“The sailing yacht is powered entirely by renewable sources, combining wind, solar and hydro-generated energy. “

Vitters Shipyard has announced the launch of the 68.91-metre zero-emissions sailing yacht Zero in Harlingen, the Netherlands.

Prior to her launch in Harlingen, Zero was first revealed on 6 July as she emerged from the construction hall at Vitters Shipyard in Zwartsluis, the Netherlands. She was subsequently transported by barge to Harlingen, where her technical launch and the stepping of her Panamax-height masts took place.

Developed as a proof-of-concept project, the yacht has been designed as the world’s first sailing yacht to operate completely without fossil fuels, marking a substantial step towards emission-free yachting.

According to the Dutch yard, the launch marks the culmination of seven years of conceptual development, extensive research, detailed engineering and construction. The project originated as a concept in 2019 through a collaboration between Vripack, responsible for the yacht’s exterior and interior design, while Dykstra Naval Architects, developed the hull form, sail plan and thruster system.

“For years, Zero has existed as a vision, a series of calculations, design studies, and engineering hypotheses,” commented Dykstra Naval Architects Partner Mark Leslie-Miller. “Seeing her afloat transforms all of that into a living experiment.”

[…]

At an interior volume of 499 GT, Zero can accommodate up to 12 guests, alongside 11 crew members. Her interiors reflect the eco-conscious design approach, featuring materials such as pineskin leather, leathered marble and bespoke artworks that were curated to emphasise natural textures.

In addition to private use and limited charter availability, Zero is also set as a platform for scientific research, supporting studies in renewable marine technology and ocean sustainability […]

Link to the original article on Superyacht Times