Carapace, the Super Yacht that turns into a submarine

Will the future of luxury yachting be sub-marine?

This is what the naval architect Elena Nappi and her research project has brought the spotlight on.

In an industry where going the extra mile is the only way of keeping an edge towards competition, we are used to yacht concept that go beyond reason and made to create a wow effect.

The idea of Nappi was to identify what could be missing today in an industry where most of the yachts owners desires are fulfilled. Caparace is an hybrid vessel that brings a new experience: living new emotions in a complete privacy. It takes its name from part of the exoskeleton present in some animals, and in the design is represented by a sun canopy arrangement forming the superstructure.

Nappi, who came up with the innovative concept after years of nautical experimentation research, says it represents a "new class of mega yachts," bringing together the cosiness of luxury yachts and the "privacy" of immersion navigation. She imagines that the most secretive meetings could be hold on the vessel which can submerges to a depth of 985 feet for up to 10 days at a time, offering amazing views of marine life.

It would hold three deck levels, with VIP cabins, a lounge, a spa, a bar and health club among the onboard amenities.

"The world of luxury submarines is one of the last frontiers in the field of experimentation, and perhaps the hybrid will be the language of the future," Nappi added.

"Very often yacht owners are looking for original solutions to be able to offer their friends and their family something special, and certainly that of a diving cruise of this type is something unprecedented in the super yacht market."

At present, the Carapace is still at a concept stage.

Source: CNN.com