Alisiu Belaontzia by Francisco Branco is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Burdinazko Saria A' Design Award in Yate eta Itsasontzi Diseinua Competition Category.

BurdinaYatea· 2026

Alisiu Belaontzia

by Francisco Branco

Client: Dice

Burdinazko Saria A' Design Award Winner in Yatea Category

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Verified Award Winner

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The Design

About Alisiu Belaontzia

Alisiu azterketa bat da, bizimodu berri bati buruzko dissertazio bat. Berotze globalaren etorrerarekin eta alternatiba berrien beharrizan gero eta handiagoarekin batera, bizigarri den espazioaren ulermen berri bat dator, aurrerapen teknologikoak ingurumenarekiko adiskidetsuak diren irtenbideen eragile nagusi gisa aurkezten dituena. Bizimodu jasangarria helburu, ondare nautikoa estetika garaikidearekin uztartzen du, erabiltzailearen, ontziaren eta ingurunearen arteko integrazio ezin hobea eskainiz. Eliseoko Haizeak bezala, dotoreziaz eta lasaitasunez egiten du.

The Recognition

About the Burdinazko Saria A' Design Award

Alisiu Belaontzia Burdinazko Saria A' Design Award irabazlea da, ondo diseinatutako sorkuntzetatik espero diren eskakizun profesional eta industrialak betetzen dituzten diseinu onei ematen zaien aitorpen prestijiotsua. Burdin-mailako irabazleek beren sortzaileen trebetasun handia, espezializazio handia, adituen ulermena eta sormen-gaitasuna erakusten dituzte. Alisiu Belaontzia oso estimatua, miretsia eta maitea den sorkuntza izatea espero da, praktikoa eta berritzailea dena. Burdinazko Saria A' Design Award irabazi duen diseinu honek sektoreko praktika onenak integratzen ditu eta know-how-ari eta talentuari lotutako ezaugarri tekniko gaituak ditu. Alisiu Belaontzia zehaztasunagatik errespetatua den lana da, eta mundua leku hobea egiten laguntzen duten bizi-kalitatearen hobekuntzak eskaintzeko diseinatua dagoena.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Alisiu is simplicity, its upper deck is intended to expose sailors to the elements and doing so with ease of movement, clean lines that allow for a much more functional use of space, especially the modular, multifunction area composing the upper deck. Its sails integrate photovoltaic cells that power the system in its entirety, this includes rechargeable hyper batteries, retractable hydrofoil and desalination systems, making it completely self sustainable. By integrating structural materials like, carbon composites and advanced laminated glass, it was made possible to open windows that run from stern to bow, allowing interiors to adopt a new open space typology.
Dimensions & Packaging: Loa - 131ft, Bmax - 23ft, Dmt - 15.5ft, Freeboard: 11ft Hull - Monohull, Dry Weight: 72,820 kg Rig - Single Masted Sloop, Main Sail - 450.m2, Jib - 350m2, Furling - In Haul, Keel - Retractable Pod Based Hydrofoil, Engine - Doen Water Jets Kompakt Series DJ85.
Tags: Eco-Friendly, Tech Savvy, Yacht Design, Modern Living, High-End Marine Design, High-End Engineering, Modern Craftsmanship, Sustainable Materials, Biopolymers,
Production Technology: True an iterative process of research development and application, involving a continuous curation of the most innovative ideas, a concept originated. Using advanced 3D CAD software that enables photoreal 3D environments in real time, the best possible correlation between concept, project and end result was ensured. Integrating advanced composite materials, with technologies like CNC machining, carbon laying and carbon 3D printing were considered, driving technological production advancements to enable new design and engineering solutions, wile modern craftsmanship was the given choice to bring life into details.
Design Challenge: Significant technical challenges were encountered, particularly in designing and engineering the frame that would ensure structural integrity between all main elements, carbon frame, hull, mast, and Keel, this stage was by far the most challenging, once taking into account two lateral windows, which effectively divide the whole structure in half. Also, conceptualizing the Portuguese nautical heritage proved most demanding, it required developing a new visual language capable of binding together the traditional Yacht and its contemporary, seamlessly integrating it in all aspects that compose Alisiu narrative.
Research: An adaptive methodology was employed, permitting research to remain responsive to social feedback as to newly discovered data. Aligned with user expectations, optimal solutions were shaped true direct enthusiasts insights, driving required decisions to meet real word requirements. AI analysis of industry related information, allowed for a more efficient parsing of emerging sustainable technologies, materials and market directions. Real time 3D model interaction and prototyping enabled iterative validation of project choices, with emphasis on innovative, eco friendly sail yacht design.
Inspiration: In the present era, our relation with our environment is undergoing considerable change, now more than ever, words like Sustainability, Privacy, Mobility, assume a much more center role in our every day lives, the growing necessary for peace of mind, for stability is the very reason why Alisiu came to be. Alisiu is a study, a reflection of its one epoch.
Project Duration: The project started in July 2022, finalized in March 2023 Torres Novas, Portugal, and exhibited on Behance, April 2023.
Operation Flow: Designed for simple interaction, either true integrated navigation or simply by using a tablet, mobile phone interface, users can effortlessly command the entire vessel. It converts from a stationary docked state into a sailing state or stationary counter current state, using the 360 degree rotary water jet, no anchor required. Its sails automatically deploy for optimal performance, making it more energy efficient, and remarkably stable. This intelligent design and smart automation allow for a much more enjoyable, elegant, sailing experience.
Patents: Copyrights belong to Francisco Augusto Ruivo, 2025.
Image Credits: Image #00: Concept Designer Francisco Augusto, 2022
Image #01: Concept Designer Francisco Augusto, 2022
Image #02: Concept Designer Francisco Augusto, 2022
Image #03: Concept Designer Francisco Augusto, 2022
Image #04: Concept Designer Francisco Augusto, 2022