Our Story


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Redefining
Yachting

Redefining Yachting



It started with a vision

– uncompromising and bold. A vision of smart ships. Innovative and strong. Superior in performance, design, and comfort. Free from vibrations and fumes. In tune with the environment.

With a team of top international experts from various fields, we founded Swiss Sustainable Yachts AG, based in Zurich. Together, we thought back on what we truly wanted from a luxury experience onboard. The feeling of freedom and joy. The convenience and comfort. The beauty of the surroundings. And nothing disturbing it.

Understanding that pure freedom does not accept any compromise, and combining Swiss-quality engineering, Spanish naval architecture expertise, and Italian design, we brought this vision to life.

The result is AQUON One.

A smart designer catamaran that redefines premium yachting. It offers an independent lifestyle for sustainable luxury, powered by green hydrogen and solar energy. The name AQUON symbolizes this state-of-the-art technology and references this powerful clean water luxury.

  • Pure Freedom

    This feeling when standing at the helm of our own sustainable yacht! Taking a breath of fresh air with our hearts filled with joy. We are in the moment. In our element. Undisturbed.

    Cruise day and night without the need for onshore energy supply or the nuisance and pollution of traditional engines and generators. The onboard solar panels and hydrogen technology generate clean energy to power the boat and any other electricity usage – bringing our independence to a whole new level. This is “Pure Freedom”.

  • Lasting Moments

    We make life onboard truly about the moments that matter. A quiet coffee overlooking the water. The first swim before breakfast. Sun-bathing. Cruising along with dolphins. Some yoga stretches on deck. Enjoying a glass of champagne during sunset and dinner with friends. Ending the day with a gaze at the stars…

    The Mediterranean was traditionally traveled from the seaside. To this day, there is hardly a more impressive way than to explore the region’s beautiful cliffs, hidden coves, turquoise and azure water, sandy beaches, and stunning sunsets by boat. It is complemented by a stroll through the local fishermen village or a bike ride through the nearby vineyard followed by a wine degustation.

  • Video

    The AQUON
    sustainable yachting experience


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Our Values

Nothing can make us feel more independent than standing at the wheel of our own boat. And true ‘Independence’ is the core of our values:
  • Innovative

    Future Oriented
    Seeking new solutions for known challenges

    Sustainable
    Aiming for win-win in all aspects regarding the environmental impact

    Connected
    Integrated knowledge from other areas and in close contact with other industries

  • Cultivated

    Exclusive
    Modern luxury in all aspects and senses

    Aesthetic
    Timeless, stylish, and representing the highest value

    Tradition
    Respecting quality and experience

  • Aware

    Entrepreneurial
    Taking initiative in seeing opportunities, goal-oriented, problem solution

    Integer
    Professional and ethical

    Aware of resources
    Acting with the awareness that solutions need to be respectful in using resources

People behind AQUON


  • Board

    Dr. oec. Adrian Beer

    CO-FOUNDER

    Adrian is a serial entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Madrid based GrupoBeer, an international leading company providing specialized services to the industrial, commercial, and insurance sector on global scale on loss mitigation and post-disaster recovery services, among others.

    Dr. oec. Adrian Beer

    CO-FOUNDER

    Adrian is a passionate yachtsman, whose fascination for the sea inspired him to make the yachting industry more sustainable. Adrian is a serial entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Madrid based GrupoBeer, an international leading company providing specialized services to the industrial, commercial, and insurance sector on global scale on loss mitigation and post-disaster recovery services, among others. Dedicated to drive positive change, his involvement made him participate in several national and international business associations and councils such as the Harvard Business School Alumni Association (Past President), HBS European Leadership Council, AEHS Asociación Económica Hispano-Suiza (Past Chairman), YPO-WPO Young President’s-World President’s Organisation (Board member), ASO/ASR Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (Board member), among others. Adrian holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University St. Gallen (CH) as well as an OMP from Harvard Business School (USA). To SSY, he brings his vision of pioneering a sustainable approach to yachting initiated by his experience on board as well as with GrupoBeer, transferring ideas and technologies from other industries to the yachting sector.

    Christine Funck

    CEO & Co-Founder

    Christine is a strategic, results-oriented business executive with a track record of successfully building, growing and leading businesses on an international level. To Swiss Sustainable Yachts, she brings in her affinity for complex sustainable products and services, unwavering commitment to clients, entrepreneurial spirit, and passion for innovation.

    Christine Funck

    CEO & Co-Founder

    Christine is a strategic, results-oriented business executive with a track record of successfully building, growing and leading businesses and brands on an international level. A background in the premium car industry with Daimler, BMW and Bentley, she was responsible for go-to-market strategies for both, MINI and Bentley. Followed by seven years in wealth management as executive in client development with UBS, she returned to management consultancy. Christine holds a diploma in business from the European Business School (EBS) (D) and an MBA from Harvard Business School (USA). To SSY, she brings her affinity for complex sustainable products and services, an unwavering commitment to clients, entrepreneurial spirit, and a passion for innovation.

    Prof. Dr. Jürg Simon

    Board member

    Jürg is one of the internationally leading lawyers for IP and related fields as a senior partner with Lenz & Staehelin. He is a Professor for IP and teaches, among others, at the University of St. Gallen (CH)..

    Prof. Dr. Jürg Simon

    Board member

    Jürg is one of the internationally leading lawyers for IP and related fields as a senior partner with Lenz & Staehelin. He is a Professor for IP and teaches, among others, at the University of St. Gallen (CH). Jürg serves as board member of selected IP related companies. He holds a Ph. D. in law from the University of Bern (CH) as well as an Executive Masters in European and International Business Law from the University of St. Gallen (CH). To SSY, he brings his extensive knowledge on all legal aspects of brands, technology and design, whilst being an important sparring partner to Adrian and Christine in discussing business and strategy for AQUON

  • Advisors

    Alexander von Rohr

    Advisor

    Alexander is a serial entrepreneur in the energy system area with focus on the home sector and on sustainable energy.

    Alexander von Rohr

    Advisor

    Alexander is a serial entrepreneur in the energy system area with focus on the home sector and on sustainable energy. He invented the “ice storage”- heating and cooling system and successfully sold this venture Isocal to the German industrial group Viessmann. Now, while running his family business heating installation, he is currently also focusing on his latest founded company Caldoa where he is also Managing Director. Alexander has degrees in engineering and economics. To SSY, he brings his expertise on hydrogen technology, engineering and experience in developing new technologies for the market.

    Prof. Dr. Michèle F. Sutter-Rüdisser

    Advisor

    Prof. Dr. Michèle F. Sutter-Rüdisser is an adjunct professor of Organizational Control and Corporate Governance at the School of Management at the University of St. Gallen as well as vice director at the Institute for Accounting, Controlling and Auditing (ACA-HSG).

    Prof. Dr. Michèle F. Sutter-Rüdisser

    Advisor

    Prof. Dr. Michèle F. Sutter-Rüdisser is an adjunct professor of Organizational Control and Corporate Governance at the School of Management at the University of St. Gallen as well as vice director at the Institute for Accounting, Controlling and Auditing (ACA-HSG). She is also a long-term visiting professor for ‘Banking and Insurance’ at the Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi’s School of Management in Milano, Italy and works as an independent, non-executive board member for various companies. To SSY, Michèle brings her expertise in all aspects for finance management and passion for entrepreneurial endeavors

  • Design & Architecture

    Christian Grande

    Christian Grande is founder and CEO of Christian Grande Designworks (CGDW), based in Parma (I). Focus of his company is nautical and automotive, interior design and civil architecture. A multidisciplinary approach is a key strength of CGDW.

    Tià Simó

    Tià Simó is one of the founders and partners of Bravo Yacht Design (BYD) Group. BYD is a Design and Naval Architecture firm with more than 20 years of experience using the most advanced technology like CATIA among other tools to develop their projects. BYD has offices in Barcelona and Palma.

    Martin Hesselmann

    Martin Hesselmann has realized interiors on yachts and ships for more than 20 years. He sees himself at the interface of the Interior designer, the joiners and all technical and regulatory interests. His aim is to fully realize the given interior design, while at the same time looking after all technical and other requirements in order to guarantee the Client impeccable function and superior comfort

  • Energy System &
    Production

    Dr. Matthieu Despeisse

    Dr. Matthieu Despeisse is Section Head Photovoltaics at CSEM in Neuchâtel (CH). At CSEM, he is focusing on the topic of high-efficiency and durable solar cells and modules.

    Prof. Dr. Markus Friedl

    Prof. Dr. Markus Friedl is professor for Thermodynamics and Fluid Dynamics and Head of Institute IET at Hochschule Rapperswil (HSR) near Zurich (CH).

    Markus Jenne

    Markus Jenne is leading expert of ZSW (D) in the area of fuel cell systems and anything related to hydrogen systems. Markus has vast work experience prior to ZSW with Fraunhofer ISE, Sulzer Hexis AG (CH), Paul Scherrer Institut (CH), dasag renewable energy AG (CH).

    Armin Leonhardt

    Armin Leonhardt is founder and Managing Director of aleon GmbH, based in Wangen (D). Aleon has in depth expertise in the smart home, smart appliances sector working for clients in automotive, real estate

    Eliot Thorne

    Eliot Thorne is one of the founders and Managing Director of FIBRE Mechanics, based near South Hampton (UK) and has personal in- depth and global experience in high quality catamaran building.

  • Market
    Development

    Franziska Steidle-Sailer

    Franziska Steidle is SSY’s strategic market developer, based in Zürich, Switzerland. She has international experience in the yachting and shipping markets, as well as in sustainability in shipping. She holds an MBA of the University of St. Gallen (CH).

Our Partners


  • Development

    OST

    Swiss OST (Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences) stands for practice-oriented teaching, for innovative research, for the constant transfer of knowledge with industry – and for the profitable symbiosis of all these areas.

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    In cooperation with other partners, OST is significantly involved in the development of the hydrogen-based energy supply on board the AQUON One as well as the overall coordination of the development of the energy system. It can draw on many years of experience in the fields of power-to-gas and fluid engineering.

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    ZSW

    The German ZSW Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research (Zentrum für Sonnenenergie- und Wasserstoff-Forschung Baden-Württemberg) has 30 years experience in applied research to renewable energy technologies, fuel cells and hydrogen technology.

    MORE

    Within the AQUON One project, ZSW supports the development of the sustainable energy system with a strong focus on the hydrogen subsystems. ZSW also coordinates the safety concept up to the certification process led by DNV-GL.

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    DNV

    DNV is the leading certifying services provider in the maritime sector as well as in hydrogen, offering certification, classification, and advisory solutions with specific expertise in the maritime sector.

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    Offering certification, classification, and advisory solutions with specific expertise in the maritime sector, DNV combines leading technical and operational expertise, risk methodology, and in-depth industry knowledge. DNV will certify both: AQUON One as an entire ship, as well as the yacht’s innovative energy system and its components. Thereby, the renowned global institution enhances the safety, quality, energy efficiency, and environmental performance of AQUON One and ensures its operational and regulatory sustainability.

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    CSEM

    CSEM (Centre Suisse d’Electronique et de Microtechnique) is a hub of Swiss ingenuity, accelerating innovations into quality and advanced technologies.

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    Specialized in latest-generation technologies, its photovoltaic (PV) experts can provide solutions for every step of value chain – from material development and concept design of high efficiency solar cells to reliable cell manufacturing and advanced energy management. CSEM also offers advanced services in design, testing and manufacturing of special PV generators for mobility, building integration and connected devices. Its teams equip the AQUON One with one of its sustainable renewable energy sources: its bespoke, fully integrated and optimized photovoltaic (PV) modules. Robust, highly-efficient, light-weight, with a customized design, these made-to-measure solar modules are made to be esthetically pleasing to the eye.

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  • Shipyard

    Latitude Yachts

    Our partnering shipyard is Latitude Yachts, based in Riga, Latvia. Latitude is a full-service shipyard with the highest quality as well as up-to-date environmental and work standards.

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    Latitude Yachts is our entrusted shipyard producing the AQUON catamaran series. The full-service yard offers excellent build quality with an outstanding reputation in the superyacht sector. The production of ocean-class trimarans (e.g. the 53m Galaxy of Happiness) is just one prominent showcase. Latitude executes even the most complex and sophisticated production tasks in a well-organized and responsible manner.

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  • Sustainability

    Hydropole

    The Swiss Hydrogen Association HYDROPOLE is the national network for hydrogen-related matters in Switzerland.

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    The Swiss Hydrogen Association HYDROPOLE is the national network for hydrogen-related matters in Switzerland. HYDROPOLE is a knowledge and information cluster focused on all aspects of past, present and future use of hydrogen. HYDROPOLE serves as a platform for research, development, industry and other public or private organizations.

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    SwissCleantech

    Swisscleantech is a business association that shapes a climate-friendly economy in Switzerland, with businesses playing an important role to combat climate change.

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    Swisscleantech is a business association that shapes a climate-friendly economy. With its over 500 members ranging from large corporates to SMEs, it moves politics and society and ensures that Switzerland is CO2-neutral by 2050 latest. Business and the entire economy play a critical role in combatting climate change. To do so, companies must adapt their business models to the climate goals, and policies must set the political framework to fuel this transformation. AQUON is a proud member of Swisscleantech since 2019.

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    SEA Index

    The Superyacht Eco Association (SEA) Index has developed a tailor-made tool to assess the environmental performance of superyachts. This creates global industry standards and transparency.

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    AQUON is a proud member of the

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  • Affinity Partner

    Apure Lighting Systems

    Apure is a high-end lighting manufacturer specializing in developing innovative and state-of-the-art fixtures to compliment interior and exterior design.

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    Architectural lighting and planning for the entire project by our distinct product partner Apure. Customized for the AQUON One, the lighting fixtures are thoughtfully designed by Studio F.A. Porsche to create a uniquely personalized ambiance. Illumination is never directly seen, only felt to enhance well-being. Apure’s devotion to excellence combines fine craftsmanship with innovative technology. Apure is a high-end lighting manufacturer specializing in developing innovative and state-of-the-art fixtures to compliment the interior and exterior design.

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    Gstaad Yacht Club

    The Gstaad Yacht Club, a private members club, was founded in 1998 by a group of sailor enthusiasts.

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    The Gstaad Yacht Club, a private members club, was founded in 1998 by a group of sailor enthusiasts with the vision to “create a unique global yacht club away from the waters, instead of another local club by the waters”.

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    Sonance – Beyong Sound

    Beautiful moments aboard your luxury yacht deserve the perfect soundtrack – delivered in the highest quality.

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    Beautiful moments aboard your luxury yacht deserve the perfect soundtrack – delivered in the highest quality. That is why we have partnered with award winning company SONANCE for the design of a customized entertainment speaker system aboard AQUON One.

    SONANCE is consistently recognized as industry leader in sound quality and custom installations. Their hidden audio solutions deliver an even, balanced sound experience that blends into the design of the AQUON One luxury yacht. All speaker grilles aboard the AQUON One are integrated and custom-painted to disappear amids their surroundings.

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