Alisiu Zeiljacht by Francisco Branco is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award in IJzer in Jacht- en Scheepvaart Ontwerp Competition Category.

IJzerJacht· 2026

Alisiu Zeiljacht

by Francisco Branco

Client: Dice

A' Design Award in IJzer Winner in Jacht Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #176464

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Alisiu Zeiljacht

Alisiu is een studie, een verhandeling over een nieuwe levensstijl. Met de opkomst van de opwarming van de aarde en de groeiende noodzaak aan nieuwe alternatieven ontstaat een nieuw begrip van bewoonbare ruimte, een die technologische vooruitgang presenteert als de drijvende kracht achter milieuvriendelijke oplossingen. Ontworpen voor duurzaam leven versmelt het maritiem erfgoed met hedendaagse esthetiek en biedt het een naadloze integratie tussen gebruiker, vaartuig en omgeving. Net als de Elysische Wind doet het dat met elegantie en rust.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in IJzer

Alisiu Zeiljacht is winnaar van de A' Design Award in IJzer, een prestigieuze erkenning die wordt toegekend aan goede ontwerpen die voldoen aan de professionele en industriële eisen die worden verwacht van goed ontworpen creaties. Winnaars in IJzer tonen grote vaardigheid, hoge specialisatie, deskundig inzicht en het creatieve vermogen van hun makers. Alisiu Zeiljacht wordt verwacht een hooggewaardeerde, bewonderde en gekoesterde creatie te zijn die praktisch en innovatief is. Dit ontwerp dat de A' Design Award in IJzer heeft gewonnen, integreert de beste praktijken uit de sector en heeft bekwame technische kenmerken die verbonden zijn met knowhow en talent. Alisiu Zeiljacht wordt gerespecteerd om zijn grondigheid en is ontworpen om verbeteringen van de levenskwaliteit te bieden die helpen de wereld een betere plek te maken.

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