A fully autonomous sail catamaran announces a new sustainable standard
Barcelona-based Zen Yachts unveils the first automatic electric sailing catamaran featuring a wing sail and zero emissions. This marks another milestone in a growing line of eco‑yachts that appeal to a discerning crowd in the premium marine market. High-profile athletes, business leaders, and celebrities are increasingly choosing sustainable yachts, especially given that such pleasure craft traverse long distances and can impact air quality.
The ZEN50 is positioned to set a new benchmark in maritime sustainability. Its designer is naval architect Julien Mélot, known for ecological vessels such as Surya Namaska, Indonesia’s first solar-powered traditional boat. This luxury catamaran features a gigantic automatic sail controlled via a touchscreen and a highly efficient sunroof. The system supplies the energy needed for propulsion without relying on onboard generators, delivering true zero emissions.
It can accommodate 12 passengers and is priced from about 1.5 to 2.5 million euros, depending on the chosen configuration.
Automatic sailing is powered by the OceanWings 3.2 device built by Ayro, making the ZEN50 the world’s first mass-produced catamaran equipped with this innovative feature. OceanWings originated with Team Oracle for the 2010 Copa América and has evolved to offer greater efficiency in recent years.
A fully autonomous sail
The sail’s automatic operation means it raises and lowers by itself and includes integrated sensors that read wind speed and direction, automatically selecting the optimal angle and ramp to keep the vessel moving smoothly.
The catamaran is electric-powered, with lithium battery banks delivering 160 kWh and driving a quiet pair of electric propulsion motors that work in harmony with the sail, capable of reaching speeds up to 14 knots.
Simulations across various sea and weather conditions suggest the ZEN50 can maintain high performance without generator sets. This contrasts with models that claim sustainability yet still rely on oil-fired generators for energy support.
Its photovoltaic roof offers up to 17,000 watts of peak power, lifting a 16-ton structure. That translates to about 1 kW per ton of water displaced, a figure that positions this yacht ahead of most others in its size class.
Powerful spotlights aimed toward the water can undermine the vessel’s sustainable message, as they contribute to light pollution that harms marine life.
The twin hulls, built from carbon fiber and corecell, are designed for maximum efficiency, providing high strength with low weight. The ZEN50 exemplifies how lightweight, rigid composites can enhance performance while keeping emissions to a minimum.
Yacht information and features: [Zen Yachts Zen50 specifications]
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Contact details have been removed to respect privacy and safety. The project emphasizes transparent environmental reporting and ongoing innovation in eco-friendly yachting [citation attribution].
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