Recycling recognised
The Vaan R5, a 49-foot, aluminium sailing catamaran from Vaan Yachts in the Netherlands, was recognised with the innovation award in the category Process or Product with low environmental impact at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival in September.
24 November 2025
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The Vaan R5 took out the top award in its category in the inaugural Cannes Yachting Festival Innovation Route Awards, announced 9 September at the show. The Innovation Route is a program that highlights eco-conscious and ingenious solutions in the yachting industry.
Designed using recycled aluminium and circular materials making it up to 95 percent recyclable, the Vaan R5 embodies the Dutch shipyard’s “Sail the Planet” philosophy, combining performance and responsibility.
From 120 entries, the jury recognised the effort of Vaan Yachts to reduce the carbon footprint of boat building.
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Jury member, Guillaume Arnaud des Lions commented, “Vaan is pushing the limit of recycling, an up-step in our industry. A smart and trendy design, 49-foot sailing boat with full electric propulsion, a 60 percent recycled aluminium hull, PEFC certified cork decking, and 100 percent recyclable catamaran.”
The Vaan R5 really is positioned as a long-range, luxury platform with ample space and features to suit couples or large families. The R5 comes in a 3-cabin and 4-cabin version.
The hull is made up of over 60 percent recycled aluminium from objects such as discarded window frames, traffic signs and license plates. Some parts of their vessels contain as much as than 85 percent post-consumer-scrap (PCS).
In line with their mission to build low-impact yachts, Vaan boats are all-electric, from induction cooking to electric propulsion for cruising with no fumes, no noise and no vibration.
The large or extra large battery banks are charged by the solar panels, the hydro-generating motors, or the wind. A back-up generator can be added to the energy mix to provide extra security on longer journeys.
Igor Kluin, who co-founded Vaan Yachts with Nienke van ‘t Klooster in 2016, accepted the award and said, “aluminium catamarans are still very rare, and we have added the sustainability component to it”.
“Our yachts’ hulls are made fully of aluminium, using old window frames, license plates, so it’s truly circular.”
He continued, “Aluminium has an excellent track record for its strength and safety. It makes the hull very rigid, which means no ‘cracking’ noises inside. And of course, the Vaan Vivid Alu has an amazing unique look.
Elsewhere in the construction, sustainable materials used include as PEFC certified cork decking, recycled fabrics, FSC certified woods, which Kluin asserted “create a warm, cosy atmosphere”.
“The Vaan R5 is a 49-foot version of our concept, and we have smaller and larger models. And while our aim is to sell boats, we also hope to move the industry to more circularity.”
In their creative rationale, the founders stated, “There is something magical about sailing. Being moved by nature, propelled by the wind, you can go, wherever you want to go, naturally.
“Sailing makes you humble. At the mercy of the sky and sea, you naturally become even more respectful of the earth. And mindful of your place in it.
“For us, sailing is the ultimate sustainable travel. And it’s time for sailboats to live up to that. Living a luxury life and protecting the earth can, and should, go hand in hand.
“This is why we started Vaan. To build exclusive sailing yachts, that do not harm the planet. To restore the balance between pleasure and planet. To enable people to travel to pristine places, without causing negative impact. To protect the beauty of nature and enjoy it at the same time. Sail the Planet!”
The full list of winners here.
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