Australian builder Echo Yachts has begun construction on a full-custom, 57-metre catamaran known as ASC57. The build was commissioned by an "experienced [and] private client" in March 2024 and will become the world's largest sail-powered catamaran once delivered.
The ASC57 will have a twin-Dynarig sail system by Southern Spars, a total sail area of 1660 square metres and an "extremely efficient" aluminium hull form for "eco-efficient, long range cruising". A vast array of watertoys and helicopter capabilities have also been confirmed.
Dykstra Naval Architects will be responsible for exterior styling, layout and naval architecture, while One2Three Naval Architects will work across details and structural design. The team's combined portfolio includes the 106.7-metre Black Pearl, the 66.9-metre Hetairos, the world's largest trimaran White Rabbit and Australia's largest catamaran, Charley 2.
"Echo Yachts are 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," said shipyard owner and director Mark Stothard. "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 and director Steve Quigley added: "This sailing catamaran will cement Echo Yachts’ Australian build capability on the world stage for unique superyachts."
The catamaran's sail power will be complemented by a regenerative power system that utilises twin shaft generators and a battery storage system to allow for "silent running under sail".
Measuring 46.5 metres, ArtExplorer is the current front-runner in the sail-powered catamaran sector.
Read More/How the world's largest sailing catamaran developed a double use as a floating art gallery