Expedition specialist Xplorer Yachts has signed an agreement with Turkish builder Norse Shipyard for the construction of the 106-metre Project MG – the world’s first wind-assisted hybrid expedition yacht. Delivery is scheduled for late 2027, after which Project MG will become the flagship of a new semi-custom series designed by French studio VPLP Design.
Under sail alone, the superyacht will be able to generate electricity from solar and hydro-generators under the hull for "zero emissions" and "minimal underwater noise pollution". Wind power will reduce reliance on fossil fuels by a minimum of 30 to 50 per cent, according to the yard, a statistic "unmatched by hydrogen, biodiesel or methanol".
Project MG is being built to rigid commercial standards, with the design derived from the owner’s own "mission and lifestyle choices". French studio VPLP is known for its high-performance racing multihulls, including the 44.2-metre Hemisphere and the 121-metre rocket transport vessel Canopée, which uses the same OceanWing sails that will be installed on Project MG. Canopée can reach a top speed of 13.7 knots and has reduced its fuel burn by close to 4,000 gallons per day on transatlantic passages, thanks to wind assist.
"We are leading the way for a new generation of yacht owners to use wind propulsion in a powerful way to demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility, creating a greener, more cost-effective, and future-proof approach to global exploration," said Xplorer Yachts' Paul Madden.
Key specs include a projected top speed of 15 knots, sail-alone propulsion up to 12 knots and a range of 8,000 nautical miles. Further details will be revealed as the build progresses.