The Zen50, designed and produced by Barcelona, Spain-based Zen Yachts, has been honoured with the Gussies (Gustave Trouvé) 2023 award in the Electric Production Boat category for vessels over eight metres.

As the main composite material supplier and infusion technical advisor, MEL Composites, which is also headquartered in Barcelona, played a key role in its production.

The Zen50, a zero-emission solar and wind-powered blue water catamaran, represents a leap in sustainable boating technology with advanced composites enabling it to sail continuously at cruising speeds of 6 to 10 knots, without requiring any fuel onboard.

MEL Composites is supplying the vinylester resins, carbon fibres and Corecell foam for the 15.7-metre-long catamaran, while the Zen and MEL teams are working together to define the critical details for the build, including mechanical testing of sample laminates and specifying the bespoke CNC cut core kits and process set-up for infusion.

During the build, MEL technicians are on site at the shipyard, monitoring the infusion strategy and assisting the Zen team throughout. Combining in-house resin infusion expertise, customised raw materials treatment and technical support, MEL Composites is ensuring that the Zen50’s structural weight remains under strict control and the new yacht matches its performance and environmental targets.

“Winning the Gussies 2023 award is a fantastic testament to the exceptional technology and engineering behind the Zen50,” said Julien Mélot, CEO of Zen Yachts. “We are delighted to work with MEL Composites to achieve a high-quality build, helping to create environmentally friendly, zero-emission yachts for the future.”

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