yachts. The 60m sailing yacht shares a sail area between two masts, but is also capable of passing beneath the Bridge of the Americas on the Panama Canal.

“There are so many good reasons to choose ketch rig over that of a towering sloop,” explains Briand. “While we can design and engineer large sloops to cope with massive rig loads, they still make unwieldy and intimidating boats to sail.

“Where’s the pleasure, the joy, the accessibility? If you want a yacht to be comfortable for living and sailing, it makes sense to start from a ketch design, for a 499 GT.”

KAZE is the product of two key design principles observed by Briand. The first and most important has been to create incredibly proportioned living spaces that provide the owner with everything they would expect to find in a private residence ashore. The expansive guest spaces onboard this 499GT yacht will help to deliver a spectacular lifestyle experience.

“The wider aft beam of the hull not only provides stability, but also allows for an exceptional size for the beach club,” continues Briand. “In fact, it is comparable to many motor yachts, providing a truly luxurious experience on board.

“The bulwarks aft drop down to form wide terraces, while a huge platform hidden in the transform extends down to the waterline. Steps integrated into the platform’s hydraulic mechanism help to transform these extra spaces into a rich playground at the water’s edge.”

The second key principle has been to create an efficient hull design. KAZE’s slender hull form enables her to sail well in even light winds, meaning that she will rarely need to rely on motor propulsion. This principle will also benefit the lifestyle and comfort with reduced noise and smells from the running of an engine.

Additionally, KAZE will generate its own renewable electricity while under sail with water moving past the hull rotating the propeller. This will silently turn an alternator installed in line with the propshaft, and is capable of pumping out dozens of kilowatts day and night. The yacht intends to be self-sufficient in energy terms under sail.

“My yacht design philosophy combines innovative engineering, sleek lines, minimalism, and performance-oriented luxury,” says Briand. “KAZE will feature the latest in navigation and automation technologies as well as high-end finishes for optimal comfort onboard. It is this combination of modern tech and timeless principles which make a boat beautiful, practical and easy to handle.”

There has already been technical input into KAZE from a range of key experts, meaning this particular concept may be closer to reality. Southern Spars has advised on the specifications for the three rig options, which range from classic to high performance. Fracesca Muzio of FM Architettura has designed a timeless interior that blends perfectly with Briand’s exterior profile.

With reported interest from some of the world’s most prestigious shipyards as build partners, we hope to see this exciting concept take shape in the near future.