Aqua: Meet the Eco-Friendly Superyacht That Isn't Bill Gates'

The news swept across the internet, and major media around the world presented it as absolute novelty: Bill Gates, former CEO of Microsoft turned philanthropist, would have decided to invest 645 million dollars in the eco-friendly superyacht known as Sinot Aqua, a hybrid between spaceship and private floating city that uses a dual system of electricity and hydrogen for propulsion. Here at NeoTeo we arrived a bit late to the news, but we arrived with the truth: Bill Gates has nothing to do with the yacht. It is just a concept, and the company denies any link with the magnate.

So why did it spread so fast? On the one hand, nobody denies the extreme ease with which fake news circulate these days. On the other, we must consider another possibility: The story had some sense. I mean, Bill Gates has recognized on more than one occasion the risks associated with climate change (although his philanthropy focuses more on health), and he definitely has the financial capacity to make such a major investment.

However, representatives of Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design published a brief statement on their official page on February 10, in which they deny any connection with Mr. Gates or his representatives and state that the Aqua concept has not been sold. In fact, the hypothetical superyacht was presented at the Monaco Yacht Show 2019 and is still in full development. With all doubts cleared and Sinot's request to clarify the misunderstanding fulfilled, why not talk about the yacht itself?

The Sinot Aqua Concept

112 meters long, two 300-kilowatt maneuvering thrusters, two main engines of one megawatt each, a Voith Schneider propeller of 550 kilowatts, PEM fuel cells with a total output of 4 megawatts, a superpack of lithium-ion batteries storing 1.5 megawatt-hours, and two giant tanks for storing liquid hydrogen define the technical characteristics of the Aqua.

In terms of overall design, its creators aim to reduce to a minimum the distance between passengers and the water, combining a series of platforms that culminate in a swimming area positioned almost at sea level.

Circular shapes are a priority both outside and inside the Aqua, dominating portals, passageways, staircases, the jacuzzi area, and the gym. And for the owner, there's an exclusive suite that occupies the front half of the upper deck. Freedom, space, and privacy all at once.

In other words, maybe Bill Gates hasn't expressed interest in the Aqua, but something tells me that a couple of Arab sheikhs are already making phone calls. If it gets built, it will be a unique creature on the high seas.

Official website: Click here