Electric boats

Silent yachts, silent yachts launches solar catamaran with kite wing sail and 100 mile daily range from the sun.

Avatar for Scooter Doll

Solar boat engineer and designer Silent Yachts has shared new details of the SILENT-60, a 60′ catamaran with 42 solar panels and two electric propelled motors backed by 286 kWh of battery capacity. While Silent Yachts’ solar-powered vessels are all unique, the SILENT-60 will also be fitted with a 9-13 square meter kite wing, generating additional clean power to pull the yacht.

Silent Yachts was founded by Heike and Michael Köhle, who together have sailed over 75,000 nautical miles around the world, and decided there had to be a better way to propel yachts with clean energy.

After beginning research into solar yacht technologies in 2004, Silent Yachts gathered five years of sailing data and constructed its first fully self-sufficient solar-powered catamaran , the Solarwave 46.

After a five-year trial at sea that began in 2010, Silent Yachts had a proven solar yacht concept, and began serial production of luxury sustainable vessels in 2016 with the SILENT-64. By 2018, The SILENT-64 had become the first serial-production solar-powered bluewater catamaran to cross the Atlantic, from Cartagena, Spain to Barbados in 16 days.

In 2020, the company announced a partnership with Volkswagen Group , which will supply all the components and batteries for a new 50-foot yacht. The yacht will be designed with the help of Cupra, and will utilize VW’s MEB Platform.

Earlier this year, Silent Yachts launched the SILENT-60 as a more powerful, revamped generation of the SILENT-64. With the company’s latest announcement, the SILENT-60 catamaran looks to separate itself from other solar yachts by utilizing even more sustainable propulsion techniques.

solar yacht

The SILENT-60 solar yacht specs

In addition to being a yacht completely powered using solar energy, Silent Yachts has now shared an additional kite wing option that can deliver even more clean range to the Silent-60.

According to the press release, the SILENT-60 will be the first vessel to be fitted with a nine or 13 square meter kite wing, although the option will now be available on all Silent Yacht models.

After deploying the compact kite, it drifts away on the surface of the water before pulling taught and launching into the air. When it reaches its optimal flight height, the kite begins to trace a “figure 8” in the sky, generating additional power to pull the solar yacht. Silent Yacht founder Michael Köhler elaborates:

The main advantages of a kite over a conventional sail system are that it does not throw shade on the solar panels, does not need a tall mast, and generates up to 10 times more power per square meter than a traditional sail. In addition to that it saves about 1.5 tons of weight compared to conventional rig and costs much less. It makes even more sense for the SILENT boats that run on renewable solar energy because the power generated by a kite easily exceeds the energy consumption of the system, so you can charge the batteries while cruising under kite power. And besides that, it’s great fun!

When yacht owners want to stop kiting, an automated app controls the kite, moving it to a position right above the boat where it has the least pull on the line. This allows for more easy electric winching down over the foredeck for stowage.

silent yachts kite

In addition to the wind kite option, the SILENT-60 yacht comes with 42 solar panels, garnering 17 kWp of energy from the sun to power two, 340 kW electric motors. The system is backed by a battery capacity up to 286 kWh.

As a required safety measure, the SILENT-60 is equipped with a generator and 1,000 liters of fuel. However, according to the Silent-Yachts’ owners, they almost never use it because they have enough solar power and electric energy.

According to Silent Yachts, the SILENT-60 can cruise efficiently with zero emissions using solar power only for up to 100 nautical miles a day and can maintain that pace for weeks. The vessel’s cruise speed is six to eight knots, but it can get up to a top speed of 20 knots using the all-electric motors.

The SILENT-60 comes with four guest cabins but can be designed with a custom layout for those willing to pay a bit more. Speaking of which, the SILENT-60 starts at 2.39 million euros ($2.69 million).

The first of these SILENT-60 solar yachts was built in Thailand, but the company plans to build future units in Italy. Furthermore, Silent Yachts has already shared design plans for a SILENT-80 and SILENT-100 Explorer vessel.

More electrified boats are sure to make their maiden voyage soon. In the meantime, check out this launch video detailing the style and luxury of the SILENT-60:

Electrek’s take

The more I see electric propulsion on larger and larger boats, the more excited I get. While this is still such a niche segment in not just maritime transportation, but electrified mobility overall, it really excites me personally.

Many of you (hopefully) saw my previous article where I got to captain a solar-powered yacht called the Ramblin’ Rose, thanks to Sunwater Marine . That experience helped me learn and experience a lot of similar technology that Silent Yachts has implemented on an even larger and more powerful scale with its catamarans.

While it’s safe to say that my current income level might get me on board a SILENT-60 solar yacht as a mere stowaway, those who can afford their own are going to be blessed with luxury and performance with zero emissions. The quicker we stop burning diesel in our Earth’s waters (and anywhere else while we’re at it), the better.

A top speed 20 knots is nearly 23 mph, not bad for two electric motors getting all their energy from the sun. Obviously, that speed is not sustainable for the batteries, but being able to get 100 NMs from the sun each day truly means you can take this yacht out for weeks at a time if you want. Not to mention the unique wing kite that actually pulls the 60-foot yacht, unlike a sailboat that is pushed by the wind. No range anxiety here.

I’d love to get below deck on one of the Silent Yachts and explore the inner workings… while getting a tan in the Mediterranean, perhaps? A kid could dream, right? For now, I’ll simply have to report electric boat news from my squeaky chair, pretending the cars whizzing by outside are calm ocean waves lapping against the yacht’s hull. Is it too early for a mojito?

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

silent yachts kite

Electric boats

Scooter Doll is a writer, designer and tech enthusiast born in Chicago and based on the West Coast. When he’s not offering the latest tech how tos or insights, he’s probably watching Chicago sports. Please send any tips or suggestions, or dog photos to him at [email protected]

an image, when javascript is unavailable

  • Motorcycles
  • Car of the Month
  • Destinations
  • Men’s Fashion
  • Watch Collector
  • Art & Collectibles
  • Vacation Homes
  • Celebrity Homes
  • New Construction
  • Home Design
  • Electronics
  • Fine Dining
  • Baja Bay Club
  • Costa Palmas
  • Fairmont Doha
  • Four Seasons Private Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia
  • Reynolds Lake Oconee
  • Scott Dunn Travel
  • Wilson Audio
  • 672 Wine Club
  • Sports & Leisure
  • Health & Wellness
  • Best of the Best
  • The Ultimate Gift Guide

A Giant Kite Sail Injects This 60-Foot Motoryacht With an Extra Dose of Emissions-Free Speed

It generates 10 times more power per square foot than a conventional sail., michael verdon, michael verdon's most recent stories.

  • How a Little-Known Dublin Book Fest Transformed Into an A-Lister Summer Favorite
  • The World’s Most Expensive Meal Will Cost You $495,000—and It Will Be Served in a Space Balloon
  • This Sleek New Zero-Emissions Jet Will Fly on Liquid Hydrogen
  • Share This Article

Silent 60 Electric Yacht

Kite-surfing has become the go-to sport for board lovers, but now a kite will be standard equipment on a 60-foot motoryacht . Already known for creating large, electric-powered cats, Silent Yachts ’ CEO Michael Kohler spent several years searching for an easy-to-use, automated system that would serve as a workhorse for his zero-emission yachts.

“It’s more tool than toy,” Kohler says of the 130-sq.-foot Wingit kite . “It can add five knots to a boat’s speed, save energy and increase the boat’s efficiency. It generates 10 times more power per square foot than a conventional sail.”

Related Stories

  • Mercedes-AMG’s Scrappy New 4-Cylinder GT43 Might Just Make Your Muscle Car Jealous
  • Bentley Buyers Spend More Than $42,000 on Add-Ons
  • Car of the Week: This 1966 Corvette Convertible Is a Classic Beauty With Modern Muscle. Now It’s up for Grabs.

Tethered by Kevlar lines to a two-foot-high foredeck mast, the kite is inflated before being sent aloft. It flies up to about 400 feet, where wind is more intense, doing figure eights as it pulls the boat forward. “The kite is controlled automatically,” says Kohler. “You can steer the boat just as you would any vessel.”

Kitesail for Silent 60 Motoryacht

Setting up the kite.  Courtesy Alberto Cocchi

The kite also comes handy in emergency situations, such as times when the yacht’s propellers run afoul of fishing nets or line floating in the water, which will kill the engines. Instead of having to dive over the side with a knife to cut the line, the kite can guide the boat into safer, shallower waters, where the prop entanglements can be more easily removed.

The system is housed in a box on the foredeck, so after the kite comes down, it’s stowed away and is ready to be deployed for the next trip.

While the Wingit could be used to propel a yacht over long distances, even a transatlantic crossing, Kohler says it will be most commonly used for day cruising. “We designed it for normal, light-wind conditions,” he says. “If you intend to cruise for an hour or more, much as you would on a sailboat, the system makes sense.” It certainly does to Silent 60 buyers, who have all opted for the kite.

Read More On:

More marine.

Millennials Are Buying Yachts

Open Space, Eco-Friendly Tech: What a Rising Class of Millennial Superyacht Owners Is Looking For

Benetti Oasis

‘People Don’t Want to Be Inside’: How the Outdoors Became Yachtmakers’ Most Coveted Design Element

Lady A Benetti Superyacht

This New 220-Foot Custom Superyacht Is Topped With an Epic Jacuzzi

Van der Valk Custom Pilot Superyacht D.Rolli

This Custom 112-Foot Trideck Superyacht Feels Bigger Than It Actually Is

magazine cover

Culinary Masters 2024

MAY 17 - 19 Join us for extraordinary meals from the nation’s brightest culinary minds.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Marine

Palm Beach International Boat Show

The 10 Most-Exciting Yacht Debuts at the Palm Beach International Boat Show

Lady A Benetti Superyacht

‘Lady A’ Superyacht in Photos

More from our brands, former model accuses photographer marc baptiste of sexual assault and battery, olympics ‘gold zone’ to stream on peacock for 2024 paris games, kim kardashian and emma roberts kiss in first trailer for ‘american horror story: delicate’ part 2 (tv news roundup), artist lynthia edwards says deborah roberts’s infringement lawsuit against her is ‘defamation’, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors.

Quantcast

Sail Universe

Silent 60, The Solar Electric Catamaran With a Kite Sail System

silent yachts kite

The new SILENT 60 solar powered catamaran carries 42 solar panels for 17 kWp of solar energy to power two electric motors of up to 2x340kw. Backed up by a battery capacity of up to 286 kWh, the yacht can cruise efficiently with zero emissions solely on solar power for up to 100 nautical miles a day for weeks. 

To further improve its green credentials and range, for longer crossings the first SILENT 60 is also fitted with a compact 9 or 13-sqm kite wing. The kite wing is optionally available on all SILENT models. 

How the kite wing works

A dedicated storage locker under the foredeck houses the kite wing and all its components, including an electric winch and a short, collapsible mast. On the first unit the mast is connected by four shrouds to pad eyes on deck that distribute the forces through the hull structure, but on subsequent deliveries (8 units with the kite wing option have been ordered to date) the mast will be mounted on a baseplate inside the locker to leave the foredeck clutter-free. 

After inflating the kite, it is released overboard to drift away on the surface of the water. Pulling on the lines launches it into the air and once it reaches the optimal flight height, it begins to trace a figure “8” in the sky and generates power to pull the yacht.

If you want to stop kiting, the automated app controls move the kite to a position right above the boat where it has the least pull on the line. From here it can be winched down electrically and collapsed over the foredeck ready for stowage.

lagoon seventy 7

“The main advantages of a kite over a conventional sail system are that it does not throw shade on the solar panels, does not need a tall mast, and generates up to 10 times more power per square metre than a traditional sail. In addition to that it saves about 1,5 tons of weight compared to conventional rigg and costs much less,”  says  Michael Köhler .  “It makes even more sense for the SILENT boats that run on renewable solar energy because the power generated by a kite easily exceeds the energy consumption of the system, so you can charge the batteries while cruising under kite power. And besides that, it’s great fun!”

“We tested the performance on different headings and at wind angles of up to 40 degrees with the 9-sqm kite,”  says SILENT-YACHTS’ Captain  Mike Wandler .  “Unlike a conventional sailing boat, the best results were directly downwind. Under kite power with no engines on or propellers turning, the boat speed was between 4 and 5 knots. We then switched on the electric motors drawing just 1kW each to reduce drag from the propellers and improve the flow of water over the rudders for better steering, this led to boat speeds from 6 to 7 knots over the same headings – a significant improvement on our original predictions.”

A big advantage of a kite compared to a conventional sail is, that the kite flies in much higher altitudes and therefore gets more steady and stronger winds up there. Therefore, it can already be used at low wind speeds of less than 10 knots, when it would not make any sense to hoist a sail on a sailing boat of comparable size. 

silent 60

As the kite rather pulls the boat than pushes it like a conventional sail, it requires good steering capabilities, which are compromised by the fact, that on a motorboat the rudder is typically pretty small and the propeller big. On a sailing boat it is the opposite. For this reason, it is difficult to steer a motorboat that is being pulled by a kite, but by turning on the motors, and by letting them run at a low speeds of 100 rpm this problem can be solved.

But only on a SILENT Yacht it is possible to run the electric motors at such a low rpm powered solely by solar energy and without consuming fossil energy. Any conventionally powered boat would need to run the diesel motors permanently when using the kite. 

“At 5 Beaufort we can drive with the kite indefinitely at 6-7 knots, which is faster than a comparable sailing catamaran in such wind condition when crossing the ocean, for example,”  adds  Michael Kohler .

Different layouts availabls

The first SILENT 60 has four guest cabins on the lower deck, including a spacious master suite, but other layout solutions are available. There are numerous social areas on board, including an airy main salon, an aft cockpit, a cosy bow area and a flybridge. The yacht also has high headroom throughout (up to 2.32m in the main salon).

Thanks to a draft of under 1m the yacht can access shallow bays, a crucial consideration for cruising grounds in the Caribbean and South East Asia. Two swimming platforms in the stern can be extended on owner’s request to carry a pair of electric jet skis. The lifting hydraulic platform between the two platforms can carry a 4 m tender.

silent 60

Efficient technology

The SILENT 60 is equipped with the company’s ventilation system, which provides cool and fresh air to all the interior guest spaces and can be individually adjusted to suit conditions. In addition, a reverse-cycle heat-pump system cools and heats the interior for all-season comfort. The insulated hull ensures that stable on-board temperatures can be achieved without excessive energy consumption.

A watermaker powered by solar-energy produces enough water to supply a full complement of guests. All on board appliances operate on the 220/110-volt system. The galley has good refrigerator and freezer space and an efficient induction cooker that precludes the need for carrying propane gas.

The countdown has begun for the new ICE 66 rs

Lagoon 60, freedom of space and panoramic views, setting sail with swan 51: a milestone in performance cruisers, the new sw96 liberty splashed down in cape town, live your passion, subscribe to our mailing list.

  • Nautic Shows
  • America’s Cup
  • Classic Yachts
  • Motor Yachts
  • Sailing Yachts
  • Superyachts
  • Yachts News
  • Destinations
  • Yacht Clubs
  • Boat Racing
  • Meta Yachts

Logo

Several years after presenting the first and only ocean-going production yachts in the world that are fully sustainable and powered by solar energy, Silent-Yachts now is the first boat builder to date to design and build boats for the use of a kite sail system.

The new Silent 60 solar powered catamarancarries 42 solar panels for 17 kWp of solar energy to power two electric motors of up to 2x340kw. Backed up by a battery capacity of up to 286 kWh, the yacht can cruise efficiently with zero emissions solely on solar power for up to 100 nautical miles a day for weeks. 

To further improve its green credentials and range, for longer crossings the first Silent 60 is also fitted with a compact 9 or 13-sqm kite wing.The kite wing is optionally availableon all Silent models . 

Silent 60 improves its range and green credentials with a kite wing system

After inflating the kite, it is released overboard to drift away on the surface of the water. Pulling on the lines launches it into the air and once it reaches the optimal flight height, it begins to trace a figure “8” in the sky and generates power to pull the yacht.

If you want to stop kiting, the automated app controls move the kite to a position right above the boat where it has the least pull on the line. From here it can be winched down electrically and collapsed over the foredeck ready for stowage.

“The main advantages of a kite over a conventional sail system are that it does not throw shade on the solar panels, does not need a tall mast, and generates up to 10 times more power per square metre than a traditional sail. In addition to that it saves about 1,5 tons of weight compared to conventional rigg and costs much less,” says Michael Köhler. “It makes even more sense for the Silent boats that run on renewable solar energy because the power generated by a kite easily exceeds the energy consumption of the system, so you can charge the batteries while cruising under kite power. And besides that, it’s great fun!”

Silent 60 improves its range and green credentials with a kite wing system

“We tested the performance on different headings and at wind angles of up to 40 degrees with the 9-sqm kite,” says Silent-Yachts’ Captain Mike Wandler. “Unlike a conventional sailing boat, the best results were directly downwind. Under kite power with no engines on or propellers turning, the boat speed was between 4 and 5 knots. We then switched on the electric motors drawing just 1kW each to reduce drag from the propellers and improve the flow of water over the rudders for better steering, this led to boat speeds from 6 to 7 knots over the same headings – a significant improvement on our original predictions.”

A big advantage of a kite compared to a conventional sail is, that the kite flies in much higher altitudes and therefore gets more steady and stronger windsup there. Therefore, it can already be used at low wind speeds of less than 10 knots, when it would not make any sense to hoist a sail on a sailing boat of comparable size. 

As the kite rather pulls the boat than pushes it like a conventional sail, it requires good steering capabilities, which are compromised by the fact, that on a motorboat the rudder is typically pretty small and the propeller big. On a sailing boat it is the opposite. For this reason, it is difficult to steer a motorboat that is being pulled by a kite, but by turning on the motors, and by letting them run at a low speeds of 100 rpm this problem can be solved. But only on a SILENT Yacht it is possible to run the electric motors at such a low rpm powered solely by solar energy and without consuming fossil energy. Any conventionally powered boat would need to run the diesel motors permanently when using the kite. 

“At 5 Beaufort we can drive with the kite indefinitely at 6-7 knots, which is faster than a comparable sailing catamaran in such wind conditionwhen crossing the ocean, for example,” adds Michael Kohler.

Flexible layout The first Silent 60 has four guest cabins on the lower deck, including a spacious master suite, but other layout solutions are available. There are numerous social areas on board, including an airy main salon, an aft cockpit, a cosy bow area and a flybridge. The yacht also has high headroom throughout (up to 2.32m in the main salon).

Thanks to a draft of under 1m the yacht can access shallow bays, a crucial consideration for cruising grounds in the Caribbean and South East Asia. Two swimming platforms in the stern can be extended on owner’s request to carry a pair of electric jet skis. The lifting hydraulic platform between the two platforms can carry a 4m tender.

Silent 60 improves its range and green credentials with a kite wing system

Efficient technology The Silent 60 is equipped with the company’s ventilation system, which provides cool and fresh air to all the interior guest spaces and can be individually adjusted to suit conditions. In addition, a reverse-cycle heat-pump system cools and heats the interior for all-season comfort. The insulated hull ensures that stable on-board temperatures can be achieved without excessive energy consumption.

A watermaker powered bysolar-energy produces enough water to supply a full complement of guests. All on board appliances operate on the 220/110-volt system. The galley has good refrigerator and freezer space and an efficient induction cooker that precludes the need for carrying propane gas.

Oceanic range The Silent 60 is designed to go everywhere as a true bluewater cruising yacht. The solar-electric system is configured to power all the on-board systems without the need of fossil fuels for a generator. Featuring a new, high-performance hull form with a longer waterline and reverse bow, the yacht has a cruising speed of 6-8 knots, but can reach 20 knots if needed.

  • Silent Yachts

Johana Nomm

RELATED ARTICLES

Sergei naumenko, owner of phi, unsuccessful in appeal against yacht’s detention, nancy walton’s $300 million megayacht ‘kaos’ seeks safe haven in monaco after vandalism threats, millionaire’s abandoned, capsized 007 superyacht finally refloated, draft law proposes banning internal combustion charter boats in balearic islands from 2030, sanlorenzo to build the world’s first superyacht powered only by green methanol.

spot_img

Subscribe to our newsletter

To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements.

LATEST ARTICLES

Andrea mura reclaims joy on the global solo challenge podium, swiss riders brave the storm in jeddah, switzerland sailgp team announce new driver to lead the team on the water, a sweltering sunday: light winds and looming storms on the red sea, editor picks, canadian beau lake introduces the tahoe ’14 and lugano ’14 electric runabouts, underwater adventure and exploration with deepflight’s super falcon 3s, driving performance on land and on water: 41′ amg carbon edition, popular posts, young designer of the year 2022: ioana valentina corcodel reveals 65m ophelia concept, mirabaud sailing video of the century: celebrating 2 decades of passion, superyacht the flying fox seized in the dominican republic, popular category.

  • Regatta 805
  • America's Cup 381
  • Motor Yachts 260
  • Boating 215
  • Superyachts 181
  • Sailing 176
  • Yachts News 173
  • Sailing Yachts 162

Logo

• SUBSCRIBE •MAGZTER •NEWSLETTER

•CONTAC T US

silent yachts kite

Asia's leading yachting lifestyle media

More results...

YS67 COVER

Silent 60 launches new era for Silent-Yachts

  • February 24, 2022

Yacht Style was invited to cruise aboard the first Silent 60 from her home base at Port Adriano in Mallorca, where the Thailand-built solar-electric catamaran showed off her spectacular towing kite option. By Lucie Gardiner.

Silent-Yachts, Silent 60, solar, electric, catamaran, Thailand, Dr Albert Nazarov, PMG Shipyard, Turkey, Italy, Port Adriano, Philippe Starck, Marketing Director, Franz Bose, Wingit kite wing, Michael Kohler, Pattaya, Rayong

Now based in Spain, hull one of the Silent 60 was built by PMG Shipyard in Thailand

The Silent 60 is the first in a new wave of models by Silent-Yachts that build on the brand’s 55 and its earlier 64, the first solar-powered production yacht to cross the Atlantic. Conceived by company founder and CEO Michael Kohler, the Silent 60 was designed by Pattaya-based Dr Albert Nazarov and constructed in nearby Rayong by PMG Shipyard ( Shipyard, Issue 61 ).

The Silent 60 is a true bluewater vessel that offers a cruising speed of 6-8 knots with any of its propulsion options along with a draft of just over 3ft, less than her predecessors and ideal for exploring shallow bays.

Silent-Yachts, Silent 60, solar, electric, catamaran, Thailand, Dr Albert Nazarov, PMG Shipyard, Turkey, Italy, Port Adriano, Philippe Starck, Marketing Director, Franz Bose, Wingit kite wing, Michael Kohler, Pattaya, Rayong

The Silent 60 features 42 powerful 17kWp solar panels on the roof of the superstructure and flybridge

The first hull is based at Port Adriano, the Philippe Starck-designed marina on the southwest coast of Mallorca, the biggest of Spain’s Balearic Islands. Silent-Yachts selected Port Adriano as the Mediterranean hub for the brand, opening its office there last year and inviting Yacht Style for a tour aboard its newest model.

“Mallorca is an increasingly popular destination for Silent-Yachts owners and there will soon be a fleet of Silent vessels based in Port Adriano including a 55 and this brand-new 60, while a Silent 80 will also have her homeport here when she’s ready,” Marketing Director Franz Bose told Yacht Style .

SURPRISE PACKAGE

On a very calm, sunny Mallorquin autumn afternoon, the view of the Silent 60 from the dock was impressive, with her generous beam of 9m (29ft 6in) exactly half her overall length.

Silent-Yachts, Silent 60, solar, electric, catamaran, Thailand, Dr Albert Nazarov, PMG Shipyard, Turkey, Italy, Port Adriano, Philippe Starck, Marketing Director, Franz Bose, Wingit kite wing, Michael Kohler, Pattaya, Rayong

The large hydraulic platform can hold a tender of up to 4m and 350kg

Aft, the large hydraulic platform can hold a tender of up to 4m and 350kg, while the swim platforms either side are sizeable yet there’s an option for extended versions on the Silent 62, which are able to carry a pair of electric jetskis. On the hull sides, the long, clean window stripe is as elegant as it is practical, flooding the interior spaces with light.

Stepping aboard, the aft cockpit is partially shaded courtesy of the flybridge overhang and has thoughtfully designed social spaces that include comfortable seating and dining for eight guests.

Silent-Yachts, Silent 60, solar, electric, catamaran, Thailand, Dr Albert Nazarov, PMG Shipyard, Turkey, Italy, Port Adriano, Philippe Starck, Marketing Director, Franz Bose, Wingit kite wing, Michael Kohler, Pattaya, Rayong

The easily adjustable aft sofa can face forward or aft

Silent-Yachts, Silent 60, solar, electric, catamaran, Thailand, Dr Albert Nazarov, PMG Shipyard, Turkey, Italy, Port Adriano, Philippe Starck, Marketing Director, Franz Bose, Wingit kite wing, Michael Kohler, Pattaya, Rayong

Furniture includes an aft sofa with an adjustable backrest that can offer seating with unobstructed views out over the open water. The adjacent drinks cooler means you don’t have to leave your seat to enjoy refreshments while taking in the view. A little further forward, both port and starboard side passageways have cosy, recessed upholstered nooks for relaxing.

Venturing up, the flybridge features a helm station, more upholstered seating, a foldable coffee table and huge sun pads.

Silent-Yachts, Silent 60, solar, electric, catamaran, Thailand, Dr Albert Nazarov, PMG Shipyard, Turkey, Italy, Port Adriano, Philippe Starck, Marketing Director, Franz Bose, Wingit kite wing, Michael Kohler, Pattaya, Rayong

The covered flybridge provides a beautiful vantage point

There’s also the best view of most of the 42 powerful 17kWp solar panels on the roof of the superstructure, which power the twin 250kW high-efficiency motors that keep this impressive eco-cruiser and all her systems moving.

The Silent 60 is the first build from Silent that offers a Wingit kite wing option, which enables to the yacht to harness the power of the wind as well as from solar energy. Stowed in the bow, the kite wing can pull the vessel forward at 4-5 knots, further reducing the consumption of the electric motors.

silent yachts kite

Stored in the foredeck, the Wingit kite wing on hull one helps tow the yacht, adding an extra 4-5 knots

Silent-Yachts, Silent 60, solar, electric, catamaran, Thailand, Dr Albert Nazarov, PMG Shipyard, Turkey, Italy, Port Adriano, Philippe Starck, Marketing Director, Franz Bose, Wingit kite wing, Michael Kohler, Pattaya, Rayong

Plentiful storage, which proves to be another key feature throughout the vessel, is even evident in the aft cockpit where hatches conceal deep lockers to easily stow additional water toys.

CHOICE SALOON

Sliding glass doors welcome you into the saloon, where the focus is on open-plan living. The Silent 60 is available with two main-deck layouts.

Silent-Yachts, Silent 60, solar, electric, catamaran, Thailand, Dr Albert Nazarov, PMG Shipyard, Turkey, Italy, Port Adriano, Philippe Starck, Marketing Director, Franz Bose, Wingit kite wing, Michael Kohler, Pattaya, Rayong

Doors slide wide open to connect the cockpit to the interior, which features a full-width galley aft

As seen on hull one, the front-master or ‘closed’ version has a full-beam master suite forward, while the front-exit or ‘open’ option has a larger saloon and a foredeck door, with all cabins in the hulls.

Stepping inside the first Silent 60, noticeable immediately in comparison to the Silent 55 is the huge amount of extra headroom, which reaches a lofty 2.3m, giving the already generous 520sqft saloon and galley an even more expansive feel.

Silent-Yachts, Silent 60, solar, electric, catamaran, Thailand, Dr Albert Nazarov, PMG Shipyard, Turkey, Italy, Port Adriano, Philippe Starck, Marketing Director, Franz Bose, Wingit kite wing, Michael Kohler, Pattaya, Rayong

The bright main-deck interior features a galley, saloon, helm station and forward master cabin

The full-width galley is well equipped with an electric powered induction hob, oven with grill and microwave, coffee maker and a huge American-style fridge freezer with ice-maker to starboard.

Upping the sustainability ante even further, drinking water is on-tap courtesy of an on-board water maker. No plastic bottles wanted here!

Silent-Yachts, Silent 60, solar, electric, catamaran, Thailand, Dr Albert Nazarov, PMG Shipyard, Turkey, Italy, Port Adriano, Philippe Starck, Marketing Director, Franz Bose, Wingit kite wing, Michael Kohler, Pattaya, Rayong

The raised lounge and dining table to port enjoys good views all around

To port, the large, comfortable L-shaped seating area and dining table is ideal for sociable family-style meals and can double as a workspace. To starboard, the main helm station has a 360-degree view and seating for two.

COMFORTABLE CABINS

Forward, the luminous, full-beam master cabin is an expansive 215sqft and includes a king-size bed, vast amounts of storage, hanging space, shelving and a vanity with an oversize mirror.

Silent-Yachts, Silent 60, solar, electric, catamaran, Thailand, Dr Albert Nazarov, PMG Shipyard, Turkey, Italy, Port Adriano, Philippe Starck, Marketing Director, Franz Bose, Wingit kite wing, Michael Kohler, Pattaya, Rayong

The forward master cabin has steps down to its en-suite bathroom to starboard

Silent-Yachts, Silent 60, solar, electric, catamaran, Thailand, Dr Albert Nazarov, PMG Shipyard, Turkey, Italy, Port Adriano, Philippe Starck, Marketing Director, Franz Bose, Wingit kite wing, Michael Kohler, Pattaya, Rayong

To starboard, stairs lead down to a generous en-suite bathroom that houses a large shower, cushioned seating, basin with mirror and ample storage.

A similar theme runs throughout the guest cabins, all of which are well lit, have en-suite bathrooms and contain generous amounts of cleverly designed storage to maximise the space and comfort. In this layout, here are two guest doubles on the port side and a larger VIP cabin with sofa at the aft end of the starboard hull.

Silent-Yachts, Silent 60, solar, electric, catamaran, Thailand, Dr Albert Nazarov, PMG Shipyard, Turkey, Italy, Port Adriano, Philippe Starck, Marketing Director, Franz Bose, Wingit kite wing, Michael Kohler, Pattaya, Rayong

Guest cabins comprise a VIP to starboard (pictured) and two twin cabins to port

This cabin is the master suite in the ‘open’ main deck layout, which has private stairs for both cabins on the starboard side, while the two cabins to port – the larger one is forward – share a staircase. However, cabin configurations are flexible and Silent-Yachts offers an extensive options list and opportunity to customise.

Due to demand, the Silent 60 is in production across shipyards in Thailand, Italy and Turkey along with its sister model, the 62 3-Deck, which has a full 540sqft flybridge that can either be open or partially enclosed.

Silent-Yachts, Silent 60, solar, electric, catamaran, Thailand, Dr Albert Nazarov, PMG Shipyard, Turkey, Italy, Port Adriano, Philippe Starck, Marketing Director, Franz Bose, Wingit kite wing, Michael Kohler, Pattaya, Rayong

The first Silent 60 heads back to its base in Port Adriano

And with the first units of the Silent 80 and 80 3-Deck also launching in 2022 and the first Silent 120 in build, Silent-Yachts’ biggest challenge is delivering on the fast-growing demand for zero-emissions yachting that it’s helping popularise. www.silent-yachts.com

Silent-Yachts expands production facilities, business lines The solar-electric catamaran builder has a new production partner in Turkey and is now part of Silent Group, umbrella company for multiple Silent-related businesses.

Editor's Picks

Vivian Chan, Chan Ki, VP Yachts, Sessa, Yacht, Boat, Marine, Sun Hing Shipyard, Ruby Law, Tasha Ling, Wendy’s Workshop

Vivian Chan steps out of the shadows with VP Yachts

Ferretti Yachts, 1000, motor yacht, Venice Boat Show, Cannes Yachting Festival, IdeaeItalia, Filippo Salvetti, Taiwan, Asia

Ferretti Yachts’ epic new flagship

Azimut, Grande, 26 Metri, 36 Metri, Trideck, Cannes Yachting Festival, Monaco Yacht Show, Verve 42, Magellano, Marine Italia

Azimut to launch two new Grande models in 2022

EDITOR'S PICKS

Sanlorenzo, SX100, SX112, SX88, SX76, Piero Lissoni, Artistic Director

Sanlorenzo’s extra-cool SX superyacht

Wally, wallywhy150, Stefano de Vivo, Luca Bassani, Hong Kong, Asia, Ferretti Group, Asia Pacific, Venice Boat Show, Cannes Yachting Festival, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Speedo Marine, Shenzhen, Tiketitan, Tiketitoo, Poltrona Frau, Simrad screens, Darth Vader, Studio Vallicelli Design, Edra

Wally shows why in Asia

Azimut, S7, Alberto Mancini, Stefano Righini, Yachtique, Grande, Fly, S, Sport, Monte Carlo

Azimut S7: Smooth, sleek and eco sporty

Aquila, 47 Molokai, 28 Molokai, Chris Peart, Peart Yacht Design, Florida, Mercury Racing

Aquila 47 Molokai: Power up for fast fun

Jeanneau, 55, Yachts, Philippe Briand, Andrew Winch, monohull, multihull, catamaran

Jeanneau sails into cat space with JY55

silent yachts kite

Princess Y95: Queen of the Y Class

Beneteau, Antares, 12, 11, Boot Dusseldorf, 140th anniversary, Oceanis, First, Oceanis Yacht, 54, 60, Flyer line, Spacedeck, Sundeck, Gran Turismo, Swift Trawler, Grand Trawler, Germany, Cannes Yachting Festival, US, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Beneteau’s new Antares flagship

ILIAD, Catamarans, 53F, 53S, catamaran, powercat, Victoria Chalaya, Rico Rox Stoll, NautiStyles, Sydney, Sanctuary Cove, International Boat Show, Australia, Mark Elkington, Global Marine, Multihull Solutions, The Yacht Sales Co, Phuket, Singapore, Philippines, New Caledonia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Riccardo Bulgarelli

ILIAD custom cats in strong demand

silent yachts kite

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Copyright © 2024  Website by Malikhan Design & Digital

All Rights Reserved © 2023

silent yachts kite

Copyright © 2024 Yacht Style.All Rights Reserved .Website by Unstoppable.

Discover more from Yacht Style

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

the new SILENT 60 electric catamaran features a kite wing and 42 solar panels

Zero emission cruising at 20 knots.

SILENT-YACHTS unveils the new SILENT 60, a solar-powered catamaran with a kite wing instead of conventional sails. 42 solar panels generate 17 kWp to power two electric motors of 200 kW each. the 60ft (18m) yacht is also backed up by a battery capacity of 286 kWh, allowing zero emission cruising for up to 100 nautical miles per day.

THE KITE WING

the kite wing and its components—including an electric winch and a short, collapsible mast—are stored in a locker under the foredeck. on the first SILENT 60 unit, the mast is connected by four shrouds to pad eyes on deck that distributes the forces through the hull structure, but on subsequent units, the mast will be mounted on a baseplate inside the locker to leave the foredeck clutter-free.

after inflating the kite, it is released overboard to drift away on the surface of the water. pulling on the lines launches it into the air and once it reaches the optimal flight height, it begins to trace a figure ‘8’ in the sky and generate power to pull the yacht. reversing the process brings the kite down. the automated app controls move the kite to a position right above the boat where it has the least pull on the line. from here it can easily be winched down and collapsed over the foredeck ready for stowage. the kite wing is now available on all SILENT-YACHTS models. 

flexible layout

the first SILENT 60 has four guest cabins on the lower deck, including a spacious master suite, but other layout solutions are available. there are numerous social areas onboard, including an airy main salon, an aft cockpit, a cozy bow area and a flybridge. the yacht also has high headroom throughout (up to 2.3m in the main salon).

thanks to a draft of under 1m the yacht can access shallow bays, a crucial consideration for cruising grounds in the caribbean and south east asia. two swimming platforms in the stern can be extended on the owner’s request to carry a pair of electric jet skis. the lifting hydraulic platform between the two platforms can also be enlarged to carry a 4m tender.

efficient technology & OCEANIC RANGE

the SILENT 60 is equipped with the company ’s aeration system, which provides cool and fresh air to all the interior guest spaces and can be individually adjusted to suit conditions. in addition, a reverse-cycle heat-pump system heats the interior for all-season comfort. the insulated hull ensures that stable onboard temperatures can be achieved without excessive energy consumption.

a watermaker powered by the solar-electric system produces enough water to supply a full complement of guests. all on-board appliances operate on the 220/110-volt system. the galley has good refrigerator and freezer space and an efficient induction cooker that precludes the need for carrying propane gas.

the SILENT 60 is designed to go everywhere as a true bluewater cruising yacht. the solar-electric system is configured to power all on the onboard systems without the need of a fossil-fueled generator. featuring a new, high-performance hull form with a longer waterline and reverse bow, the yacht has a cruising speed of 6-8 knots, but can reach 20 knots if needed.

project info:

name:  SILENT 60 company: SILENT-YACHTS

designboom has received this project from our  DIY submissions  feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers  here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom

DBINSTAGRAM (2250)

Solar power (369).

mobile solar container stores photovoltaic panels that fold and unfold like an accordion

WATERCRAFT (75)

Yacht design (226), product library.

a diverse digital database that acts as a valuable guide in gaining insight and information about a product directly from the manufacturer, and serves as a rich reference point in developing a project or scheme.

  • car concept (355)
  • space travel design (95)
  • sculpture (348)
  • turntable design (27)
  • design interviews (40)
  • shoe design (316)

designboom will always be there for you

  • THE PRINCESS PASSPORT
  • Email Newsletter
  • Yacht Walkthroughs
  • Destinations
  • Electronics
  • Best Marine Electronics & Technology
  • Boating Safety

Yachting Magazine logo

Greener and Better: the Silent 60

  • By Chris Caswell
  • December 16, 2022

Silent-Yachts 60

If there was any question that the “Tesla moment” has arrived in yachting, the Silent 60 clearly provides a positive response.

Consider, for a moment, crossing oceans in silence at 5 to 6 knots without consuming a drop of fuel and never needing to plan your course between fuel stops. Imagine sitting at anchor and running the air conditioning all night, not to mention all the galley appliances plus the washer-dryer, without the hum or fumes from a genset.

During my time aboard the Silent-Yachts 60, the electric yacht cruised easily at 8 knots. When I whipped out my sound meter, it barely registered 52 decibels, which is about the sound of a dishwasher. The Silent monitors at the helm showed we were charging our 286 kWh lithium batteries at more wattage than we were using to spin the 340 kW motors, so we were ahead of the power-usage game—and this was in South Florida rain under a solid cloud layer. Had we upped the ante to the yacht’s top speed of 20 knots, it would have been drawing from rather than adding to the batteries, but the speed capability gives skippers the option to outrun weather (or just get to the best moorings first).

The Silent 60 is a catamaran design for several reasons. First, the twin hulls are easily driven to minimize the power needed. Second, with nearly 30 feet of beam, there is enough deck area for the solar panels needed to create power.

Buyers can choose as many as six staterooms, each en suite with stall showers and nearly king-size berths. The salon also uses that beam well, providing bowling-alley space under 7-foot-6-inch headroom. With the Silent 60, the interior is basically a blank sheet, allowing buyers to tailor the layout to their cruising needs.

Silent-Yachts 60

As for the engine rooms, NASA could take a page from Silent-Yachts: Everything is precisely labeled, placed for easy access and surgery-suite spotless. Externally, the Silent 60 is striking, with reversed bows and black graphic slashes on the topside that conceal dark-tinted windows (which provide bright, airy interiors to the staterooms). What catches the eye most, however, are the 42 solar panels that cover every inch of the cabin top as well as the hardtop over the flybridge. Produced by SunPower in California, these panels feed power to a lithium battery pack reportedly good for 3,000 charge cycles—or an estimated 35 years of normal boating use.

The Silent 60 I got aboard, which was Hull No. 3, had a four-stateroom layout. A larger stateroom forward in the starboard hull served as the master, with an athwartships berth, settee and built-in vanity. This yacht also had a walk-through Dutch door forward in the salon next to the helm, leading to settees on the foredeck as well as providing salon ventilation. Another benefit of the door for short-handed cruisers is quick access to the anchor gear under the foredeck.

Owners can sacrifice the forward door in favor of a forward master stateroom with a king berth just a couple of steps below the salon and an en suite head in the starboard hull. An intriguing design feature is the two outward-facing “window seats” indented into the stateroom on each side deck, which would make a wonderful spot at anchor with a good book.

The salon has a fixed dining table that easily seats eight people on the wraparound settee. There also are loose chairs and a pad just forward for lounging. The helm is raised one step and has twin Simrad multifunction displays plus the Silent systems monitor, all easily understood.

Silent-Yachts 60

Aft and to port, the U-shaped galley has a dishwasher as well as a full-height fridge to starboard. The fridge setup may change to a pair of undercounter drawer fridges on future boats for easier access and to eliminate a blind spot for the skipper.

Abaft the galley, a window slides open for easy pass-through to the cockpit to serve whatever the cooks have prepared using the Hafele four-burner, two-zone cooktop.

The Silent 60 is a work in progress, and additional changes might be on the way, such as the addition of twin berths that slide together, and a different location for what is now the midsalon washer-dryer (in a console abaft the helm). This hull was built in Thailand, but production is moving to Italy.

Still, the yacht has exceedingly clever design ideas, such as the hinged hardtop on the bridge. The top lowers electrically to seal off the bridge from the weather as well as keep the solar cells from being shadowed. The bridge itself is conventional, with a double-wide helm seat to port that reverses to create wraparound seating for the dining table, and double lounge pads for relaxing, not sunning, since the solar panels take up every bit of sun space.

Silent-Yachts 60

The cockpit has a settee and an L-shaped table. A hydraulic swim platform is available in varying widths to handle up to a 13-foot tender without impinging on the platforms on either hull. Silent-Yachts also gets points for good walk-around decks protected by toe kicks as well as welded stainless-steel rails.

The Silent 60 is on the leading edge of a greener yachting experience. For cruisers who are looking to lessen their carbon footprint while enjoying some quietude at sea, this yacht is worth serious consideration. 

Built for Safety

Future Silent 60s from Italy will have fully resin-infused fiberglass sandwich construction with carbon reinforcements in high-stress areas. Each of the hulls has watertight bulkheads, sealed floors and three collision compartments for enhanced safety. The foam sandwich core provides thermal and sound insulation.

Kite Sailing

One option available on the Silent 60 is a kite-wing propulsion system using a collapsing mast and hidden winch to fly a 140-square-foot sail. (By comparison, a Laser sail is 76 square feet.) With open ocean breezes of 17 to 21 knots, the builder says the kite can power the Silent 60 at 6 to 7 knots alone, or it can bump the speed with motors to go faster than the usual 8-knot cruise speed. 

Big Sisters

In addition to the Silent-Yachts 60, the boatbuilder has 62-, 80- and 120-foot electric power cats available for owners looking for something bigger. Additionally, it recently started work on the hybrid-powered Silent VisionF 82. 

Take the next step: silent-yachts.com

  • More: Catamarans , Electric , Electric Boats , October 2022 , Power Catamarans , Reviewed , Silent-Yachts , Solar Powered Yachts , Yachts
  • More Yachts

Bering 165

New Flagship for Bering Yachts: The B165

Silent VisionF 82

Power Catamaran Popularity Rising

Energy Observer

“Energy Observer” Zero-Emission Boat Showcases Sustainability

Princess Yachts Y95

Princess Yachts’ Y95: A Flagship Flybridge

CLB 72

For Sale: CL Yachts CLB 72

Viking 61 SC

10 Yachts Under $500,000 You Can Have Today

Compass

How to Swing a Compass on a Boat

Cruisers 54 Cantius

For Sale: 2019 Cruiser Yachts 54 Cantius

Yachting Magazine logo

  • Digital Edition
  • Customer Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Email Newsletters
  • Cruising World
  • Sailing World
  • Salt Water Sportsman
  • Sport Fishing
  • Wakeboarding
  • Yachting World
  • Digital Edition

Yachting World cover

Review: Silent 55, the extraordinary solar powered yacht

Yachting World

  • January 18, 2019

Silent Yachts is tapping into the solar zeitgeist and creating a new meaning for the term ‘powercat’.  Sam Fortescue reports

Silent Yachts Silent 55

There is a slow, silent revolution under way in the yachting world. It is a revolution that is introducing tonnes of lithium and a sprinkling of silicon to the spec list of new boats. Holding out the promise of silent mobility, plus limitless domestic power on board, it made a big splash at the last Cannes Festival of Yachting – not least thanks to the new Silent 55 catamaran which debuted there.

From the pontoon side, the Silent 55 looks like a typical modern catamaran, with a big coachroof studded with windows and a flybridge helm. Except there’s no mast. Now, bear with me here. I realise that this is a sailing magazine, but we will shortly get back to more familiar territory. The unique qualities of this catamaran only become apparent from up top, where an expanse of solar panels stretches away fore and aft, embedded into the coachroof. The hard top itself carries yet more panels, and can be folded down flush to give an unshaded solar array of 49m2. During the heat of a summer day in the Med, this is capable of generating 10kW of power and up to around 60kWh in the course of the day.

Silent Yachts Silent 55 exterior

But to make a solar system work in reality, Köhler had to go back to the drawing board on yacht design. The saloon and hulls have extra thermal insulation to keep air-con losses down, and the use of carbon and aramid in key areas helps reduce the overall weight to a decent 17 tonnes (a Lagoon 52 weighs 22.5 tonnes). He has tried to keep windows out of the direct sun with long overhangs and in contrast to the Lagoon’s 12 deck hatches, the Silent 55 has just two.

Holistic design

On the other hand, it has lots of opening windows, to allow a natural draught to do its job. “It’s a holistic approach – you can’t take the batteries and the drivetrain and drop it into another boat.”

Of course, using the propulsion system quickly takes its toll of the boat’s 140kW battery bank. The model on display at Cannes had two 135kW motors, giving you just half an hour of silent motoring flat-out, albeit at a top speed of over 20 knots. More reasonable 30kW engines and a single-digit speed give you greater range. Nonetheless, the electric drive alone isn’t going to allow you to outrun a storm, or race home after a day at anchor, so the boat is designed to work with a generator hidden in the heavily insulated transom of its starboard hull. At cruising speed of around 5-6 knots, Köhler says there is rarely any need to use the generator, citing an owner who has just emailed him triumphantly about a second year totally generator-free. “In the end, you have to compare it to the performance of a sailing boat,” Köhler says. “It is as fast as a sailing boat in similar conditions – after all, there is no wind without sun.” He went so far as to tell me during the sea trial in Palma, Mallorca, that he believed the majority of sailors would happily dispense with the hassle of sails and a rig if only they could enjoy silent motoring and anchoring. “As soon as people realise the incredible concept of this boat, they won’t understand why they ever did anything else.”

The market does not seem to agree with him – yet. Sales of the boat have been good – they have already sold six, five of which are already in the water. But of those, four customers have taken the sail option, which means planting a 19.7m tall mast complete with boom and rigging slap bang in the middle of the coachroof solar array. “I was a bit amazed,” Köhler admits. “The shade from the rig reduces the energy generated by the solar area, while it costs more and is heavier, so consumes more fuel. Maybe it is for optical reasons.” In fact, the shade of the rig slashes the average yield of the solar panels in half. In the Med, that means around 30kWh per day. But perhaps it figures. The typical profile of buyers is an environmentalist who has a Tesla electric car and is “an early adopter who likes to have things before others”. And at low speeds, with modest use of the air-con, the reduced energy generation should still cover daily consumption.

Silent Yachts Silent 55 Sail Version exterior

The performance under sail should be reasonable because of the lightweight build of the boat, its broad 8.47m beam and stub keels added to each hull. Control lines are led back via conduits in the coachroof to the flybridge helm station, to make single-handing under sail a possibility.

More interesting, I think, is a sort of halfway-house option using a kite rig. This optimises the performance of the solar panels and gives plenty of propulsion. On the smaller 55 and the 64, Silent Yachts currently recommends a 19m2 kite that costs around €25,000 – a fraction of the cost of a new mast, boom, shrouds and sails. “The sail automatically makes a figure of eight above the boat, and you can steer it with a joystick or an app on an android phone,” Köhler explains. “It can propel the 55 at up to 6 knots, even in light winds.” Perfect for an Atlantic crossing, then.

For the bigger Silent 79, which will hit the water in the summer, a commercial grade Sky Sail system needs to be used – a smaller version of the ones used on cargo ships. This kite can propel the boat at ten knots, but it costs more than ten times as much as its smaller cousin. Both are capable of pulling the boat upwind. So far, so new. But outside the novel energy and propulsion system, the Silent 55 aims to do what many other cruising catamarans are trying to achieve. “Most of our clients order for circumnavigation and long-term cruising,” Köhler says. So the boat is aimed to be as comfortable and capable as possible with watermakers, TVs and an induction hob that all capitalise on the boat’s abundant energy. A flexible configuration allows owners the choice 
of between three and six cabins – the latter designed for charter. The owner’s cabin lies forward of the saloon, under the windows of the coachroof, which provide magnificent views and abundant natural light. There’s a walk-around bed and steps down into the starboard hull give access to an en-suite shower room and heads.

Silent Yachts Silent 55 master cabin

In my view, the best cabin lies aft of this, accessed in the traditional manner down steps out of the saloon. The king-sized bed lies athwartships and the shower is larger than that of the master cabin. There’s more space down here, better headroom and still plenty of light courtesy of the many hull lights.

Silent Yachts Silent 55 guest cabin

When I had the chance to sea trial the Silent 55, albeit in motorboat format, I jumped at it. It was a contrary autumn day on Mallorca with 15 knots breeze – just a shame, then, that this wasn’t one of the sailing configured versions.

To start with, getting on board is made really easy courtesy of deep boarding platforms on the skirts. She feels rather square because of that vast, glazed saloon with its deep overhang, and perhaps because of the utilitarian nature of the hard top, which is really about supporting more solar panels. Nevertheless, the side decks are broad and uncluttered. The space up top is designed to concertina down flat, hence the hydraulic rams, fold-down seat back and lowering console. It makes a great sailing position, though, with all round visibility, and is also perfect for sundowners at anchor. When the rain comes down, this feels quite exposed, but there is a fully sheltered helm at the front of the saloon, and it is also possible to drive the boat from anywhere using a tablet thanks to smart electronics. Under power, the handling is superb. The quietness of the motors is astonishing, and I gather they’ll be inaudible on the next boat, which will do away with the gearbox. Even in the aft cabins, directly above the motors, there is no more than a distant hum. The boat responds instantly to the power and the wind seemed to have no impact at all. As with any propulsion system, the power consumption jumps as you pile on the speed – it was sobering to see. At 6 knots, both motors drew 10kW but at 8 knots it was closer to 30kW. I liked the huge saloon with its raised table for 360º views. And the sliding door and window gives great access aft, connecting the saloon and cockpit in fine conditions. The finish was smart and in muted tones, feeling more Scandinavian than German.

Intriguingly, at least it seems to me, Köhler has tapped into something with the concept behind Silent Yachts – but not entirely for the reasons that he expected. Buyers are opting for the sail or kite versions of the boat because they want a comfortable wind-powered craft with abundant, quiet energy on tap. It brings a whole new meaning to the 
term ‘powercat’

Lagoon 46 sailing

Multihulls: new yacht reviews

Yes, the racing world is stretching the boundaries, with 100ft foiling maxi trimarans tearing around the globe and F50s, the…

Outremer 51 catamaran at sea

Multihulls: owners’ experiences and reviews

They have two different boats, different sailing plans and two very different sets of experience. But what these cruisers have…

2LUXURY2.COM

International luxury lifestyle magazine for affluent audience.Since 2009

  • Cigars & Spirits
  • Real Estate
  • Watches|Jewelry
  • Sport & Health
  • Best Of Luxury

Three major advantages of the kite wing for the yacht

silent yachts kite

Silent Yachts Silent 60; @Silent Yachts

This innovative kite wing is easy to use and adds up to 5 knots to the Silent-Yacht solar electric catamaran speed.

Silent-Yachts has increased its fleet of innovative oceangoing solar electric catamarans introducing the new Silent 60 that has been launched recently at Silent Yachts production facility in Thailand, which is led by the Swiss entrepreneur Philippe Guénat. This is the first unit of the model while eight more hulls are currently under construction and 17 are ordered in total.

What makes it even greener is that it was built with a kite wing, a special system that in contrast to conventional sailing yachts, does not require a big mast and the kite sail generates much more power per square meter than a conventional sail. Silent Yachts offers the optional available kite-sail system for all their models.

“The kite system sounds like the perfect match for windy days together with the electric propulsion system of Silent Yachts,” said the German owner of the first SILENT 60. “I am an enthusiast of new technologies which help, little by little, to overcome the ecological challenges we are facing today.”

Greener than before

The SILENT 60 carries a light compact kite wing from Wingit, that does not require a big mast to hoist the kite and it´s also easy to use. A kite wing that operates in such heights, generates up to 10 times more power per square meter than a conventional sail.

So, how the kite wing system works? There is a dedicated box in the bow area of the SILENT 60, which contains the kite (the sail is 13 sq. m) including all its components (winches, mast, ropes, etc). Here the entire system is also stored, when not in use.

To launch the kite, it’s only required to set up a small mast, which is only two feet high, with four stays (6 mm Kevlar “ropes”) that need to be fixed to four foldable pad-eyes (this takes a few seconds). After taking out the kite, it gets pumped up with an electric pump that is in the box as well (this takes only a few seconds), you switch on the winch, throw the kite overboard where it will drift away with the wind and then the kite can start from the water by pulling the ropes. When in the air, the automatic steering can take over – the pulling rope is released until the kite is more than 120 meters above the boat and it starts to paint a huge “8” in the sky.

Bringing it down is the reverse process. The automatic control moves the kite to a position right above the boat where it has the least pull on the rope, then the owner or a crew member winches the kite down electrically, pulls the right rope so that the kite collapses above the front deck. Now, the kite gets put back into the bag and stored in the box.

silent yachts kite

The advantages of the kite wing

There are three major advantages of the kite wing for the yacht. First, extra propulsion. The kite can pull the 30-ton SILENT 60 with about 4-5 knots and it reduces the consumption of the e-motors, thus extending the range. The already green solar electric catamaran gets greener and more eco-conscious this way. Second, emergency. If a floating fishing line gets entangled in the propellers, a kite can serve as a reserve propulsion that enables the boat to get to a protected place where the rope can be cut and the prop set free. Last but not least, fun and joy. It is great to see the kite high up in the air, pulling the boat with the power of the wind.

A new high performance hull form

The SILENT 60 also has a new high-performance hull form that is optimized with CFD study, with longer waterline and reverse bow. Its exterior design’s signature details are long window stripes at the sidewall of the hull and more window surface overall.

“I want to congratulate our entire team with this successful project”, said Michael Köhler. “The SILENT 60 is the first example of a new generation of solar electric catamarans that we produce and many more will follow. We are happy to provide sustainable, emission-free solutions for yachting enthusiasts that want to make the world a better place.”

The owner plans to use his SILENT 60 for a few weeks per year and will make it available for charter.

“I thought it would be a pity to leave the boat unused for the rest of the time, and I have decided to rent the boat on a daily or weekly basis to anybody who is interested in trying out this wonderful yacht for a day trip or for a longer holiday with flexible routings,” he said.

silent yachts kite

The boat can be handled by two people with ease and offers plenty of space for families and crew.

For adventurers, additional water toys, SUP´s, kayaks and e-bikes can be stored in the bridge deck.

The SILENT 60 offers a flexible layout. The first has four guest cabins on the lower deck, including a spacious master suite. There are many social areas on board, an airy main saloon, an aft cockpit, a cosy bow seating and a flybridge. The yacht has higher headroom everywhere (up to 230 cm in the saloon) and more powerful solar panels (42 pieces for 17 kWp against 30 for 10.8 kWp on the SILENT 55).

The new model has a draft of less than 1 meter, which allows it to reach shallower bays, that may be crucial for areas like the Caribbean and South East Asia. The SILENT 60 has two swimming platforms in the aft which can optionally be extended by 90 cm upon owner’s request. In this case, the boat may carry a pair of electric jet skis. A liftable hydraulic platform, which is located between the two swimming platforms, can also be enlarged from the standard 3.7 x 1.7 m to 4 x 2.4 m to carry a larger tender – up to 350 kg and 4-meter long.

The SILENT 60 is equipped with the company’s aeration system, which provides cool and fresh air to all accommodations, heads, and in the saloon. The airflow in each space is individually adjustable and can be used when the weather conditions require the windows to be closed. In addition, a reverse-cycle heat-pump system heats the interior when necessary, ensuring all-season comfort. The insulated hull ensures efficient achievement of desired on-board temperatures.

The catamaran is designed to go everywhere as a true ocean-going cruising yacht. It can cruise efficiently for up to 100 miles a day for weeks. At the same time, the arrangement of the components enables the system to power all on board systems without.

silent yachts kite

Privacy Overview

  • Blue Planet
  • Destinations
  • Yachts For Sale
  • Yachts For Charter

Silent-Yachts launches new 60 with kite wing

BY APB STAFF on 25 Nov 2021

The Austrian builder says this is the first yacht to come with a kite wing option

silent yachts kite

The Silent 60, launched from the PMG yard in Thailand, carries 42 solar panels for 17 kWp delivered to two electric motors of up to 2x340kw. Silent says the 60 can cruise with zero emissions on solar power alone for up to 100 nautical miles per day. The kite wing, which can 9 or 13 square metres, is now an option on all Silent Yacht models.

silent yachts kite

The kite wing allows the yacht to benefit from wind power, but without blocking the solar panels, as a traditional sailing rig would do. The kite wing rig is also substantially lighter than a sailing rig, while leaving deck space undisturbed. Silent Yachts CEO Michael Kohler says that a kite wing generates as much as 10 times the power power square metre of area than a traditional sail does.

Read: Silent-Yachts continues to sell during pandemic

Kites also fly higher than sails, and can thus generate power even in light conditions.

Unlike a conventional sailing boat, the best results were directly downwind. Under kite power with no engines on or propellers turning, the boat speed was between 4 and 5 knots

“We tested the performance on different headings and at wind angles of up to 40 degrees with the 9-sqm kite,” says Silent-Yachts’ Captain Mike Wandler. “Unlike a conventional sailing boat, the best results were directly downwind. Under kite power with no engines on or propellers turning, the boat speed was between 4 and 5 knots. We then switched on the electric motors drawing just 1kW each to reduce drag from the propellers and improve the flow of water over the rudders for better steering, this led to boat speeds from 6 to 7 knots over the same headings – a significant improvement on our original predictions.”

Because a kite wing pulls on the yacht, Silent-Yachts says it is better to have the engine running at low speeds, to create better steerage. Kohler said that at Beaufort 5 conditions (17 to 21 knots wind speed), the yacht could maintain 6 to 7 knots indefinitely.

silent yachts kite

Read: Silent-Yachts to launch 15 catamarans in 2021

silent yachts kite

In Asia, Silent-Yachts is represented by Farfalla Marine Group .

www.silent-yachts.com

silent yachts kite

Copy short link

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the biggest stories from across the Asia Pacific, direct to your inbox each week

Silent 60 Review: A Sailing Tesla

silent yachts kite

The design of the Silent 60 is flawless and, above all, functional, without superfluous luxury, because on this catamaran everything revolves around technology

Although this is not the largest catamaran in the catalog of Silent Yachts (there are two larger models; Silent 80 and Silent 100), or even the most ambitious in design (that title goes to 62 Trideck), the new Silent 60 is a prime example of a balance between modern technology, design trends and green yachting .

Silent 60 catamaran

This model, by all accounts, represents a new milestone for the Austrian builder, as was the case with Silent 64 – the first serial solar catamaran to cross the Atlantic.

Silent 60 yacht

Instead of a world premiere in Cannes, the model debuted in front of trade journalists in Mallorca, at a launch event organized by the newly-opened Silent Yachts office in Port Adrian.

The design of the Silent 60 is flawless and, above all, functional, without superfluous luxury, because on this catamaran everything revolves around technology. Although equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a kite sail on the bow, Silent 60 is stylish like it was only designed to look good, with high sides, curved stainless steel railing and a slightly lower fly bridge towering harmoniously above the glazed saloon.

Silent 60 interior

With an 11 sq.m. salon on the bow, it’s obvious there’s more than enough space aboard. Astern, the salon stretches across more than 80 sq.m., and is furnished with an L-shaped sofa, a folding table and another modular sofa, and doubles as platform for swimmers climbing aboard or when boarding water toys via an immersion hydraulic platform.

silent yachts kite

The main deck salon is 50 sq.m., has 2.2 m head clearance, and is adjacent to the galley on the left, and a desk and a huge refrigerator on the other side. The interior is as spacious and comfortable as a home, and the 360° view allows constant contact with the sea. This first unit has four cabins, and in this version, instead of a bow exit, a large full-width master cabin with a private head.

Silent 60 owners cabin

Two double cabins in the left hull and a VIP cabin in the right, all with private heads, offer plenty of space for long and self-sufficient cruising, a sought-after feature for modern owners. Up on the delightful fly bridge, we have discovered 20 sq.m. of pleasant shade (provided by a folding hard top). Behind the skipper’s seat there is enough room for a full-beam sofa, so the flybridge is one of the best places to hang out on the Silent 60.

Green and innovative materials

Silent have given more attention to the interior of this model, using green and innovative materials such as print-free Fenix and furniture that combines natural wood and veneer with leather upholstered surfaces. The table, the sofa and the skipper’s seat are all on a raised level, and skipper has excellent visibility in all directions.

silent yachts kite

All the instruments on the dashboard have been placed intuitively and are easy to read even if you’ve never piloted before, but we should add that all owners must undergo a seven-day course in order to operate their high-tech catamaran if they have no prior knowledge of electric engines.

Silent 60: Yacht with solar-electric drivetrain

This first unit was powered by a pair of 240 kW electric engines, with three lithium battery packs that power the 42 solar panels on the fly bridge (400 W) and the salon roof (240 W). Compared to the Silent 55, that’s 30% more panels that charge batteries via an inverter and provide 230 V for all electrical devices on board.

For full-on electricity-powered navigation under 30 miles this boat doesn’t need to turn the generator on, although it is turned on automatically when the batteries drop to 25%.

silent yachts kite

Floating mini power plant

It takes about three hours to full charge all batteries (210 kW), or one night connected to the marina charger. In case the batteries are overcharged and there is still an influx of electricity, Silent 60 can distribute the surplus to nearby ships, like a floating mini power plant.

With a lifetime warranty on engines and virtually no parts that require maintenance, the electrical system of the 60 is less complicated than it seems at first, and significantly cheaper to maintain.

Sailing along the coast we came across some kayaks and managed to avoid being stuck behind them with mere gentle turn of a lever. We were amazed by how easy this 60-foot catamaran is to handle, especially since the only thing needed is the said lever, part of the follow up steering system.

This is photo of eco yachting soel yachts

Yachting Four Eco Friendly Yachts for the Future of Yachting

We sailed in total silence, and dare we say, without unnecessary drama. When we returned the lever to the starting position, the catamaran immediately returned to the set course, and it was equally elegant to humor our sudden turns.

Silent 60 range

The lever is essentially a gear stick with intuitive positions (forward, neutral and back), but with all the advantages provided by electric engines, like easy maneuvering and sudden changes of direction, with all thew power (2 x 250 kW) readily available. At a cruising speed – comfortable and, more importantly, silent 6 knots – the engines consumed 29 kW, which is more than economical for a catamaran with a 29-tonne displacement.

silent yachts kite

For the most part, such efficiency has been achieved by extensive CFD studies on composite hulls, which provide very little resistance and has less than 1 meter of draft. We reached maximum speed of about 210 knots, but were infomed our unit was capable of 17 knots, and the strongest version reavhes 20 knots.

Silent 60’s first sea trial, a 60-mile trip from Mallorca to Ibiza with an average speed of 7 knots, took eight hours – which is ideal for solar-powered catamarans. Still, some careful planning, two water-markers and plenty of food will be enough to turn all the seas into your playground.

silent yachts kite

Lagoon Sixty5 ‘Amada Mia’ is one of the most admirable luxury sailing catamaran available for charter on Adriatic coast, Croatia.

With this concept, Silent Yachts have responded to the growing demands of eco-conscious owners who want longer trips and zero emissions, or even sustainable and green living. Silent 60 is an accessible and interesting model likely to pique interest of a wider circle of potential buyers, seeing how in addition to being en par with luxury yachts, it has all the qualities of a leader in e-yachting, which was recently confirmed by a tidal wave of interest and orders coming in from the US.

Silent 60 kite

Silent 60 sail kite

Silent founder Michael Köhler, following his vision – making Silent catamarans even more efficient – has equipped Silent 60 with a Wingit kite sail (the first unit), which should give it even more autonomy.

The kite, stored in the bow, is installed on a small mast, and once deployed, when it reaches certain height, it is controlled automatically, adding up to five additional knots of speec. The process is not as simple as is regular kite surfing, given that the catamaran itself interferes with the airflow.

In ideal conditions, the kite allows 10 times more power per square meter than a traditional sail, and is an ideal addition to this type of boat, seeing how sailing at 4 knots using engines (only 3 kW per engine) and as many using the kite saves a lot of electricity. A useful companion in case your engines decide to call it quits, the kite is also fun to use.

Find more about Silent 60 here .

LOA: 17.99 m Beam: 8.99 m Displacement: 29 t Draft: 0.93 m Fuel tank capacity: 2 x 500 l Water tank capacity: 2 x 500 l Generator: 100 kW Battery capacity: 210 kW Engines: 2 x 250 kW (max. 340 kW) Top speed: 20 knots Builder: Silent Yachts

Text Filip Bubalo

Photos Alberto Cocchi

Video Silent Yachts

Share this article:

  • Related articles
  • popular articles

Lagoon sixty5 sundeck

Explore Croatia in Style: Luxury Catamaran Charter Deals for 2024

silent yachts kite

Sunsail & The Moorings hit record highs, grow fleet in 2024

Widercat 92 first unit

The First Unit of the WiderCat 92 Hits the Water

Domagoj Milišić, CEO of the Croatia Yachting

Domagoj Milišić: Acquisitions, projects, and challenges in the nautical industry

silent yachts kite

Saxdor 320 GTO Review: Faster Is Better

This is a photopgraphy of 80 Sunreef Power Great White

80 Sunreef Power Review: Approved by Rafa Nadal

Benetti 11.11 superyacht review

Benetti 63 MY 11-11 Review: Team Work

Evo 43 motorboat review

Evo 43 Review: Day Cruiser With a Spaceship Heart

silent yachts kite

Free Newsletter

  • Consent * I agree to the privacy policy.

yachts.croatia

yachts.croatia

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

The Silent 60, An Electric Yacht With a Kite Wing

The Silent 60 sports a few unconventional features, such as solar panels and a kite wing instead of a sail.

silent 60 yacht

Silent Yachts unveils its new Silent 60, a solar-powered catamaran with a kite wing instead of conventional sails. The ship has 42 solar panels that generate 17 kWp to power two electric motors of 200 kW each. The yacht also has a battery capacity of 286 kWh, allowing for zero emissions.

The Silent 60 is designed to go everywhere as a true bluewater cruising yacht. The solar-electric system is configured to power all on the onboard systems without the need for a fossil-fueled generator.

The kite design was created by a Dresden-based company, Wingit. The kite wings enable the catamaran to reach a top speed of 20 knots. Wingit founder Stephen Schröder explained: “The main advantages of a kite wing over a conventional sail system is that it does not need a tall mast, flies much higher in the sky where there’s more wind, and generates up to 10 times more power per square meter than a traditional sail.”

  • READ MORE: Take a Glimpse at Jeff Bezos’ US$500 Million Superyacht

“It makes even more sense for the silent boats that run on renewable solar energy because the power generated by a kite easily exceeds the energy consumption of the system, so you can charge the batteries while cruising under kite power. and besides that, it’s great fun!” He added.

silent yacht 60 kite

The kite wing consists of an electric winch and a short, collapsible mast and is stored in a locker underneath the foredeck. The kite is inflatable and upon inflation, will be released overboard to drift away on the surface of the water. Pulling on the lines launches it into the air once it reaches the optimal height for flight.

The kite will generate power to pull the yacht while gilding in a figure of eight motion in the air. Controlling the kite’s movement is simple as an automated app is available which the owners can use. To bring the kite back down, the controls will move the kite above the boat where it has the least amount of pull on the boat. From here you can easily winch it down and collapse it over the foredeck for stowage.

The kite wing is also available on all Silent Yacht models.

  • READ MORE: Water Revolution Foundation: Driving Superyacht Sustainability

The Silent 60 has four guest cabins on the lower deck and a spacious master suite. The yacht also offers several social areas onboard — the main salon, aft cockpit, bow area, and a flybridge. The yacht’s main salon has a staggering ceiling height of 2.3 metres.

silent 60 yacht kitchen

A draft underneath the yacht enables it to access shallow bays, a crucial consideration for cruising grounds in the Caribbean and Southeast Asia . Two swimming areas in the stern can be extended to carry two electric jet skis. There is a lifting hydraulic platform that can be enlarged to carry a four-metre tender as well.

  • READ MORE: Azimut Grande Trideck Is A Class Above The Rest

silent yacht 60 interior

The Silent 60 is equipped with the company’s aeration system that provides cool and fresh air to all interior guest spaces and can be individually adjusted to suit different conditions. A reverse-cycle heat pump system heats the interior for all-season comfort. The hull is insulated and ensures the onboard temperatures are stable and does not use excess energy.

There is a watermaker that is powered by a solar-electric system and produces enough water for an ample amount of guests. The galley features a refrigerator and freezer space and an induction cooker, so there is no need for propane gas.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by SILENT YACHTS OFFICIAL (@silent_yachts_headquarters)

This yacht isn’t the only ship with a solar panel, Absolute Yachts debuted its new 60 Fly at the Cannes Yachting Festival . A solar panel is installed on the hardtop of the yacht. The solar panel is enough to power the fridge, water heater, entertainment system, and more for hours without using the generators.

For more yacht reads, click here .

silent yachts kite

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

silent yachts kite

Here you can find the answers to all of the most frequently asked questions about Silent Yachts. If you have additional questions, our team will be happy to advise you.

01. What is the price of a Silent yacht?

For more information about the prices of our Silent yacht models, please get in touch here: Contact

02. Can a Silent yacht cross the Atlantic?

All our yachts are CE-A certified, which means that they are suitable for ocean crossings. In 2018, the Silent 64 set a world record as the first serial production solar powered electric yacht to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

03. Are electrical yachts practical?

Yes. As the propulsion system of an electrical yacht has fewer components and is much smaller than a conventional drivetrain, there is an additional amount of space on board which can be used for a variety of purposes.

04. Are electric yachts quiet?

Silent yachts are quiet, as the electric motors are noiseless. However, some manufacturers make use gearboxes which could be relatively noisy.

05. Are electric yachts cheaper?

While the purchasing price of electric yachts is similar to the price of conventionally powered yachts, the ownership costs are far lower. This is a result of lower maintenance due to the lack of moving parts of a normal engine, less repairs bills and minimal to no expenses for fuel.

06. Can you buy a Silent yacht?

Yes, Silent Yachts offers full serial production solar powered electric yachts ranging from 60 to 120 feet.

07. Is there any electric yacht?

Silent Yachts are the first ocean-going electric production yachts in the world, which are powered by solar energy. Storing the energy of the sun in state of the art battery banks enables guests on board to be fully solar sustainable while having the possibility of unlimited range with zero emission.

08. Do you offer sustainable materials on board?

Yes, we do. You have a choice to choose between premium sustainable materials such as bamboo, flax fibre, basalt fibre and cork. They help shape a unique yachting experience while significantly reducing the overall footprint on the environment. For more details, please visit our dedicated sustainability chapter.

09. What is the meaning of the number in each of the Silent Yachts model names?

The number of each model (Silent 60, Silent 62, Silent 80, Silent 120) indicates the overall length of the yacht in feet.

10. Which boating licence do I need?

Silent yachts require the same motorboat license as any other boat of the same length in the same operational area. No specific license required.

11. What about the CE-A Certification? What does it mean for the buyer?

All boats available on the market are classified according to four different CE categories.

Category A – Ocean: This is the certification level with the toughest standards and covers vessels of 40’ and over which are designed to be self-sufficient for extended voyages. It is defined as the “category of boats considered suitable for seas with significant wave heights of up to 23 feet (7 meters) and winds of Beaufort force 9 (41-47 knots) or less, but excluding abnormal conditions such as hurricanes.”

Category B – Offshore: Boats operating offshore with winds to 40 knots and significant seas to 13 feet.

Category C – Inshore: Boats operating in coastal waters and large bays and lakes with winds to force 6, up to 27 knots, and significant seas 7 feet high.

Category D – Inland or sheltered coastal waters: boats in small lakes and rivers with winds to force 4 and significant wave heights to 18 inches.

All our yachts are CE-A certified, which is the highest level of certification obtainable in Europe. As a result, all Silent Yachts are true ocean cruisers designed to circumnavigate the world.

12. What are advanced sea trials?

The goal of advanced sea trials is to experience solar powered yachting first-hand and receive a personal introduction to understand the technology and its benefits in order to be able to make an informed purchase decision.

If you would like to come on board and do an advanced sea trial, please get in touch here: Contact

13. How much does it cost to operate a solar powered yacht?

The operational costs of a solar powered yacht are far lower in comparison to regular diesel-powered motor yachts. The main reason here fore is the fact that an electric motor only has one moving part in comparison to the hundreds of moving components of an internal combustion engine. Virtually no maintenance means virtually no maintenance costs. Secondly, refueling the conventional yacht with diesel makes up for a significant proportion of the operational costs. Recharging a Silent with the help of the sun however is free.

14. Are there different cabin configurations for each Silent yacht model?

Yes, every model in our range offers a variety of different cabin configurations to suit different needs. On our website you can find the standard cabin configuration of each model. If you would like to take a look at further cabin configurations, please get in touch with our team and they will provide you with the respective model brochures which showcase all options.

15. What are the main advantages of a solar powered Silent yacht?

In terms of the actual yachting experience, Silent yachts offer virtually unlimited range with zero emission. Furthermore, noiseless cruising makes sure you will have relaxing time on board.

The solar-electric drivetrain is not only the safest and most reliable marine propulsion system, in comparison to regular internal combustion engines there is virtually no maintenance required as well.

From an operations point of view, there are 8 years of warranty on the battery banks, 40 years on the solar panels and life-time warranty on the electric motors. Every Silent yacht is CE-A certified and therefore offers full trans-ocean crossing capabilities.

For more information, check out “Why Solar Power?” and “Why Silent Technology?”

16. What is the difference between a solar powered electric Silent yacht and a conventional powered yacht?

Conventional motor yachts are powered by diesel- or gas-engines. Additionally, they have one or even two generators on board to supply all household appliances. Hence, depending on the size of the yacht, a total number of 3 or 4 diesel engines are used to provide propulsion and feed the household devices with energy.

Sailing yachts need a diesel-engine too. Depending on the operational area as well as the wind- and weather-conditions, a diesel engine is required in addition to the sails for the propulsion of the boat. When anchoring in a quiet bay, the diesel generators ensure the energy-supply of the household appliances on board. In fact sailing vessels have a very similar engine setup as a motor yacht, just less powerful, therefore a sailing catamaran of 80 feed has always 2 diesel engines for the propulsion and 2 diesel generators. Compared to that an electric Silent yacht requires only one diesel generator, which reduces the required maintenance and the costs significantly.

As most yachts use gas for cooking, the open flame not only heats up the interior but also causes an imminent threat. Furthermore, on many yachts the consumables like water and energy are managed in a way that enforces the skipper to visit a marina every two or three days to charge the batteries and to buy water for showering and drinking. In contrast to that a Silent yacht is autonomous and self-sufficient. Therefore there is need to go to a marina on a regular basis, as a Silent produces the energy and the water it needs on its own with solar energy.

Lastly, a conventionally powered boat has a range of 300 to 500 nautical miles before needing to refill the diesel engine. The use of a combustion-engine is, of course, inevitably also combined with noise, exhausts and oily films in the water.

In comparison, a Silent yacht can cross oceans and stay in a bay for months by storing the energy generated through the solar panels in large capacity batteries. This electrical energy is used for propulsion and well as powering all household appliances on board. All this happens completely noiseless, without vibrations and pollution while also offering the possibility of having virtually unlimited range.

01. How big of an electric motor do I need for my solar powered yacht?

The smallest electric motors fitted to a Silent yacht are two 50 kW motors on the cruiser configuration of the Silent 60 series.

02. How do electric yachts get fresh water?

All Silent Yachts are equipped with a water maker, which processes sea water into fresh water.

03. Can you power a yacht with an electric motor?

All Silent Yachts are powered by electric motors. The instantly available torque ensures a smooth drive at any time. More information on our electric propulsion system can be found on our technology page .

04. How long does an electric yacht motor last?

As electric motors only have one moving part, they are very reliable in comparison to regular internal combustion engines, which have a larger number of moving parts. Therefore, at Silent Yachts we offer a lifetime warranty on all electric motors installed in our yachts.

05. What motors do Silent yachts use?

Silent yachts engineers design and configurate our proprietary in-house drivetrains. We only integrate components from leading producers in their respective industries. For more information about the solar-electric drivetrain , please visit “Why Silent Technology” .

06. Do electric yachts have generators?

All Silent yachts are equipped with back-up range extenders, which can recharge the battery banks whenever needed. More information can be found on our “Why Solar Power?” page.

07. How efficient are electric yachts?

As Silent yachts were created to be fully electric from the ground-up, they are highly efficient. Every aspect of our yachts, from the design of the hull to the interior and its appliances is designed to minimize energy consumption and maximize efficiency. This enables sustainable self-propulsion with virtually unlimited range. More information can be found here “Why Silent Technology?” .

08. Where do our yachts get electricity from?

The main source of energy of our yachts is the sun. In a typical holiday region during the typical holiday season on an average sunny day the solar panels produce enough energy to power the propulsion system as well as all household and navigational appliances on board for regular holiday use. To learn more about the solar technology powering our yachts, please visit our dedicated chapter here  “Why Solar Power?” .

09. How fast can a Silent yacht go?

The cruising speed is usually around 6 – 8 kn.

10. Why are there no wind generators?

During the testing phase of the Solarwave 46 Prototype, Michael & Heike gathered extensive experiences with the usage of wind generators as well. The energy they generate does not compensate for the energy loss they produce by throwing shade on the panels. When turning at high speeds, wind generators are also very noisy and do not create a Silent cruising experience. Depending on their placement, they are also quite dangerous, potentially creating serious safety hazards.

It is not surprising that not even sailors on sailing boats choose the windiest regions of this planet for their holiday. They prefer to stay in a calm a protected bay for swimming and even more to stay over-night. Calm and protected means no wind and therefore no energy coming from the wind generator. However, the shade created by the wind generators would affect the solar panels on every sunny day and as a result reduce the daily production.

11. Can the generator charge depleted batteries and power the ship including all the appliances on board while the boat is underway?

Yes. The generator can recharge the battery whenever necessary. However, it is generally not required to start the generator for the operation of any of the household appliances on board. It is also not required to start the generator for higher cruising speeds. It merely functions as a back-up in case you travel longer distances at high cruising speeds.

12. What about adding a regular sail or kite sail?

As regular sails would throw a lot of shade on the panels, which would lead to a significant decrease in energy, all our models are available with an optional kite sail system instead.

In comparison to a regular sail, the fully automatic towing kite has several advantages:

• No shade created on the panels • Up to 10x more towing power created per m2 • Less maintenance required • Lower maintenance costs

For all sailors who would love to make use of the wind as well, the kite sail system perfectly complements the trademark Silent Yachts solar electric drivetrain as an effective addition.

13. Is there a video showcasing the energy generation & consumption of your electric yachts in realistic scenarios?

Yes, you can check out our Silent 80 energy generation & consumption video here .

The storyline takes you along on a trip of two days in order to showcase a variety of realistic scenarios, based on the Silent 80 E-Power + version. It will show you exactly how different situations affect the production and overall energy management with the help of the solar panels, electric motors and lithium battery banks on board.

14. Which propulsion system do Silent yachts offer?

All our models are powered by our unique solar electric drivetrain. It consists of market leading solar panels, powerful electric motors, state-of-the-art lithium batteries and an efficient back-up generator. This system produces enough power in order to supply energy for propulsion as well as all onboard appliances. For more details, please visit “Why Solar Power?” .

15. How many kW do the solar panels generate?

The amount of power generated by the solar panels in total depends on the specific model. Here are the individual peak power figures and the daily production of each Silent yacht:

Silent 60 & Silent 62 3-Deck

  • 16 kWp – about 100 kWh per day

Silent 80 & Silent 80 3-Deck

  • 26 kWp – about 150 kWh per day
  • 40 kWp – about 240 kWh per day

Important to note – the kWp does not tell you anything about the daily production. When the panels are mounted in an unfavourable angle to the sun – for instance on the sides of the hulls – they are shaded for most of the time of the day. Same applies if they are mounted on a roof with a mast and a boom placed on top of it. Or if they are configured in smaller areas of different size and different angle to the sun. In all these cases their production will be close to zero. It is not surprising that yachts of same size having panels on the hull sides harvest only a third of the energy which you get on a Silent.

The design of our solar roof and our arrangement of the panels are the secrets of the “Silent Autonomy”, which makes our Silent yachts so unique.

16. Which company builds the electric propulsion system?

The electric propulsion system is built in-house by using highest quality industrial grade products. Our specific configuration of every individual component makes the resulting system unique.

01. Can Silent Yachts be used for commercial use such as passenger ferries?

While commercial uses are not part of our regular model range, we have already customized our solar powered yachts for such situations in the past. The Silent 55 has been built as a passenger ferry. Therefore, we would kindly ask you to get in touch with us in order to evaluate potential commercial usage regarding your specific needs.

Silent Group

electric yacht with solar panels on the roof anchored in crystal clear waters

Our charters offer you the opportunity to book a memorable vacation on board of our electric yachts. Including our helpful crew, consisting of a captain and a chef, you will experience the comfort of solar powered yachting.

The silent team at the aft of the boat

As the pioneers of solar yachting, we have almost three decades of experience regarding the research, design and build of electric yachts. Our team, shipyard and the hiring of new talent are the backbone of our operations.

Sustainable solar-powered resort with a solar yacht in front of the main residence

By transferring our solar yachting technology, Silent Resorts develops sustainable beachfront resorts in beautiful locations worldwide. Memberships offer full or part ownership of an eco-property and a Silent yacht.

Man jumping with the Awake water toy in front of a Silent yacht

Create your infinite playground on the water. A selection of premium electric water toys, which can be recharged by simply connecting them to your Silent yacht, as well as other accessories for the ultimate experience on board.

IMAGES

  1. Silent-Yachts Built a Boat With a Kite Sail System

    silent yachts kite

  2. Silent Yachts launches solar catamaran with kite wing sail and 100 mile

    silent yachts kite

  3. Silent Yachts adds a kite wing to its solar electric catamaran

    silent yachts kite

  4. Silent-Yachts Built a Boat With a Kite Sail System

    silent yachts kite

  5. Silent-Yachts Built a Boat With a Kite Sail System

    silent yachts kite

  6. Silent-Yachts demos kite sailing catamaran

    silent yachts kite

COMMENTS

  1. SILENT 60

    Performance data in the description. As the first luxury yacht manufacturer, we are now combining the power of the sun as well as the wind to provide an even...

  2. First Silent 60 showcases Silent-Yachts' optional kite sail system

    Silent-Yachts has showcased its first Silent 60, which carries 42 solar panels for 17kWp of solar energy and is further boosted by the brand's optional kite sail system. Succeeding the 64 and 55 models, the Silent 60 is the first of the builder's new generation of yachts that also include the 62 3-Deck, 80, 80 3-Deck and 100, with each 3 ...

  3. Silent Yachts launches solar catamaran with kite wing sail ...

    In addition to the wind kite option, the SILENT-60 yacht comes with 42 solar panels, garnering 17 kWp of energy from the sun to power two, 340 kW electric motors. The system is backed by a battery ...

  4. Silent's New Solar-Powered Catamaran Uses a Giant Kite for More Speed

    Silent Yachts, whose solar -powered fleet continues to grow apace, has just unveiled a new catamaran that uses a giant kite to generate even more power and speed. The solar-electric vessel is one ...

  5. The Silent 60 Motoryacht Uses the Giant Wingit Kite Sail to Add Speed

    Kite-surfing has become the go-to sport for board lovers, but now a kite will be standard equipment on a 60-foot motoryacht.Already known for creating large, electric-powered cats, Silent Yachts ...

  6. Silent 60, The Solar Electric Catamaran With a Kite Sail System

    1,493 4 minutes read. The new SILENT 60 solar powered catamaran carries 42 solar panels for 17 kWp of solar energy to power two electric motors of up to 2x340kw. Backed up by a battery capacity of up to 286 kWh, the yacht can cruise efficiently with zero emissions solely on solar power for up to 100 nautical miles a day for weeks.

  7. Electric yachts

    Adding the option of a fully automatic towing kite gives the 60 Series the opportunity to make use of the wind without shading the panels. The either 9m² or 12 m² sized kite flies at heights where winds are much stronger, thus being able to create up to 10x more pulling power compared to a conventional sail.

  8. Silent Yachts adds a kite wing to its solar electric catamaran

    The Silent 60 catamaran is powered by 42 solar panels. Silent Yachts. In full flight, the kite has a surface area of 13 sq m (139 sq ft) and is said to generate up to 10 times more power per ...

  9. First Silent 60 solar electric catamaran with kite wing launched

    The advantages of the kite wing There are three major advantages of the kite wing for the yacht. First, extra propulsion. The kite can pull the 30-ton Silent 60 with about 4-5 knots and it reduces the consumption of the e-motors, thus extending the range. The already green solar electric catamaran gets greener and more eco-conscious this way.

  10. Silent 60 improves its range and green credentials with a kite wing

    Silent 60 improves its range and green credentials with a kite wing system "We tested the performance on different headings and at wind angles of up to 40 degrees with the 9-sqm kite," says Silent-Yachts' Captain Mike Wandler. "Unlike a conventional sailing boat, the best results were directly downwind.

  11. Silent 60 launches new era for Silent-Yachts

    The Silent 60 is the first build from Silent that offers a Wingit kite wing option, which enables to the yacht to harness the power of the wind as well as from solar energy. Stowed in the bow, the kite wing can pull the vessel forward at 4-5 knots, further reducing the consumption of the electric motors.

  12. the SILENT 60 electric catamaran features a kite wing and ...

    SILENT-YACHTS unveils the new SILENT 60, a solar-powered catamaran with a kite wing instead of conventional sails. 42 solar panels generate 17 kWp to power two electric motors of 200 kW each. the ...

  13. Greener and Better: the Silent 60

    The Silent-Yachts Silent 60 is an environmentally friendly, bluewater catamaran with 42 solar panels and four staterooms. ... With open ocean breezes of 17 to 21 knots, the builder says the kite can power the Silent 60 at 6 to 7 knots alone, or it can bump the speed with motors to go faster than the usual 8-knot cruise speed. ...

  14. Review: Silent 55, the extraordinary solar powered yacht

    On the smaller 55 and the 64, Silent Yachts currently recommends a 19m2 kite that costs around €25,000 - a fraction of the cost of a new mast, boom, shrouds and sails. "The sail ...

  15. Kite Sail System Premiere Video

    Sign-up to get the latest news about SILENT-YACHTS straight to your inbox. ...

  16. Three major advantages of the kite wing for the yacht

    This innovative kite wing is easy to use and adds up to 5 knots to the Silent-Yacht solar electric catamaran speed. Silent-Yachts has increased its fleet of innovative oceangoing solar electric catamarans introducing the new Silent 60 that has been launched recently at Silent Yachts production facility in Thailand, which is led by the Swiss entrepreneur Philippe Guénat.

  17. Silent Yachts' Silent 60 solar electric catamaran packs a giant kite wing

    Credit: Silent Yachts. Perhaps its most outstanding feature is the kite wing that does not require a big mast as conventional yachts do. This light and compact kite wing with a surface area of 13 sq.m. can increase the performance of the vessel, increasing its speed by an additional 5 knots (9 km/h).

  18. Silent-Yachts launches new 60 with kite wing

    Silent-Yachts, the Austrian builder of solar powered catamarans, has released images of its new Silent 60, which features the option of a kite wing. Kite wings, which fly in a figure-8 pattern to generate power and work as a "wind assist" to the main propulsion system, have been gaining popularity in recent years thanks to the shipping ...

  19. ® OFFICIAL Silent Yachts

    The Original Solar Yacht. As the original inventors of series produced solar-electric yachts, we pioneered this innovative approach. Our first model, the Silent 64, was launched to the market in 2016, several years before any other shipyard considered the possibility of going electric.

  20. Silent 60 Review: A Sailing Tesla

    With this concept, Silent Yachts have responded to the growing demands of eco-conscious owners who want longer trips and zero emissions, or even sustainable and green living. ... Silent 60 kite The kite can pull the Silent 60 with about 4-5 knots and it reduces the consumption of the e-motors, thus extending the range.

  21. The Silent 60, An Electric Yacht With a Kite Wing

    The Silent 60 is designed to go everywhere as a true bluewater cruising yacht. The solar-electric system is configured to power all on the onboard systems without the need for a fossil-fueled generator. The kite design was created by a Dresden-based company, Wingit. The kite wings enable the catamaran to reach a top speed of 20 knots.

  22. What about a adding a regular sail or kite sail?

    As regular sails would throw a lot of shade on the panels, which would lead to a significant decrease in energy, all our models are available with an optional kite sail system instead. In comparison to a regular sail, the fully automatic towing kite has several advantages: No shade created on...

  23. FAQs

    Every Silent yacht is CE-A certified and therefore offers full trans-ocean crossing capabilities. ... For all sailors who would love to make use of the wind as well, the kite sail system perfectly complements the trademark Silent Yachts solar electric drivetrain as an effective addition. 13.