After seven years of development, engineering and construction, SY Zero has launched in Harlingen, the Netherlands. The 68.91-metre sailing yacht is the first of her size and type designed to operate purely on harvested renewable energy, without compromising comfort or cruising autonomy.

She is intended as both a statement and a reference for renewable energy, aiming to inspire a change in mindset across the superyacht sector and the wider maritime industry. Her solutions, from her breathing masts to her 250 kW hydrogeneration system, her innovative micro-grid, her hybrid photovoltaic-thermal panels and her custom control software, are being shared via an open-source platform so that others can adopt and refine them.

Zero began as an idea in 2019, developed with Vripack (exterior and interior design), Dykstra Naval Architects (hull, sailplan and thruster design) and Vitters Shipyard (build). Her aluminium hull was crafted at Jacht- en Scheepswerf Gouwerok from 2023, then transferred to Vitters for outfitting. She emerged from her construction hall on 6 July 2026 and was moved by barge to Harlingen for her technical launch and the stepping of her Panamax-height masts.

Her Palma Blue hull and teak-alternative Tesumo decks show that embracing renewables need not mean utilitarian styling. The launch marks a beginning rather than an end: Zero now enters an extensive sea-trial period, with data, research insights and system schematics shared publicly via the non-profit, open-source Foundation° platform at foundationzero.org.

“SY Zero has been our Perfect Storm. 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.” – Marnix Hoekstra, Co-creative Director at Vripack