Tripp Design was approached by a young family with an interesting challenge: a fully autonomous, globe-trotting sailboat.
The resulting 5 cabin, 71 ft. pilothouse ketch is designed for long-distance exploration without a single drop of fuel. Powered by 2 x 25 kw motors, hydrogeneration, solar energy, plug-in technology, and of course, the wind, this yacht is completely fuel-free. Its lightweight carbon structure is being built by Paul Dijkstra Composites with outfitting by KM Yachtbuilders in The Netherlands.
Tripp Design created 360° views from the upper dining salon, a full-beam aft owner’s stateroom with a private companionway, and vertical windows flooding the interior with natural light.
Every detail was designed for ease of use, including a self-tacking jib, an electric furling Code 0, as well as an electric tender that charges from the mother ship’s 220 kWh battery bank,
and which is deployed from the garage via a single point lift on the mizzen boom. The custom lifting keel, adjustable from 12 to 6.2 feet, ensures versatility in various cruising grounds.
Safety was also a priority with a ketch configuration for low, balanced loads, a sheltered cockpit, and non-skid side decking. All lines are led underdeck to a dedicated handling area in front of the helms, keeping the deck clean and organized.
In the spring of 2025 we will welcome it to our yard in Makkum for completion. Stay tuned for updates and a behind-the-scenes look at this unique process!