Tuesday, February 2, 2010

THE NECKER NYMPH



Via Luxist

You'd think Richard Branson might be busy conquering space but he's got plans to explore the sea as well. His Virgin Limited Edition has unveiled the Necker Nymph, a DeepFlight three-person aero submarine. The craft was built by Graham Hawkes, of Hawkes Ocean Technologies. The open cockpit winged sub is bit like an underwater airplane. Unlike conventional subs which use ballast to sink, the Necker Nymph (named after Branson's Necker Island) uses downward 'lift' perhaps a bit similar to the way an airplane uses its wings to sustain loft. The Nymph is available to those staying on Necker Island or chartering the 105-foot catamaran Necker Belle. Dives can last up to two hours. Guests will be trained/accompanied by a certified Necker Nymph pilot. It was was designed specifically for Necker Belle, but can also be launched from shore. When taking Necker Belle for 7-nights' exclusive hire, the sub is available at a weekly rate of $25,000.

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