Picture by S.J. de Waard
Ecolution, a Dutch icon reborn for cleaner journeys
At the edge of the harbour in Lauwersoog, a striking green yacht tells a very Dutch story of vision, setback and renewal. Ecolution, the 26-metre sailing yacht envisioned by astronaut and sustainability pioneer Wubbo Ockels, has been refitted to lead the way again. After a major conversion, this privately owned showpiece now runs on hydrogen, so its only emission is a few drops of water.
From dream to delivery, 2010
Designed with renowned naval architect Gerard Dijkstra, Ecolution was built to sail smart. Ockels wanted a yacht that could be handled with minimal crew, so the yacht received rotating masts that align with the wind and an efficient deck layout. A lifting keel reduces draft for shallow waters and allows the yacht to settle safely on a sandbank, a practical touch for the Wadden Sea.
Sabotage, repair and legacy
Shortly after delivery in December 2010, the dream took a hit. The yacht was sabotaged and sank, causing roughly €1.5 million in damage. The perpetrators were never found. Ecolution was painstakingly repaired, yet Ockels, who inspired so many with his optimism about clean technology, passed away in 2014 and enjoyed only a short time aboard his creation. Today the yacht also serves as a living tribute to his belief that innovation on the water can be both bold and sustainable.
Hydrogen at heart
Now owned by the WadDuurzaam foundation, Ecolution has been converted to run on hydrogen. Under sail, a dedicated propeller regenerates power that feeds about 13 tons of batteries for the electric drives. The original diesel engines have made way for a hydrogen fuel cell, and four tanks mounted on deck hold the fuel in the safest possible location, in open air where any leak disperses rapidly. Sailed economically, a full set of tanks, roughly €1,600 worth of hydrogen, provides around 24 hours of motoring. Push the pace, and the batteries empty faster, performance always has a cost.
Systems, carefully documented
Decades of tinkering left their marks below decks, so the current technical team documents every line and cable as they go. That discipline has paid off during the latest preparations, when a lifting-keel repair became top priority after a previous grounding bent a hydraulic cylinder. Cosmetic details can wait, reliable systems cannot.
Built for busy waters
Ecolution regularly joins Sail Amsterdam, slipping into the great parade from the IJmuiden sea lock, along the North Sea Canal, and into the city. The event draws millions of visitors, so safety comes first, with tugboats on standby for breakdowns and the water police keeping a close eye on small craft that wander too close. Ecolution travels in convoy at a steady pace, a calm presence among tall ships and classic yachts.
Volunteers at the helm
Unlike commercial hospitality ships that sell champagne packages, Ecolution sails with a small volunteer crew and a handful of sponsors who help keep the project afloat. Skipper Joop Willemsen oversees operations on deck, while engineer Wim de Weger minds the technical heart below. Keeping a 70-ton, 26-metre yacht in top form is a labour of love, countless hours of careful maintenance, testing and sea trials.
Picture by RTV NOF | Erik Visser
Design and comfort on board
Step inside and the tone shifts from high-tech to warm and welcoming. The master cabin, originally styled by Dutch designer Jan des Bouvrie, pairs pale wood with playful lighting. There is underfloor heating, a generous shower, and practical touches such as a washing machine and dishwasher, comforts that make longer journeys easy without losing the yacht’s purposeful character.
The cost of keeping a pioneer alive
Re-creating a yacht of this calibre today would likely approach €4 million, and a sensible rule of thumb puts annual upkeep near 5% of that. Ecolution continues thanks to supporters such as Gasunie, the Province of Groningen, Groningen Seaports and several schools, and thanks to the dedication of the volunteers who give their time and expertise.
Where to find her
Ecolution has appeared at Sail Amsterdam multiple times and is showcased in the Green Ocean zone around the NDSM wharf in Amsterdam-Noord. More than a beautiful yacht, it is a working platform for clean innovation on the water, exactly the kind of forward-looking spirit we celebrate at BookaHouseboat.
Why it matters
Ecolution proves that life on the water can be gentle on the planet and still full of adventure. From smart rigging and a lifting keel to hydrogen power and quiet electric drives, this Dutch original shows how tomorrow’s yachting can feel both exciting and responsible.