Hybrid megayachts for the eco-conscious

New York

IN the new arms race of conspicuous environmentalism, the wealthy have been building "green" mansions, driving hybrid supercars and buying carbon offsets for their private jets. But now the eco-conscious rich have reached a new high-water mark: the hybrid megayacht.

This spring, Dutch ship builder Feadship launched a 274-foot (83.5 metre) ship called Savannah. It has all the amenities of a typical megayacht - a 29-foot-long swimming pool, four guest rooms, a master suite and VIP stateroom, a gym, a garage for jet skis and accommodations for a crew of 26. It also has an underwater lounge with special glass for viewing underwater sea life and a giant screen that turns the room into a movie theatre.