By LAWRENCE TAN

While hybrid cars are no longer a novelty thanks to an increasing number of automakers hopping on the eco-bandwagon with their own versions, the idea of hybrids has not had the same success or impact in the nautical arena.

Mochi Craft, a brand under famous luxury yacht maker Ferretti Group, aims to change this when it unveiled what the company claims as the world’s first hybrid yacht at the 48th Salone Nautico Internazaionale (otherwise known as the Genoa Boat Show), which kicked off over the weekend.

The hybrid yacht, called the Long Range 23, is a 75-foot three deck motor yacht which features a hybrid propulsion system developed by Ferretti’s Advanced Yacht Technology (AYT) division.

This system allows the owner to regulate the yacht’s emissions depending on the sailing requirements through a diesel-electric engine combination. This, in effect, makes zero emissions possible when the boat is running on battery power, and has already earned her a RINA Green Star certification.

In addition, Ferretti’s engineers from AYT has built a high-tech hull for the Long Range 23 that improves hydrodynamic efficiency, reduces roll, and improves static stability, which means the boat will stay moored even in locations subject to tides.

www.mochicraft.com