Sailing Yacht Zero – the groundbreaking 69-metre, renewables-powered vessel – has been launched.
The hull was lowered into the water for the first time in Harlingen, The Netherlands, on July 9, giving the crew and project team their first opportunity to see her in her natural environment.
Her launch, however, does not signify the end of the project,
but rather the beginning. She will now embark on an extensive and
intensive sea trial period where her systems will be tested and
validated, and initial data gathered.
"For years, Zero has existed as a vision, a series of calculations, design studies, and engineering hypotheses," says Mark Leslie-Miller, Partner at Dykstra Naval Architects. "Seeing her afloat transforms all of that into a living experiment."
Preparations will continue over the coming days as the team gets ready to step her main and mizzen masts. Look out for updates and visit foundationzero.org for insights into her numerous innovative systems and the research behind her energy harvesting, storage, management and use.
Naval Architecture: Dykstra Naval Architects
Exterior & Interior Design: Vripack Yacht Design
Builder: Vitters Shipyard
Construction Management: Marine Construction Management
Newport
Masts: Carbo- Link
Sails: Doyle Sails
Today marks a significant milestone for the SY Zero project —
the 69-metre, zero-emissions yacht — as she emerges from the
construction hall at Vitters Shipyard on her way to enter the water
for the first time.
After seven years of dedication, passion, and engineering
excellence from the project's core partners — Vripack, Vitters
Shipyard and Dykstra Naval Architects — and supported by a vast
network of technical collaborators, we are one step closer to
realizing a yacht that operates entirely on harvested renewable
energy. The vessel is currently awaiting transfer by barge from
Zwartsluis to Harlingen, where she will be launched into the water.
Her Panamax-height masts, built by Carbo-Link at their German
facility, will be stepped on the vessel in the coming days.
We invite you to follow her journey to Harlingen and into the
next phase: an extensive sea trial program where her innovative
systems will be tested, refined, and validated.
Foundationº
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The magnificent 64.5 meter three-masted schooner "Adix" will be competing in the Richard Mille Cup in Scotland from 15–25 June, where some of the world's most iconic classic sailing yachts will race against the breathtaking backdrop of Scotland's rugged west coast.
Originally launched in 1984 as "Jessica" at Astilleros de
Mallorca to a design by Arthur Holgate, the yacht underwent a
remarkable transformation in 1990. Dykstra Naval Architects was
entrusted with a radical refit, reimagining her as the elegant
three-masted schooner she is today. The project included a new
schooner rig, a modern fin keel and a redesigned stern overhang,
significantly enhancing her sailing performance and
manoeuvrability.
The extensive rebuild was carried out by Pendennis Shipyard
in Falmouth, Cornwall, and the result was recognised with the "Best
Refit" award by ShowBoats Magazine in 1992.
We are proud to see Adix continue her legacy on the
racecourse and wish her crew a successful Richard Mille Cup in the
stunning waters of Scotland!
Greenpeace – The vision
The new Greenpeace vessel, currently in build at Freire Shipyards in Vigo, Spain, is scheduled to enter operation in 2027. Designed by Dykstra Naval Architects, the ship combines state-of-the-art sail propulsion with advanced onboard energy systems to significantly reduce operational emissions from launch and become completely fossil fuel free as soon as supply chains and logistics allow.
Dynarig
Sail propulsion is provided through the DynaRig system, delivered by Southern Spars, a proven system that has previously been installed on sailing vessels Maltese Falcon and Black Pearl. The rig incorporates modern composite structures along with automation tailored to the commercial maritime environment along with a control system designed for continuous operations.
Energy Efficiency
By harnessing wind as a primary propulsion source, the vessel reduces dependency on fossil fuels while maintaining consistent voyage speeds. Combined with battery systems, alternative fuels and onboard renewable generation, the ship is designed to operate with a significantly reduced environmental footprint.
Project Vision
The vessel has been designed to support global scientific research, investigations and environmental campaigns while minimizing environmental impact. As an ice-class vessel, it will be capable of operating in polar regions and supporting advanced scientific operations including ROV and submersible deployment.
The project demonstrates what can be achieved when wind propulsion, advanced engineering and complementary alternative energy systems are integrated from the outset.
For the shipping sector, it provides a landmark example of the art of the possible. The realization of a low emission operation on a commercial scale ship, using technologies that are available today.
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We're incredibly proud to celebrate an outstanding achievement
for SY Aquarius winner of Best Sailing Yacht > 40m AND Sailing
Yacht of the Year Award at the World Superyacht Awards 2026 in
Venice, hosted by Boat International Media.
At 65-metres, this exceptional ketch embodies the perfect
balance of power, elegance, and performance. Designed for both
competitive sailing and refined cruising, Aquarius delivers on
every level, from her striking silhouette to her remarkable
capabilities on the water.
As Naval Architects and Designers, we are honoured to have
been part of shaping her vision and performance together with the
Team creating Aquarius with special thanks to her Owners and
Crew.
Naval Architecture & Design: Dykstra Naval Architects
Interior Design: Mark Whiteley Design
Built by: Royal Huisman
Owner's Project Manager: Godfrey Cray