The production of a twin-masted DynaRig for Echo Yachts' Project ASC58 – also known as the world's largest sail-powered catamaran – has begun at Southern Spars' facilities in Poland. This landmark yacht will feature two free-standing, rotating masts and a fully automated sail-handling system, allowing the entire sailplan to be managed by a single operator from a digital control panel, as seen on the likes of the ground-breaking Black Pearl.
Project ASC58 is a full-custom, 57-metre build and the first ever catamaran to carry such a configuration. Her total sail area will be 1,660 square metres, combined with an "extremely efficient" aluminium hull form for "eco-efficient, long range cruising". A vast array of water toys and helicopter capabilities have also been confirmed.
Dykstra Naval Architects will be responsible for exterior styling, layout and naval architecture, while One2Three Naval Architects will work across details and structural design. The team's combined portfolio includes 106.7-metre Black Pearl, 66.9-metre Hetairos, the world's largest trimaran, White Rabbit, and Australia's largest catamaran, Charley 2.
"Echo Yachts is extremely excited and proud to have been selected to custom build this magnificent catamaran sailing superyacht, and looks forward to bringing the yacht to fruition with our client, Dykstra and One2Three," said yard owner and director Mark Stothard. "This new superyacht will truly elevate the term ‘green superyacht design’ with its low resistance catamaran hull form, sail-powered capability and other emission-reducing technologies."
One2Three Naval Architects owner and director Steve Quigley added: "This sailing catamaran will cement Echo Yachts’ Australian build capability on the world stage for unique superyachts."
The catamaran's sail power will be complemented by a regenerative power system that uses twin shaft generators and a battery storage system to allow for "silent running under sail".
Measuring 46.5 metres, ArtExplorer is the current front-runner in the sail-powered catamaran sector.
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