Long referred to as Project Zero, the yacht Zero is finally showing off her lines. When her extensive sea trials begin soon, she’ll reveal what seven years of planning and development intended. Specifically, the owners want to prove a large yacht can operate entirely on harvested renewable energy.
On July 6, Vitters Shipyard guided the yacht Zero out from her construction hall. Given her Panamax-height masts, she needed to transfer via barge for stepping. Her masts are just one aspect of her overall renewable-energy focus. The yacht Zero incorporates several notable technologies, each of which generates, stores, or manages power aboard. These include “breathing” masts—effectively, ventilation channels for the warm air coming off her systems. Typically, this air gets trapped inside machinery spaces and requires air conditioning, which relies on fossil fuels.
Additionally, the sailing superyacht relies upon a 250-kW hydrogeneration system for maneuvering. Further renewable technology includes hybrid photovoltaic-thermal solar panels, along with custom energy-management software. Importantly, whether these systems are visible or hidden below decks, the owners of the yacht Zero set out to prove that classic-yacht looks need not be compromised for cutting-edge advances. With a hull design by Dykstra Naval Architects and styling by Vripack, along with a nature-led interior by Vripack as well, she echoes the golden age of sail. Yet, she has modern twist on design as well, including on her dorades. “Zero has been out ‘Perfect Storm,’” says Marnix Hoekstra, co-creative director at Vripack. “It challenged us in all the ways we like to be tested, and we will forever be proud to have been part of this very special team.”
To put her into better perspective, the yacht Zero traces her origins to a concept first developed in 2019. Construction on the aluminum hull began in 2023 at a subcontractor for Vitters, before final outfitting at the shipyard. The data from her sea trials, alongside research insights, software code, and system design schematics, are and will remain publicly available. The non-profit, open-source Foundationº (Foundation Zero) website is sharing them. Although the organization has exclusive access to the project for this purpose, it doesn’t have an ownership stake in the yacht.
Dykstra Naval Architects dykstra-na.com
Foundationº foundationzero.org
Vitters Shipyard vitters.com
Vripack vripack.com
More About the Yacht Zero
LOA: 226’0” (68.9 meters)
Beam: 36’5” (11.11 meters)
Draft: 16’4” to 27’6” (5 to 8.4 meters)
Guests: 10 in 5 staterooms
Rig: ketch
Sail area: 20,581square feet (1,912 square meters)
Builder: Vitters Shipyard
Stylist: Vripack
Naval Architect: Dykstra Naval Architects
Interior Designer: Vripack
