Self-build yacht "Ya": Totally self-sufficient on a trip around the world

It was an ambitious plan: to go fully electric all round. Without a combustion engine and with a self-sufficient energy concept in which all consumers on board are powered exclusively by solar, wind and hydropower. And we succeeded! In just one and a half years, Peter Hoefnagels sailed around the world with his self-built "Ya". "I wanted to show what's possible," says the consultant, environmental scientist and sailor. He chose the barefoot route, knowing full well that his concept would not work on all routes around the globe. "If I only sailed in regions with little wind and sun, I would have a problem. It wouldn't work - that's why I don't do it," says Hoefnagels.

Two 6.5 kW electric motors are installed on board, as well as a wind generator, a hydrogenerator and solar cells on deck, on the bimini and in the windows. The owner swears by the complementary systems. The galley is fully electric with an induction hob, microwave and kettle. Rainwater is collected, filtered and filled into a tank.

A completely self-sufficient ten-metre boat

But does all this really ensure complete self-sufficiency on the ten-metre boat? With a few exceptions, it works, confirms Hoefnagels. He has even been able to cover a thousand miles through windless areas on the journey. The 65-year-old devised the boat concept with a small team. "I presented my idea to seven other sailors and energy experts in 2010. Six of them said it should be feasible." He brought renowned designer Dick Koopmans on board to design the boat.

Hoefnagels founded the "Clean Wave Foundation" for boat building and subsequent projects - during his travels, he wants to raise awareness of sustainable behaviour. In the Netherlands, the circumnavigator is also known as a sailing book author. His new title has just been published: "Sustainable Boating" with tips for yacht and motorboat owners. The insights come not least from his time on board the "Ya". He has already cast off again for his next circumnavigation - now with more time, but once again completely self-sufficient.

Further topics in the sustainability special:

• 25 tips to help you sail more environmentally friendly
• These projects are available for marine conservation
• Sailing yacht vs. motorboat: which model is more sustainable?
• Boatbuilding ecolution: These shipyards are working on sustainable concepts
• Shipyard portrait Greenboats: Boats made of flax and components for Boris Herrmann
• Sustainable fashion: oilskins and other functional clothing - the best products
• Boat recycling: the never-ending story of GRP
• Sail recycling: not just stylish bags- what happens to old cloth
• "Losing is not an option"- Boris Herrmann on sustainability in motorsport
• Sustainable management: Wooden boats in charter operations
• Equipment: Every sailor should reach for these green alternatives
• Drinking water on board: you can filter water correctly using these methods
• Baltic Sea: How does a harbour become sustainable?
• Research yachts: Climate protectors under sail
• Pallets, bottles, flip-flops: creative recycling ideas in boatbuilding
• Monsoon 31: Greenfit instead of refit, what does that mean for the 50-year-old Hallberg-Rassy?
• "Nomade des Mers": a catamaran as a low-tech laboratory
• Sustainable boat project: 55-foot catamaran made from recycled aluminium
• The Schwörer family and the "Pachamama": on a long voyage for climate protection
• Nike Steiger on her recycling project