Date added: 2025-07-24
TECoNaut: A "Forgotten" Yacht Gets a New Lease on Life
As a partner in the TECoNaut project, Gdańsk University of Technology aims to demonstrate that sustainable sailing encompasses more than modern materials and eco-friendly propulsion systems. It also involves rescuing and revitalizing yachts that have been forgotten for years –whether in marinas or simply left behind houses. Thanks to the considerable involvement of the university’s staff and students (and other people), as well as support from the university and sponsors under the "Sailing at Gdańsk Tech" initiative, a comprehensive renovation of the MicroPolo yacht is now underway.
A Functional Interior
Currently, work is focused on the concept for a new interior layout of the yacht, developed as part of a bachelor’s thesis by Michał Warmiński, a design student at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk, under the supervision of Paweł Gełesz, D.F.A. from the Institute of Ship Design and Construction. The proposed concept emphasizes the use of simple materials – mainly mono-axially processed panels such as marine plywood or other materials preferably sourced from recycling.
– The concept of the new interior layout is based on clarity, intuitiveness, and ease of construction. The functional zones of the small interior have been redefined to increase crew comfort during short cruises. The tabletop will be raised above the centerboard case and enlarged. Its right wing, when unfolded, will connect with the refrigerator housing to create a spacious working area. Seating will include backrests that double as open, easily accessible storage spaces. Side pockets (‘jaskółki’) will be made from recycled sails, reinforcing the yacht's nautical character – explains Paweł Gełesz, D.F.A.
Additionally, the space beneath the companionway hatch will be allocated for waste bins with segregation capability. To enhance light diffusion and visually enlarge the cabin space, the entire interior will be finished in light tones. Upholstery will also be made from recycled materials.
The relaunch of the MicroPolo yacht is scheduled for 2026.
Eco-Friendly Marine Construction
The TECoNaut project aims to promote the use of sustainable materials in the nautical industry, developed through state-of-the-art technologies. Its broader goal is to contribute to the ecological transition and to foster employment opportunities within the “green” marine construction sector.
The project consortium includes nautical companies and institutions from seven countries: Spain, France, Greece, Belgium, Germany, Turkey, and Poland (represented by Gdańsk University of Technology and Polboat).