NOVEM Nautical Design, WISAMO, Michelin's sail propulsion solution, and JFA YACHTS have teamed up to create an exceptional yacht, the result of a fully French collaboration. The AQUA concept is an innovative, high-performance, quiet and energy-efficient yacht. Through the WISAMO project, Michelin is pursuing its development, working alongside yachting players to accelerate the decarbonization of the maritime industry.

AQUA - a pioneering, elegant and environmentally friendly yacht 

The AQUA yacht project is a 60-foot Daysailer*, designed by NOVEM Nautical Design. Accessible to all, from experienced sailors to motor cruising aficionados, it is built by JFA YACHTS and boasts an epoxy carbon hull with long, deep appendages. This project with its futuristic design seeks to push the boundaries of minimalism.It is being built by JFA Yachts, at their shipyard in Concarneau.

An innovative and high-performance yacht 

NOVEM has designed this yacht with a wide space, ensuring easy movement on-board. With an unencumbered deck layout, the WISAMO solution retracts thanks to its telescopic, self-supporting mast, thereby revolutionizing the deck by eliminating the ropes and shrouds of a traditional rigging system and providing AQUA with an extremely spacious, open exterior area, which becomes the yacht’s main living space. 

The 60-foot Dayboat features a comfortable interior, perfect for long stays on board, including overnight. AQUA can host up to 6 guests, for getting together with family or friends for adventures at sea. The fully equipped galley complements a lounge designed for 8 guests.

Automated and sustainable sailing 

Thanks to Michelin’s WISAMO wind propulsion system, developed to automatically adjust according to the direction followed and wind force, there is no need to be an expert in maneuvers. The heel can also be stabilized to make sailing more comfortable. By incorporating these technologies, AQUA offers sustainable sailing experience, while maintaining a sleek and efficient design. AQUA is also able to access protected zones, without polluting or disturbing the marine ecosystem.

By entering the yachting sector, Michelin’s WISAMO solution, intended to contribute to the decarbonization of maritime transport, is expanding its offer. Highly efficient for recreational boating, it delivers a smooth and safe sailing experience for all, even for those who are traditionally motor users. This yacht will also be fitted with a secondary electric propulsion system to make it easier to approach port and for sailing on windless days. In its quest for minimalism, NOVEM designed AQUA to produce energy thanks to a hydro generator. This extremely innovative approach is compliant with environmentally-friendly practices. 

AQUA will be unveiled at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025, from September 9-14, and at the Monaco Yacht Show 2025, from September 24-27. These 2 major events will mark the project’s launch and will provide further insights into this exceptional yacht.

A technology proven by Michelin

The innovative WISAMO technology has been tried and tested by the Michelin Group, in all weathers and conditions, in particular in the Bay of Biscay during winter conditions. Initially intended for professional and commercial vessels, the WISAMO wingsail also has other uses, and is ideally suited to recreational sailing. The WISAMO wingsail, combined with JFA YACHT’s lightweight construction, makes it possible to design a yacht that is more environmentally-friendly and less resource-intensive.

“The WISAMO wingsail adapts to all types of boats and uses wind energy to propel them. It is very simple to use: you have nothing to do apart from start the system and keep course”, explains Michel Desjoyeaux, French yachtsman, two-time winner of the Vendée Globe and technical consultant for WISAMO.