First Look: Eco-Friendly MODX 70

For any environmental project to really work, it is not enough to simply declare that it is environmentally friendly. Truly “green” technologies are hundreds and thousands of man-hours spent on creating new ideas, developments and approaches.

The MODX 70 is a model example of eco-friendliness in yachting. The result of more than 10 years of work, the new catamaran, created in collaboration with the legendary design bureau VPLP, has finally seen the light of day.

This article is adapted from the article "MODX first look: Dual inflated wingsails lift the catamaran market to new heights" from YachtingWorld.com.

The sudden appearance of MODX 70

We first wrote about MODX 70 back in in January last year. At that time, the catamaran looked more like a very ambitious project, but, objectively speaking, it was lost against the background of other concepts, which, as always, fill our yachting industry. However, unexpectedly, MODX returned just a little over a year later - with real photos and videos. That is, already built and ready for operation!

Several renowned companies worked on the creation of MODX, including:

• Océan Développement is the parent company;
• VPLP Design;
• Peirre Frutschi Design;
• Aeroforce.

Now let's talk in more detail about all the interesting features of the catamaran.

Sail system MODX 70

The heart of the MODX 70 is two retractable, telescopic carbon fiber masts, each carrying an inflatable, symmetrically profiled wing sail of 125 square meters each. The sails were developed by Aeroforce.

According to the company, inflatable sails provide 35% more power and speed than classic sails of the same area. What is characteristic, inflatable sails show themselves especially well on large catamarans and vessels.

The Aeroforce system offers what is called one-button control. All sail controls are located in the cockpit, and much of the system is automated, so even a small crew can operate the MODX 70.

MODX 70 Electric Motors and Batteries

The MODX is equipped with two electric motors with a capacity of 20 kW each. The motors operate on the power of the main battery, which has a capacity of 230 kWh. Thanks to this system, the MODX is capable of traveling at least 100 nautical miles under battery power alone - and this is without the help of sails.

The battery is charged by solar panels, the total area of which is 70 square meters. They are installed on the deck, as well as on the bimini. Additional electricity generation occurs due to the recuperation of the engine propellers. At a speed of 10 knots, the hydrogenerator is capable of producing up to 3 kW of additional power.

Minimizing the impact on nature not only during operation

Thus, Océan Développement pays special attention to minimizing its ecological footprint when building the hull and deck. The shipyard uses a mix of recycled and renewable materials: 38 percent bio-based epoxy resin and 40 percent recycled PET foam are used as the core material for the sandwich structures. Flax fibers and cork materials are also used for the laminates.

MODX will have three versions:

• Owner
• Charter
• Expeditionary

The expedition version will feature an additional "science area" on board. Each version will have a different layout for the crew and team. 

MODX 70 Specifications

New video on Interparus channel

🥰Well, without further ado, here's the latest review of this year's premiere, the Dufour 48! Hot off the press, we present a detailed opus about one of the most anticipated yachts of the 2024-2025 season. Enjoy watching!

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10.05.2025