Getting inside a great mind is not really possible, but the next best thing could be stepping inside the possession that stemmed from a great mind. I am talking about the incredibly impressive superyacht Breakthrough, the brainchild of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Sadly, the tech tycoon himself never set foot aboard the hydrogen-powered Feadship vessel, but that does not mean you cannot.
At a hefty sum of $4 million a week, this 390-foot floating clean-energy lab can be yours to explore. It even pushed the age-old Lloyd’s and Feadship to codify entirely new hydrogen safety rules. Spread across five decks above the waterline and two below, Breakthrough is much more than just a pleasure craft chartered for a fun summer week; it is a masterclass in serious maritime business combined with oodles of fun. There is personality and purpose in equal measure, visible in several unique elements that make this vessel a through-and-through Breakthrough.
The largest Feadship ever built and the largest yacht ever delivered in the Netherlands replaces the conventional master suite with a four-level townhouse. It features two primary bedrooms, his-and-hers bathrooms and dressing rooms, a private gym, offices to conduct business as usual even at leisure, and multiple lounges and dining areas to unwind and bond with family. It is a reinvention of the dedicated owner’s deck, and this goliath still sleeps 12 guests in 15 cabins. That is plenty of room for a large group on this 7,247 GT yacht, cared for by a crew of around 46 who keep everything running like clockwork, from hydrogen systems and bridge watches to spa rituals and jet-ski launches.
Breakthrough becomes truly breathtaking owing to the glass-walled underwater Nemo lounge. Tucked below the waterline, this aquarium of sorts offers a new perspective to enjoy the marine world without putting on scuba gear or even leaving the yacht. Breakthrough breathes through 14 balconies and seven large fold-down platforms along the hull and superstructure. This is almost unheard of, as they turn saloons, the library, the gym, or cabins into semi-open verandas, something not many other yachts can offer. Higher up, the guest experience is enhanced on the sundeck with a forward jacuzzi, big sunbathing pads, and shaded dining to simply relax. Just ahead, the foredeck pulls double duty as both a certified helipad and an open-air sports court, so one moment you arrive by helicopter and the next you are shooting hoops with a sea view.
The glass-floored infinity pool on the main deck is yet another standout feature of Breakthrough. At the simple touch of a button, the floor drops to full pool depth, rises to paddling depth for children, or comes up flush to become extra terrace space for events. When raised, light still filters down to the beach club below, making for a terrific visual. When technology and design are applied together, the effect can be marvelous, and the Breakthrough yacht is proof. Other interesting amenities include a main-deck library with floor-to-ceiling windows, a cinema, a fully equipped hospital, and a spa complex with steam room, sauna, massage rooms, treatment rooms, and gym.
Talking about this 390-footer without mentioning its eco-friendliness and performance is like offering a half-baked cake. One cannot help but mention the genius of the 92 m³ cryogenic tank, which holds roughly four tons of liquid hydrogen at −253 °C. This feeds 16 PowerCell fuel cells connected to the DC grid, generating electricity without combustion, with water vapor as exhaust. This hydrogen system covers the hotel load and low-speed running, while twin ABB azimuthing pods and MTU generators running on HVO biofuel cut emissions by up to 90 percent. Guests can truly enjoy life on board without the quiet guilt that usually accompanies adversely affecting the environment, as Breakthrough quietly decarbonizes the power-hungry elements like air-conditioning, lights, galleys, and elevators. Suddenly, no one minds the extra space taken up by the hydrogen cryogenic tank, fuel cells, and venting hardware.
Toys and tenders, which are a big part of chartering fun, are not left behind either. A 12 m custom Vikal limousine tender with Seakeeper gyro, boasting 43 knots, is accompanied by a Zin electric tender and a Wajer chase tender for longer coastal runs, water ski days, and exploring coves. The usual armada of jet skis, Seabobs, wakeboards, waterskis, towables, and kayaks is also part of the adrenaline package.
Chartering one of the greatest yachts ever built is a chance that guests can truly make the most of by letting go of $4 million a week, which ranks Breakthrough among the most expensive charters in the world. There is one catch for American readers, she is not available for sale or charter to U.S. residents while in U.S. waters, which only adds to her aura of unattainable exclusivity, stated Edmiston.
