Bill Gates’ revolutionary superyacht Breakthrough has made its presence known on the French Riviera, cruising into Antibes in a rare public appearance. The uber-luxurious superyacht sailed for three days to travel to Antibes from Gibraltar, according to MarineTraffic. The stunning 390-foot vessel was captured by photographer Léandre Loyseau of Yachts.mp4, showing its jaw-dropping design and elegance. Breakthrough is not only the second-largest yacht to be built by Feadship but also the world’s first hydrogen fuel-cell superyacht.
In an Instagram video posted by the photographer, the vessel can be seen gliding silently into port as crew members worked on its expansive aft deck. The video captures the sheer scale of Breakthrough, with the workers appearing tiny against its towering hull and multi-level rear terraces.
The yacht’s massive proportions and clean lines left onlookers in awe, reaffirming its status as a technological marvel and a floating symbol of the future.
Built by Dutch shipyard Feadship and launched in 2024, Breakthrough is the first superyacht of its kind to be powered by a hydrogen fuel cell system. It was recently spotted being refueled with cryogenic liquid hydrogen supplied by Air Products, a process that involves chilling the fuel to minus 423.4 degrees Fahrenheit. The bunkering took place at the Port of Amsterdam’s North Sea Canal, where specialized infrastructure has been developed to support sustainable maritime fuel solutions. The refueling marked another milestone for the vessel, which continues to set new standards for green energy at sea.
Breakthrough’s propulsion system is a hybrid setup combining a 3.2-megawatt hydrogen fuel cell array with ABB electric pod drives. This configuration allows the yacht to operate silently and emission-free while at anchor or navigating short distances. For longer passages, it switches to a trio of MTU diesel generators that run on hydrotreated vegetable oil, a renewable biofuel. The hydrogen system alone is capable of powering the vessel’s entire hotel load for up to a week, making it ideal for low-speed cruising in environmentally sensitive zones. Breakthrough’s top speed is 17.0 kn and she boasts a maximum range of 6500.0 nm when sailing cruising speeds.
The yacht stores its hydrogen in a double-walled cryogenic tank that holds four tons of fuel. Though not sufficient for transoceanic travel, this capacity represents a critical first step in reducing emissions in the luxury yacht industry. The complexity of the system is staggering, requiring the vessel’s design to be expanded to accommodate sixteen fuel-cell converters, switchboards, and vapor exhaust systems. Breakthrough also features numerous innovations like hidden balconies that slide out at the press of a button, a walkaround main deck with shaded areas, and an infinity pool built into the aft deck.
Inside, the vessel is equally impressive. The owner’s deck includes two staterooms, dual offices with fireplaces, a gym, and a private elevator that runs through a vertical corridor lined with bookshelves. Natural materials like eucalyptus, rattan, and marble give the interiors a refined coastal aesthetic. Amenities like a steam room, a pickleball court, and a private dining room with a sea terrace ensure that guests can enjoy the ocean in complete comfort and privacy.
Despite all of this, Gates is reportedly preparing to sell the yacht. According to sources, the Microsoft co-founder has never actually set foot on Breakthrough since its completion. The yacht, estimated to be worth $645 million, is now rumored to be of interest to Canadian billionaire Patrick Dovigi, the CEO of Green For Life Environmental. For Gates, the vessel may have always been more of a demonstration project than a personal escape. His focus has remained on advancing sustainable technologies rather than enjoying their luxuries firsthand.
As Breakthrough sits off the coast of Antibes, the yacht world watches with anticipation. Whether Gates moves forward with the sale or not, his superyacht has already made a bold statement. It is proof that sustainability and extravagance are no longer mutually exclusive, and that the future of luxury can be just as clean as it is grand.
