Echo record

Australia’s full-custom superyacht builder Echo Yachts is set to construct world’s largest sailing catamaran superyacht.

15 March 2024

Australia’s large superyacht builder Echo Yachts has signed a contract for the construction of a full-custom 57-metre, twin-masted catamaran sailing superyacht. The yacht has been commissioned by an experienced private client and will be the world’s largest sail-powered catamaran.

Echo Yachts has teamed up with two renowned sailing and aluminium multihull design firms to deliver the project. An extremely efficient aluminium hull form is complemented by twin masts and sails, accommodating a total sail area of some 1,660 square metres for eco-efficient long-range cruising. Weight reduction, simplicity and ease of operation will further characterise this project.

The renowned Dykstra Naval Architects, of Amsterdam in The Netherlands, are providing the yacht’s exterior styling, layout and naval architecture, with an enviable list of project credentials including their iconic sailing yacht projects such as S/Y Black Pearl and S/Y Hetairos.

So far, only a stylised render teaser of the new project has been released.

Detailed naval architecture and structural design will be performed by Australian firm One2Three Naval Architects, the same aluminium and multihull design experts responsible for the naval architecture of the international award winning 84-metre aluminium trimaran superyacht M/Y White Rabbit delivered in 2018, and 56-metre catamaran superyacht M/Y Charley 2 delivered in 2023.

This new large-scale catamaran sailing yacht project sees Echo Yachts expand on their proven large-custom motor yacht capabilities by entering the large-custom sailing yacht market. Further updates to be provided during the build.

Dykstra Naval Architects CEO and Naval Architect Thys Nikkels said, “We look forward to working with the Owner’s team, Echo Yachts and One2Three on taking the current design concept to the next stage of realization”.

Mark Stothard, Echo Yachts Owner and Director added, “Echo Yachts is extremely excited and proud to have been selected to custom build this magnificent catamaran sailing superyacht, and look forward to bringing the yacht to fruition with our Client, Dykstra and One2Three.

“This new superyacht will truly elevate the term green superyacht design with its low-resistance catamaran hull form, sail-powered capability and other emission-reducing technologies.”

One2Three Naval ArchitectsOwner and Director Steve Quigley commented, “One2three is honoured and thrilled to be selected by Echo Yachts and Dykstra to undertake naval architecture and structural design for another groundbreaking Echo Yachts superyacht.

The 56-metre M/Y Charley 2 was the largest catamaran motor yacht built in Australia when it launched in August 2023.

Naval Architecture for Charley 2 was performed by One2Three Naval Architects, with engineering, electrical and fit-out design performed by the in-house team at Echo Marine Group.

The design and construction of Charley 2 was completed within three years of project commencement in 2020.

“Being at the forefront of innovation is our aspiration and successfully commercialising technology our passion. The Echo/Dykstra full-custom 57-metre sailing catamaran will cement Echo Yachts’ Australian build capability on the world stage for unique superyachts.”

Dykstra Naval Architects brings over 55 years of experience in design, redesign, naval architecture of classic and modern performance yachts and offers preliminary and concept designs for both pleasure and commercially operated yachts.

Founded by Gerard Dykstra, now led by Thys Nikkels and Mark Leslie-Miller, the team at Dykstra Naval Architects is comprised of passionate sailors actively sailing and racing their own designs and redesigns.

Some examples of Dykstra Naval Architects yachts include Sea Eagle II, Athena, Black Pearl, Maltese Falcon, Aquarius, J Class Yachts, Hetairos, Perseverance, Adix, Adela, Stad Amsterdam plus many more.

echoyachts.com
one2three.com.au
dykstra-na.nl

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