Date: 31 October 2011
When Research Frontiers' patented SPD-Smart light-control technology is used in yacht windows and other products, users can instantly and precisely control or "tune" the amount of light, glare and heat coming through their windows, while preserving their view. Use of SPD-SmartGlass also enhances security and privacy.
The Alpha has approximately 150 square feet of SPD DiamondSmart™ glass at various places throughout the vessel. The Cheoy Lee Alpha is the first large-scale production yacht to make such extensive use of SPD-SmartGlass. The main cabin is predominantly surrounded by SPD-SmartGlass with large SPD-SmartGlass panels on the port and starboard side to eliminate the need for interior window coverings, while also enhancing comfort and panoramic views from the yacht. In addition, the Alpha has two large curved SPD-SmartGlass skylights to bring daylighting onboard while controlling heat, light and glare without the need for shades. The SPD-SmartGlass onboard can be controlled by the boat's security system or by an Apple iPad. More information about the new Alpha yacht can be found at: http://www.cl-alpha.com.
The Alpha's development was a focused and collaborative effort among many talented strategic partners to create an avant-garde, elegant and technologically advanced production yacht offering many design elements and features new to this class of yachts. Michael Peters Yacht Design was selected to design a fast, contemporary yacht with global appeal, with unique, aggressive styling, a modern hull design, and state-of-the-art composite construction. Exterior features include alfresco dining, sunbeds, aft deck Jacuzzi, an extra-large swim platform, and one of the largest entertainment areas in its class.
Luiz de Basto Designs designed an interior that is practical and gives the feeling of a much larger yacht. The integration between the main salon and helm on one level, and the galley and dinette on a lower level, is unique in its openness.
Central to this feeling is the efficient use of glass and daylighting. Down below, the owner's stateroom assures full beam, natural light and wonderful views to the outside through the oversized windows. The choice of both traditional and modern innovative materials creates a calm and relaxed feeling for a modern and elegant ambiance. Panoramic windows, including the large hull side windows, coupled with a large, powered sunroof bathe the salon in natural light. In combination with the airy layout, this leaves occupants basking in the sensation of open space. This feeling is further enhanced by salon aft doors that disappear, allowing a total integration with the aft deck, and leaving a fully fitted cocktail bar as a central attraction.
Cheoy Lee Shipyards owner, B.Y. Lo, noted as the Alpha yacht was launched: "The Alpha is a very proud accomplishment for Cheoy Lee and our strategic partners. Product differentiation is especially important now, with customers demanding the best and expecting us to deliver it. The elegant design of this boat with its use of advanced technology throughout offers Cheoy Lee customers the utmost in comfort, luxury and functionality to enhance their yachting and living experience. Diamond Sea Glaze's use of SPD-SmartGlass technology from Research Frontiers is a strategic part of our new yacht's design in terms of preserving views, creating an open feeling, and enhancing the efficient use of daylighting while effectively controlling solar heat gain, all ultimately for the comfort and enjoyment of passengers. We plan to extend this use of SPD-SmartGlass to other Cheoy Lee models, and based upon the successful customer reaction to the Alpha, we have a second and third yacht currently being built."
Dave Bockhold, CEO of Diamond Sea Glaze, outlined some of the features of their SPD-SmartGlass product: "Since December when Diamond Sea Glaze announced our SPD-SmartGlass license from Research Frontiers, we have been working with our launch customer, Cheoy Lee, to develop the world's most advanced yacht glass for their latest production yacht line. SPD-SmartGlass technology has the extraordinary ability to quickly adjust its tint to any desired level, including very dark states that can exceed 99.5% light-blockage, with extremely high levels of full-time UV protection. SPD-SmartGlass technology is very well-suited for the marine environment. A typical yacht can use as many as five different types of fixed-tint glass to achieve privacy in the staterooms, preserving views in the living and dining rooms, and heat blockage in the pilot rooms and other areas. Up until now, naval architects and yacht designers were required to compromise performance in each area through use of conventional glass. However, with the introduction of SPD-SmartGlass technology, performance and aesthetics can be maximized."
Joseph M. Harary, President and CEO of Research Frontiers Inc., noted: "DSG and Cheoy Lee Shipyards join Daimler, Audi, HondaJet, Bombardier and other premium luxury product makers in their use of SPD-SmartGlass technology to offer their customers the highest performing dynamic glazing in the world. SPD-SmartGlass technology is in use in better homes, offices, cars, aircraft on the land and in the air. Now, SPD-SmartGlass technology is also being used on the seas with Cheoy Lee's introduction of SPD-SmartGlass on its newest Alpha yacht product line."
SPD-Smart technology offers the widest dynamic range of light-control. It also provides full-time protection from harmful UV radiation, as well as high levels of heat-control. This protects artwork, furnishings and interiors, as well as the passengers and crew of vessels. Also, because lighting conditions and reflected glare off of the water are constantly changing as boats move and change course, it is also important to have windows that can dynamically manage these changing conditions to maximize passenger comfort, control glare and preserve views. Only SPD-Smart technology can provide this "real-time" solution due to its ability to react instantly.
SPD-Smart light-control film technology transforms widely used products – windows, skylights, curtainwalls, partitions, sunroofs and more – into products that allow users to instantly and precisely control the light, glare and heat entering a building or vehicle. It is instantly tunable to an infinite number of light transmission states regardless of window size, and easily adapts to individual preferences using control devices ranging from basic dimmer switches and photosensors to those that are integrated into a building's or vehicle's intelligent control system. These unequalled performance characteristics help optimize energy savings and human comfort. SPD-Smart technology offers many other desired benefits such as increased security, noise reduction, protection from harmful ultraviolet light and the potential for aesthetically distinctive designs. Additional information about SPD-Smart windows and other products can be found at www.SmartGlass.com.
To see SPD-SmartGlass, the most advanced glass in the marine industry, in operation at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, from October 27-31, 2011 please visit the Diamond Sea Glaze/Advanced Marine Technologies booth (#438-440) and come on board the Cheoy Lee 76 Alpha Express yacht at the South end of the Bahia Mar F-Dock, Slip 3. SPD-SmartGlass operated via iPad by the latest automated control and security system can be seen at the Palladium Technologies exhibit at booth 702-704.
About Cheoy Lee Shipyards
Cheoy Lee Shipyards was established in 1870 and has built over 5,000 vessels and currently builds from 40' to over 200'. Today, Cheoy Lee builds Bravo, Global and Serenity Series motor yachts and commercial vessels including tugs, ferries, patrol, pilot, supply and standby vessels; each designed to the customer's individual needs and requirements. Further information about Cheoy Lee Shipyards can be found at: www.cheoylee.com.
About Diamond Sea-Glaze Manufacturing Ltd./Advanced Marine Technologies
Diamond Sea Glaze Manufacturing Ltd. (DSG), which is now part of the Advanced Marine Technologies Group of companies, has been a custom manufacturer of windows, doors, hatches and custom glass for over 30 years. The company's product innovations have focused on the marine and heavy equipment industries, with custom applications driven by customers' unique needs. Since its inception in the 1970's, DSG has been expanding its product range and manufacturing capacity to meet customer demands in multiple industries. Today, DSG's production facility totals 80,000ft² of manufacturing space. Known in the industry for its commitment to product quality and customer service, DSG's products are sold in North America, South America, Asia, Europe and throughout the world. Additional information about Diamond Sea Glaze and Advanced Marine Technologies and their products and customers can be found at: www.advancedmarinetechnologies.com
About Research Frontiers Inc.
Research Frontiers Inc. (Nasdaq:REFR) is the developer of SPD-Smart light-control technology which allows users to instantly, precisely and uniformly control the shading of glass or plastic, either manually or automatically. Having invested over $82 million to date to develop its technology, Research Frontiers currently holds approximately 500 patents and patent applications worldwide and has built an infrastructure of 39 licensed companies that collectively are capable of serving the growing global demand for smart glass products in automobiles, homes, buildings, aircraft and boats. For further information about SPD-Smart technology, Research Frontiers and its licensees, please visit www.SmartGlass.com or follow us on our Twitter and Facebook sites.
Note: From time to time Research Frontiers may issue forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. This press release contains forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ and are not guaranteed. Any forward-looking statements should be considered accordingly. "SPD-Smart" and "SPD-SmartGlass" are trademarks of Research Frontiers Inc. "DiamondSmart" is a trademark of Diamond Sea Glaze.
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