JFA YACHTS, NOVEM and WISAMO Michelin present a futuristic yacht concept at the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Monaco Yacht Show 2025

• A 100% French collaboration for an exceptional yacht.

• AQUA - a pioneering yacht that is elegant and environmentally compliant

• WISAMO, an innovative technology proven by Michelin, paving the way for more sustainable yachting

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.

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.

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.

Michelin’s WISAMO wingsail   WISAMO offers an innovative, pragmatic solution that adapts to all types of vessels to provide for today’s continually evolving maritime context. The concept consists of a telescopic, inflatable wingsail that harnesses the cost-free, predictable energy of the wind to propel ships. It includes an automated, intuitive control system, as well as a simplified interface that greatly reduces the shortcomings of vessel integration. Adaptable to a wide range of ships over 15 to 20 meters, Michelin’s WISAMO wingsail can be used either as a primary propulsion system or in a hybrid configuration; providing additional energy to supplement the engine.   WISAMO makes it possible to reduce fuel consumption through wind propulsion with its system based on three key components: - A fully retractable, self-supporting telescopic mast, allowing it to be deployed or stowed as required. - A durable, lightweight fabric envelope that is inflated at low pressure to form a symmetrical wingsail. - A fully automated control system that manages all sail functions (hoisting, lowering, adjusting, maneuvering, reefing and protective stowage according to environmental conditions) eliminating the need for additional crew workload.

About JFA YACHTS

For over 32 years, the know-how and expertise of JFA YACHTS has made it possible to build and renovate sailing and motor yachts from 18 to 55 m, based on a dual approach: technical efficiency and onboard comfort. The design offices work closely with architects, designers and of course, owners and their representatives. Monitoring technological developments in the super yacht industry enables JFA to propose the most suitable solutions to its clients’ sailing programs.

JFA Yachts was awarded the prestigious, “Company of Living Heritage” award and stands alongside the most celebrated French companies. Bestowed by the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, this recognition symbolizes unique French expertise, worldwide.

The demand for quality has forged the reputation, strength and longevity of JFA Yachts. While remaining at the service of its clients who sail worldwide, JFA Yachts has managed to retain a human-scale corporate culture.

About NOVEM Nautical Design

NOVEM Nautical Design specializes in high-end exterior and interior design, tailored specifically to the unique demands of life at sea. It develops original concepts for sailing and motor yachts, blending functionality, refinement and seaworthiness.

At NOVEM, innovation is a natural extension of the design process. Collaborating with shipyards, engineering teams and technology partners makes it possible to envision the future of life on the water. Through a collaborative network of naval architects, engineers, builders and craftspeople, NOVEM ensures that each design is both beautiful and buildable, from the first line to the final detail, according to a flexible, transparent process that is deeply rooted in respect and love for the marine environment.

About Michelin

Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world. Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies, and healthcare. The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 175 countries and employs 129,800 people.