Carlos SolisBreakthrough is being called the most astonishing vessel ever built — an eco-friendly yacht unlike anything else in the world. The 118.8-meter ship is rumored to belong to Bill Gates, the Microsoft founder. But rumors say the owner has never set foot on it.
The $645 million yacht runs on hydrogen. It features a basketball court, a beach club with a large pool, a private hospital, a helipad, several libraries, a cinema, and multiple jacuzzis. It accommodates up to 30 guests in 15 cabins and is serviced by a crew of 43.
It’s the first superyacht to run on hydrogen fuel. Sales information for potential buyers has already been released. The zero-emission vessel will go on sale at the Monaco Yacht Show in September.
Breakthrough took five years to design and build and will be the largest yacht at the exhibition.
What Else Is Known About Breakthrough?
Inside the vessel is a secluded four-story townhouse for the owner. According to the yacht’s sales agent, those family-oriented living spaces include two bedrooms, two bathrooms, walk-in closets, a gym, a pantry, an elevator, and two offices with fireplaces.
The living spaces are linked by spacious staircases lined with bookshelves and display corners. “Each deck features cozy spots for private relaxation, such as a coffee nook and a gaming area on the bridge,” the agent added. The main deck houses a library and a dining area with a terrace.
In total, the yacht has five decks above the waterline and two below. The owner’s deck is situated 37 meters above the water, according to the Daily Mail.
A standout feature of the vessel is its 14 balconies, which are “invisible when closed but extend at the push of a button.”
The interior blends textured fabrics, leather, marble, rattan, and bleached oak to create “an atmosphere of luxurious coastal living,” the agent said.
Jamie Edmiston, the CEO of the company handling the sale, said the yacht “will change everything,” because it operates exclusively on liquid hydrogen and a next-generation fuel cell system.
Hydrogen fuel cells have long powered rockets and cars, but nothing like this has existed in the maritime sector until now.
Compressed liquid hydrogen is stored below deck at a temperature of -253 °C. The heat generated during its processing is used to warm the pool, sauna, guest bedroom floors, and to dry towels.
During long journeys or when clean hydrogen is unavailable, the vessel’s electricity comes from second-generation biofuels. This reduces harmful emissions by 90 percent.
Luxury Launches reports that, despite the yacht’s glamorous and high-tech features, Gates has never used its amenities or even boarded the vessel.
Although Gates has never officially confirmed his connection to the vessel, media reports suggest he is behind the project. Canadian billionaire Patrick Dovigi, the CEO of eco-friendly waste management company Green For Life Environmental, has reportedly expressed interest in buying the superyacht.
