MODX 70
The pioneering catamaran with inflatable sails is impressive across the board: it offers maximum comfort and enables completely emission-free sailing. We were able to see it for ourselves at the boat show in La Grande Motte.
If there was one boat at the International Multihull Show in La Grande Motte (April 23-29) that was not to be missed, it was the MODX 70. The new catamaran is sustainable through and through. It consists of 38 percent bio-based epoxy resin, 40 percent recycled PET foam, flax fibers and cork. It is also powered exclusively by renewable energies. There are no generators on board. The 21-metre-long MODX from the design company VPLP has already proven that the technology works with its participation in the boat show in the south of France. It sailed from the French Atlantic coast via Spain to the Mediterranean coast without using any fossil fuels. He covered a total of 2000 nautical miles using only wind energy and electric motors. In order to accomplish this feat without compromising on safety, the cat had to be big enough. Originally 50 feet was planned, but this became 60 and finally 70 in a subsequent design. The reasons for this are obvious: for the MODX to win its bet, it had to be extremely powerful under sail (or rather: under wing, but more on that in a moment), be able to accommodate a large battery pack and offer as much surface area as possible for solar cells. The long, narrow hulls with highly negative sterns ensure high average speeds of around 15 knots and generate sufficient power through the recuperation of the two controllable pitch propellers. The MODX 70 even reached speeds of 21 knots on the approach across Spain. Another striking feature is the truncated central hull. It not only creates additional deck area, but also provides space for the basic harness and even for a 3.40 meter long dinghy with motor – electric, of course! Below the deckhouse, the central hull forms a kind of gull wing, which noticeably improves comfort in rough conditions. At 30 tons, the weight remains within reasonable limits, but 4 tons could easily be saved on the next models. Just under 2 tons are accounted for by the battery pack with a total output of 230 kWh. There is space for this on the large catamaran as well as for the solar panels, which are installed on the deckhouse and the spacious Bimini roof, covering a total of 70 square meters. Two 40 kW electric motors guarantee the MODX 70 a range of 100 nautical miles. It therefore far surpasses the other electrically powered multihulls on the market.
Two automated, inflatable sails
Two strange-looking composite cradles sit on the deckhouse. Each one houses an inflatable wing on a motorized telescopic mast. They are operated at the touch of a button from the control console at the front end of the deckhouse. Jean Guyon, the managing director of Aeroforce (see box), extends the two sails, each measuring 125 square meters, and trims them according to the wind force. When fully extended, they reach a height of 23 meters. As we found out, the flaps on the NACA profiles make them significantly more efficient than conventional sails. The wings of the MODX 70 are not only more powerful, they are also fully automated. The Aeroforce system controls all maneuvers such as setting, recovering, reefing and trimming the wings and flaps independently. During the test drive, we were able to jibe without setting foot on deck. A connectivity module displays all parameters on a screen and transmits the data for remote maintenance. Anyone who now thinks that the futuristic catamaran focuses exclusively on performance and neglects comfort is completely wrong. The MODX 70 is anything but a spartan prototype. The huge aft cockpit with its countless seating and lounging areas exemplifies the luxury on board. The saloon, galley and living area benefit from the enormous amount of space offered by the wide deckhouse, which uses the full width up to the side walls of the hulls. Due to the narrow hulls, the cabins are more compact. They correspond to the standard of a 45-foot catamaran. Last but not least, the remarkably high-quality workmanship for a prototype deserves special mention. The MODX 70 is definitely a success – and a clear statement to the cruising yacht industry.
Aeroforce sails
Innovative and ready for use
The MODX team is convinced that the inflatable wingsails can be used on all types of boats, from cruising yachts to transport vessels and fishing boats. In order to promote this future-oriented solution, the company Aeroforce was founded for the further development and marketing of the inflatable wingsails. Interested boat manufacturers can therefore also equip themselves with Aeroforce sails.
Manufacturer: Océan Développement
Designer: VPLP
Length: 21,33 m
Width: 10.00 m
Draught: 2.00 m
Clearance height: 4.60/23.00 m
Displacement: 23 tons
Downwind sail: 2 x 125 m2
Motorization: 2 x 40 kW
Fresh water: 1200 l + recovery