The superyacht, which is powered by hydrogen and was long associated with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, is now on the market. The 390-foot yacht, dubbed Breakthrough, is priced at a mind-blowing 645 million, is being brokered by Edmiston, and is scheduled to be displayed at the Monaco Yacht Show this September.
Breakthrough, or Project 821, took five years to be built by the Dutch shipyard Feadship and is a technological and environmental landmark. The vessel, described by the CEO of brokerage firm Jamie Edmiston as the “most extraordinary yacht ever built,” combines luxury, sustainability, and innovation in a single astonishing package.
With a capacity of 30 guests and 43 crew members in 15 cabins, Breakthrough has the features of a floating palace: a movie theater, hospital, library, gym, spa, elevator, pool, steam room and several hot tubs. Its deck has two bedrooms, two offices and 14 retractable balconies, yet ironically, Gates apparently never stepped a foot on board.
This is what makes Breakthrough truly special: its propulsion system. It is the first hydrogen-powered superyacht in the world. It is a true marine engineering breakthrough, according to Heigo Paartalu, CEO of YachtWay. Differing from traditional yachts that focus on interior space, Breakthrough loses space and gains a high-tech engine room designed to host hydrogen systems, which is an uncompromising yet environmentally aware choice.
Such complexity only has a few shipyards that can deliver around the world, which Paartalu pointed out. One of the elite few is Feadship.
The cost is also an indication of the scarce nature and technological jump that Breakthrough symbolizes. Shipyards are now booked years in advance, and ultra-high-net-worth consumers frequently are willing to buy existing vessels at a premium. Paartalu said time was too valuable at this level. Instant ownership is better than waiting five years. In addition to the luxury and prestige, this sale gives purchasers a chance to possess a representation of a clean-tech innovation. In the words of Paartalu, you are not purchasing a yacht but rather the future.
