Echo Yachts to construct world’s largest sailing catamaran

Australian superyacht builder Echo Yachts has signed a contract to construct a full-custom 57-metre twin-masted catamaran sailing superyacht.

According to the Australian yard, the yacht is slated to become the world’s largest true sail-powered catamaran. The title is currently claimed by the 44.2m catamaran Hemisphere, built by Pendennis.

Dykstra Naval Architects, of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, is providing the yacht’s exterior styling, layout and naval architecture. The firm has previously worked on sailing projects, including S/Y Black Pearl and S/Y Hetairos.

Naval architecture and structural design come from Australian firm One2Three Naval Architects, which was responsible for the design of 84m aluminium trimaran superyacht M/Y White Rabbit, delivered in 2018, and the 56m Echo Yachts vessel M/Y Charley 2, Australia’s largest catamaran, delivered in 2023.

“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 realisation,” says Thys Nikkels, Dykstra Naval Architects CEO.

Echo Yachts‘ owner and director, Mark Stothard, adds: “Echo Yachts is extremely excited and proud to have been selected to custom build this magnificent catamaran sailing superyacht, and we 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 Architects owner Steve Quigley comments: “One2Three are honoured and thrilled to be selected by Echo Yachts and Dykstra to undertake naval architecture and structural design for another groundbreaking Echo Yachts superyacht. Being at the forefront of innovation is our aspiration and successfully commercialising technology our passion.

“The Echo/Dykstra full-custom 57m sailing catamaran will cement Echo Yachts’ Australian build capability on the world stage for unique superyachts.”

The yacht has been commissioned by a private client. Echo Yachts says it will issue further updates during the build.