Alisiu Galuega Autu: Va'a Folau by Francisco Branco

Alisiu Galuega Autu: Va'a Folau by Francisco Branco is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Uʻamea in Mamanu Va'a Taele Competition Category.

UʻameaVa'a Taele· 2026

Alisiu Galuega Autu: Va'a Folau

by Francisco Branco

Client: Dice

A' Design Award Uʻamea Winner in Va'a Taele Category

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Verified Award Winner

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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Alisiu Galuega Autu: Va'a Folau

Tusi: O Alisiu o se su'esu'ega, o se tautalaga i se olaga fou. Faatasi ai ma le oo mai o le vevela o le lalolagi ma le faateleina o le mana'omia o ni auala fou, e sau ai se malamalamaaga fou i avanoa e mafai ona nofoia, o se tasi lea e faaali mai ai le agaʻi i luma faʻatekonolosi o le mea autu e uunaʻia ai fofo faasaogauga o le siosiomaga. Faamoemoeina mo se olaga gafataulimaina, e tuufaatasia ai le measina o le sami ma foliga faaonaponei, e ofoina atu ai le tuufaatasiga leai se fesuiaiga i le va o le tagata faaaoga, le va'a, ma le siosiomaga. E pei o le Matagi Elysian, e faapena ona faatino ma le matagofie ma le filemu.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Uʻamea

O le A' Design Award Uʻamea na manumalo ai Alisiu Galuega Autu: Va'a Folau, o se faamaoniga mamalu e tuuina atu i mamanu lelei e faataunuu ai manaʻoga faapolofesa ma pisinisi e faamoemoeina mai galuega ua mamanuina lelei. O ē manumalo i le Uʻamea e faaalia ai le tomai tele, le faapitoa maualuga, le malamalama o tagata poto ma le mafai fatufatuaʻi o ē na faia. E faamoemoeina Alisiu Galuega Autu: Va'a Folau e avea ma mea ua matuā vivii, mataʻina ma pelepelea e aogā ma fou. O lenei mamanu na manumalo i le A' Design Award Uʻamea e tuufaatasia ai faiga sili o le pisinisi ma e iai uiga faatekonolosi mafai ua fesoʻotaʻi ma le poto ma le taleni. Ona o lona faatuatuaina, e tatau ai Alisiu Galuega Autu: Va'a Folau ona faaaloalogia ma ua mamanuina e tuuina mai ai faaleleiga o le olaga e fesoasoani e faia ai e le lalolagi se nofoaga e sili atu ona lelei.

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