Ten years ago, Michael Schmidt founded YYachts, driven by a vision that went against many market trends: to build large yachts made entirely of carbon fiber that were easy to handle, featuring a minimalist design , and engineered to be sailed even by a small crew or just a couple. Today, the Greifswald shipyard is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a range spanning 65 to 100 feet, over fifty yachts delivered, and a network of owners spread across Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. The philosophy, however, has remained unchanged and can be summed up in the motto: “Keep it simple: look good, sail easy”— that is , eliminating the superfluous without sacrificing performance and comfort.
An instantly recognizable stylistic identity
The first feature that sets a YYachts apart is its completely flush deck, free of obstructions, with all rigging integrated and routed toward the cockpit. This design offers a twofold advantage: on the one hand, a clean aesthetic and improved aerodynamic efficiency; on the other, greater freedom of movement on board.
Another distinctive feature is the glass-enclosed deckhouse with large, nearly vertical surfaces. This design choice allows natural light to flood the salon and provides a panoramic view of the sea, while the Parsol Grey glass with a reflective coating helps prevent the interior from overheating, thereby reducing the need for air conditioning.
Then there are details that only become apparent when you actually experience the boat: handrails and handles positioned at strategic points, from the cockpit to the interior, all the way up to the ceilings. The structure is made of carbon sandwich construction, which is also used in numerous interior elements, offering clear advantages in terms of sound insulation and vibration reduction. The systems and equipment are designed to be easily accessible and as simplified as possible, following the principle that less complexity means fewer problems. Rounding out the picture are high-quality materials—often light-colored woods inspired by Nordic design—indirect LED lighting, and interiors developed in collaboration with internationally renowned firms such as Norm Architects, David Thulstrup, and Chipperfield.
Y6: the new model designed for solo driving
The latest addition to the lineup is the Y6, the shipyard’s first model designed specifically to be operated completely autonomously. Designed by Bill Tripp, this 64-foot yacht—approximately 20 meters long—was unveiled last year at the Palma International Boat Show and will make its debut on the water this fall, expanding the brand’s lineup into the lower price range.
We find all the hallmarks of the YYachts philosophy: carbon-epoxy construction, light weight, a generous sail plan, and all controls concentrated in the cockpit to allow the helmsman to steer the boat without assistance.
The Y6 was designed as an intuitive and accessible cruiser, with a cockpit tailored for those who wish to sail without a crew. The Y on Watch system supports the owner by providing a direct connection to the shipyard’s technicians for remote assistance. Below deck, the high level of customization stands out: configurations with three or four cabins, the option to replace the saloon with an office, a crew cabin in the bow, and a choice of various wood species, including oak and mahogany. There is also the option of an electric propulsion system for those seeking an even quieter sailing experience.
While the Y6 represents the future, the model that has contributed most to YYachts’ reputation is undoubtedly the Y7. This 22-meter carbon-fiber yacht was designed for long family cruises, but it has also demonstrated excellent performance in competitive sailing.
With a displacement of approximately 29 metric tons and a sail area of nearly 300 square meters upwind, reaching about 700 square meters downwind, the Y7 has demonstrated how a 70-foot yacht can combine speed, stability, and ease of handling even with a small crew.
The redesign announced in 2025, designed by judel/vrolijk & co, does not alter the essence of the design but evolves its features. The new hull lines offer greater interior volume and improved stability, while the bow and transom have been redesigned. The cockpit is now more sheltered thanks to a U-shaped sofa configuration and asymmetrical access that improves circulation on board. The spaces dedicated to the owner have also been expanded, a true VIP cabin has been added, and the crew area has been enlarged.
Y8 Hybrid: Cruising in luxury with the utmost quiet
In the maxi-yacht segment, YYachts has taken its philosophy a step further by introducing the first Y8 equipped with a hybrid propulsion system developed in collaboration with Yanmar. It is an 80-foot yacht built entirely of carbon fiber, designed for ocean cruising but with a strong Mediterranean influence, evident in both the sail plan and the layout of the outdoor spaces.
The YF12e diesel-electric system combines high-capacity lithium batteries with the ability to use low-emission HVO fuel. This allows the shipowner to take advantage of diesel’s range and reliability on long crossings and switch to all-electric mode during port maneuvers or when navigating in bays and protected areas.
Charging can be done at the dock, using solar panels installed on board, or via the hydrogenerator connected to the propeller, thus ensuring particularly efficient energy management.
Michael Schmidt’s Philosophy: The Art of Simplicity
YYachts traces its origins to the personal experience of Michael Schmidt, the former founder of Hanse and a leading figure in the European boating industry. In his search for the ideal boat for himself, Schmidt could not find a model on the market—whether new or used—that met his needs.
This dissatisfaction gave rise to the idea of building a yacht based on a specific philosophy: large vessels designed for a select few, yet as easy to handle as much smaller boats. Carbon-fiber hulls, minimalist systems, clean design, and bright interiors have thus become the cornerstones of the brand.
For Schmidt, the true concept of luxury does not lie in the accumulation of technology and accessories, but rather in the freedom to set sail without the need for a large crew and without complications, experiencing the sea in an authentic and direct way.
A decade of growth and more than fifty yachts delivered
The results of the first ten years of operation are impressive: over fifty yachts ranging from 65 to 100 feet in length have been built at the Greifswald shipyard. Here, each hull is built from carbon fiber composite and finished using automated painting processes, while a division dedicated to custom projects develops fully bespoke yachts up to 33 meters in length.
Today, the lineup consists of four main models—the Y6, Y7, Y8, and Y9—along with numerous custom builds. They all share the same DNA that has made the brand instantly recognizable: lightness, simplicity, and the joy of sailing.
James Barbaro
