Vitters' 68.9-metre Zero, the world's first "fossil-fuel-free" sailing yacht, has officially hit the water in the Netherlands. She will now embark on extensive sea trials, during which her systems will be tested and initial data gathered.
The update comes days after the groundbreaking new build was rolled out of the yard's construction hall in Zwartsluis, marking the first time she had been seen since her move to outfitting in 2024.
The launch marks a milestone for the shipyard and collaborating design teams Vripack and Dykstra Naval Architects following seven years of development. “Zero has been our perfect storm,” said co-creative director at Vripack, Marnix Hoekstra. “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.”
CEO of Vitters, Louis Hamming, commented: “We look forward to seeing Zero in her natural habitat, and showing the world what can be achieved when creative minds embark together on a voyage to create a yacht that proves what can be done to make the world and the seas a little better.”
Zero stands as a landmark in sustainability-focused yachting, as the first of her size and type with the ability to harvest wind, thermal and solar energy to power the yacht and her amenities.
“It all began with the technology, but we knew she also had to be beautiful,” Hoekstra previously explained at the yacht's interior unveiling last month. The Dutch studio is behind the exterior and interior of the monumental new-build project, with the technical design completed in collaboration with Dykstra.
According to Vripack, the first step in Zero's design was sustainability, and being able to cruise comfortably for up to two weeks solely on renewable sources. This is achieved through innovative regenerative systems, including turbine propellers that generate hydroelectric power. The America's Cup Emirates Team New Zealand helped to refine the hull design for performance, creating a topside curve that testing shows delivers a 2.5 per cent speed increase and results in eight per cent more electric power generation.
To assist with this, the biminis feature 100 square metres of photovoltaic thermal (PVT) panels that produce both electricity and thermal energy for heating and cooling. A 700-volt DC grid powers the entire system, monitored from a dedicated mission control room.
All system data, technical insights and key system designs from Zero's build are freely available through the FoundationZero.org platform. This provides designers, engineers and researchers with open access to technical advancements, to encourage others to utilise the sustainable technologies.
The details of this "visionary" design were first announced at BOAT International's Superyacht Design Festival in 2023 by Hoekstra, on behalf of sustainable marine organisation Foundation Zero. The Foundation Zero mission was developed by a group of investors and a team of physicists, together with Dykstra.
In terms of design, Zero was born from a "deliberate rejection of repetition" seen in traditional sailing yachts, while ensuring that the owner's love of classic sailing yachts was met. As a result, she stands out for her extended double-sided overhangs, low, flowing superstructure and lengthy spoon bow. Up close, custom details include matte-finished deck hardware, a metal stern cap to conclude her lines and a hand-painted wood-effect metal transom.
“As a designer, it's exciting to be able to say there's still more to explore here,” Hoekstra previously explained. “On a design level, Zero is hugely special because nothing like this has been done before.”
The studio also shared that Zero blends traditional craftsmanship with 3D printing, AI and VR technology, with every element curated to answer three core design principles: serve a purpose, integrate into the overall design and look "undeniably beautiful".
Inside, natural textures, including leather on the "multihued fire onyx" coffee table in the Californian Lounge (a space that serves as a work area and an overflow cabin) and scented "pine skin" furniture made from reclaimed bark, have been selected over traditional polished finishes. Unlike typical yacht interiors that hide imperfections, the studio noted that Zero celebrates natural knots, cracks and grain variations.
“The owners, who love the outdoors, wanted nature to truly resonate throughout the yacht,” said Hoekstra. This approach allowed them to use 70 per cent of hand-selected oak veneer versus the typical 30.
Beyond sustainability, Zero reflects the owner's desires for sailing. “We visited the owners’ homes and listened carefully to their needs to better interpret what they wanted from this design, and that was elegance, comfort and independence," Hoekstra continued. One example is the main cockpit with modular outdoor furniture on castors, which can quickly convert from lounge seating to formal dining for up to 12 guests.
Other personalised features include extensive storage, grab rails for "non-seafaring guests" and surface cutouts for custom-fitted trays when sailing on a heel. The main saloon is fitted with an indoor dining table that doubles as a craft table, while the elimination of a full-beam engine room means a secret passageway provides discreet access for crew.
The four guest cabins feature different themes, each one inspired by places of significance to the owners, from Italy to French Polynesia. The owner’s suite, which wraps around the mizzen mast – wrapped in a custom artwork by American sculptor Sienna Martz – also offers a private study.
BOAT International received an exclusive look inside the revolutionary build in June 2024.
According to BOATPro, Vitters has four other superyachts under construction, including the 68.4-metre Project 3095.
Read More/Construction milestone on 68m Vitters sailing yacht Project 3095