Aero 45: The Ultimate Luxury Pocket Yacht

Combining Innovation, Sustainability, and Speed

The Aero 45, designed by Alexis Fotilas, is a revolutionary pocket yacht that pushes the boundaries of design, innovation, and sustainability. Inspired by the classic lines and slender shape of a rigid inflatable boat (RIB), Fotilas and his team have transformed this vessel into a luxurious and efficient masterpiece.

One of the standout features of the Aero 45 is its unique construction. Unlike traditional RIBs made from plastic molds, the Aero 45 is constructed entirely from aluminum. This not only provides superior strength and lightness to the structure but also makes it environmentally friendly. The aluminum construction posed a challenge in terms of design, as it limited the possibilities for intricate detailing and complex curves. However, Fotilas and his team overcame this obstacle through extensive research and collaboration with welders to create a visually stunning and functional design.

The Aero 45 boasts an arrow-like shape that combines the round, delicate, and smooth tube shape with the aggressive corners of the alloy development. This design not only enhances the vessel's aesthetic appeal but also improves its seakeeping capabilities and efficiency. The patented hull technology converts wakes into forward movement, resulting in increased speed and fuel efficiency. In fact, the Aero 45 achieves unheard-of speeds for a vessel of its size with reasonable powertrains, thanks to the innovative hull design.

Another standout feature of the Aero 45 is its versatility. It features two toy garages, which house a stand-up jet ski for sporty exploration in water and a minibike for onshore adventures. This guarantees endless fun for the owners and their guests. Additionally, the vessel is equipped with a semi-transparent solar panel T-Top that partially covers its energy requirements when idle. This sustainable feature not only reduces the vessel's carbon footprint but also showcases Fotilas' commitment to environmentally friendly design.

The interior of the Aero 45 is designed with both privacy and comfort in mind. It can be managed by a single captain without any crew, thanks to its strategically positioned seat at the starboard side, which allows easy access from the helm to the bow and stern. The vessel is equipped with a joystick and bow thruster for precision handling. The interior cabin areas and amenities offer ample space for a family to stay onboard for two weeks without needing to call at any port. For those who prefer a crewed cruise, the Aero 45 provides a walk-around wet bar and dedicated crew accommodation, ensuring minimum interference with guests.

The Aero 45 project has been in development for over a decade, starting as a concept in Paris in 2008. Due to the global financial crisis, its realization was postponed until September 2019, when the design team was assembled and work began. The actual design implementation took just over two years of extreme coordination between the parties involved. Construction drawings are expected to be finished by October 2021, with the construction process estimated to take approximately 12 months.

The Aero 45 has already gained recognition in the design world, receiving the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in the Yacht and Marine Vessels category in 2022. This award is a testament to the vessel's well-designed, practical, and innovative features that meet professional and industrial requirements.

With its groundbreaking design, sustainable features, and exceptional performance, the Aero 45 sets a new standard for luxury pocket yachts. It is a testament to Alexis Fotilas' dedication to pushing the boundaries of design, innovation, and sustainability in the world of boating.