Vitters is working on a sizable 69-meter Ketch-rigged super sailing yacht at present. It is being built as hull 3094 also known by the Project name "Zero". It made the news as Vitters just turned the hull upright to prepare for the arrival of the superstructure. The project is called Zero because, 1 it is a sailing yacht which in itself reduces reliance on engines in sailing conditions. 2. It will employ thermal and solar applications to help power its systems and hotel loading. Delivery is slated for September 2025.
Project Zero is in the outfitting stages of construction and is anticipated to be completed by in Fall 2025.
Amazing project, the open source research they’re publishing with Foundation Zero is very interesting too
Dont expect to see it sailing anytime soon. I hear there are a few technical difficulties to overcome.
Not sure of the owner nationality but when I hear a yachts also going to be for scientific research use, makes me think it’s all part of a tax strategy more than actual scientific use purpose.
Unfortunate but quite expected with the innovative nature of this project. You know in what are the problems are ?
Curious how it will work if it truly doesn’t have any fossil fuel generators and doesn’t mention hydrogen or some alternative.
There is some info on her on the YouTube channel Foundation Zero. She indeed has truly no fossil fuel energy sources
Of interest: We like boats that belch smoke, even if sometimes. YF members believe in this. Somebody please tell me there is a cooking grill that will smoke sometimes, with some beef. ☺☺
I’m really curious how this would work on a crossing. Maybe enough hydro to get you there but not in a lul or the doldrums. If she stays in the med, maybe she has enough batteries and solar to keep her sufficient for a couple days before going to a marina to recharge.
Yes hydro is a very big part of their energy harvesting yes. Indeed on a crossing this could potentially be a problem, so it would need good planning weather window wise from the captain. Also I think their energy storage capacity is huge. Add in a very efficient hotel load consumption and the solar panels. I think this project is amazing for the yachting industry
Any sort of motoring is a huge drain on the batteries. What happens if she’s anchored for the night and a squall runs through that they need to leave? Could have the batteries be pretty depleted and limited range to do anything. The hotel loads are also going to be massive. I’m assuming a crew of 10 (or at least 8). I wouldn’t be surprised if she eventually goes in to get some generators installed and solely does crossings on the back of a transport ship.