Sinot Yacht Architecture and Design has rejected claims that Bill Gates is building a superyacht based on its Aqua concept.
In a statement to BOAT International, Sinot dismissed reports saying Gates had commissioned its 112 metre hydrogen-electric yacht concept Aqua as “factually incorrect”.
Reports claiming the Microsoft founder was building the yacht appeared in a number of mainstream national newspapers over the weekend, including The Sunday Telegraph, The Daily Mail and The Guardian.
The reports stated that Gates had commissioned Dutch yard Feadship to build the yacht, at a reputed cost of £500 million.
The statement from Sinot read: “In recent days, various articles have appeared in international media stating that Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design sold its concept Aqua to Mr Bill Gates. These articles are factually incorrect.”
It continued: “The Hydrogen concept Aqua is not linked to Mr Gates or his representatives in any form or matter. Sinot has no business relationship with Mr Gates. Aqua is a concept under development and has not been sold to Mr Gates. Unfortunately, all 'information' in these recent articles is incorrect.”
Aqua was first presented ahead of the Monaco Yacht Show last year. The project, which features ground-breaking technology, features a hydrogen-electric system and was designed for “a discerning, forward-looking owner,” according to the studio.
While Sinot has denied Gates is building the concept, it is understood that Gates is in talks to build a new superyacht with an unknown yard.