After presenting the first 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 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 sq. m kite wing.
“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 rigg and costs much less,” says Michael Köhler, Silent-Yachts founder and CEO.
“We tested the performance on different headings and at wind angles of up to 40 degrees with the 9 sq. m 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.
The first Silent 60 can accommodate eight guest cabins on the lower deck, including a master suite, but other layout solutions are available. The social areas on board include an airy main salon, an aft cockpit, a cosy bow area and a flybridge.
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 meter tender.
The yacht 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 is producing the world’s first fully solar-sustainable oceangoing production catamaran yachts. They are powered exclusively by solar energy and capable of cruising up to 100 miles per day. In 2009, founders Heike and Michael Köhler, who have spent 6,000 days cruising more than 75,000 miles all around the world, launched the Solarwave 46, the first fully self-sufficient blue-water catamaran after years of testing solar-powered propulsion, and they have been building boats ever since.
Credits: Alberto Cocchi/Silent-Yachts
Palumbo Superyachts has introduced a new corporate logo as part of a broader effort to enhance its brand identity in the luxury yachting industry. The updated visual identity is designed to reflect the company's ongoing dedication to improving product quality and refining organizational processes.The new logo symbolizes more than just a stylistic change; it embodies Palumbo Superyachts' commitment to innovation and excellence. Central to this identity are the three P's that characterize the brand: Passionate, Pioneering, and Proactive.Passionate: Palumbo Superyachts approaches its projects with deep conviction, infusing its design and execution processes with enthusiasm that extends to client relationships.Pioneering: The company continues to push the boundaries of the industry, exploring new ideas and methods to position itself at the forefront of luxury yachting.Proactive: Palumbo Superyachts invests in research and technology, anticipating market trends to meet the evolving demands of its clients.This rebranding effort underscores Palumbo Superyachts' focus on achieving new milestones and strengthening its leadership position in the luxury yachting sector.Palumbo Superyachts began to take root in 2008, when the Columbus Yachts brand was established, and in 2011 launched its first 54 meter superyacht, emblematically christened “Prima” (“the First”). Currently, Palumbo Superyachts comprises a representative office in Monaco and a logistics network of five shipyards in the Mediterranean (Ancona, Malta, Marseille, Naples, and Savona), and also operates the following brands: ISA Yachts, Extra Yachts, Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine and Palumbo SY Refit.Credit: Palumbo Superyachts
September 9, 2024
The catamaran Acali, a premier example of the WiderCat 92 series, has been officially listed for sale at EUR11,900,000. Northrop & Johnson yacht broker Gabriele Modica Ragusa is representing the sale. Set to debut at the 2024 Cannes Yachting Festival, Acali showcases a blend of modern design, advanced technology, and Italian craftsmanship.Acali is the first multihull vessel produced by the Italian shipyard Wider Yachts. Measuring 28 meters in length and nearly 12 meters in beam, she is the widest yacht the company has constructed to date. The yacht's exterior, developed in collaboration with designer Luca Dini, combines aesthetic appeal with functionality.The yacht's interior offers considerable volume, especially on the forward main deck, which is entirely dedicated to the owner. The owner's suite features panoramic views, a centrally placed bed, and a spacious en-suite bathroom with luxury finishes.Acali accommodates up to eight guests in four cabins, including two VIP suites with drop-down balconies that convert into private terraces with direct ocean access. The fourth twin cabin is also designed with style and comfort in mind. The yacht's interior design features a bold color scheme and asymmetric patterns that complement her modern exterior.Outdoor spaces on Acali include a foredeck sunpad, a 67-square-meter beach club, and a transom hatch that transforms the tender garage into an extended swim platform. The yacht is equipped with fold-down bulwarks for easy launching of water toys, including a 4.5-meter tender and a Jet Ski.Acali is also notable for her sustainable features. She is powered by an advanced hybrid propulsion system supported by 170 square meters of solar panels, enabling eco-friendly cruising. The yacht can operate in full-electric mode, providing silent and vibration-free navigation. A smart battery management system stores excess solar energy, ensuring a sustainable experience without compromising on luxury.The construction of Acali was overseen by a renowned superyacht industry surveyor, ensuring high standards of quality and safety.Founded in 2010 and based in Ancona (Le Marche), Wider Yachts is an innovative Italian yacht builder shipbuilder specialized in electric and renewable energy-powered superyachts. Credit: Northrop & Johnson
September 9, 2024
The Ferretti Group's ninth annual "Private Preview" event at the Yacht Club de Monaco featured a standout live performance by British pop star Robbie Williams, marking the official opening of the 2024-2025 yachting season. The event, held on September 7, showcased the luxury yacht builder's 37-vessel fleet, including seven world premieres.Robbie Williams, the UK’s top-selling solo artist, delivered a private concert titled "Rock DJ," which captivated an exclusive audience of over 600 guests. The performance took place on a stage suspended over the water, with the audience surrounded by a display of yachts. Attendees included notable figures such as H.R.H. Prince Albert of Monaco, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, fashion designer Domenico Dolce, and actor Pierfrancesco Favino.The evening also featured a dinner prepared by chef Antonio Mellino, who recently earned his third Michelin star, adding to the event's prestige.“A big thank you to Robbie Williams for the style and extraordinary talent with which he won the hearts of our guests and friends. He entertains his audience with an incredible joy and generosity that are perfectly in tune with the passion Ferretti Group brings to the creation of ever more beautiful dream boats,” said Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi. “This stellar Private Preview welcomes in a remarkable season for Ferretti Group and its fantastic new products. We'll carry the enthusiasm and energy of this event in our hearts for the rest of the season and our memories of it will remain truly unforgettable.”The Yacht Club de Monaco served as a striking venue for the event, offering guests exclusive visits and sea trials of the seven world premieres. Among these were the Custom Line Navetta 38, Pershing GTX80, Ferretti Yachts Infynito 80, and the Riva El-Iseo, the first fully electric powerboat from Riva.In addition to the yachts, the event featured collaborations with luxury brands, including Range Rover, Bang & Olufsen, and Dolce & Gabbana, among others. The event reflected Ferretti Group's commitment to blending yachting with high-end lifestyle experiences, setting the tone for the upcoming season.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credit: Ferretti Group
September 9, 2024
Acquera, a company specializing in personalized services for mega yachts, is set to make a significant impact at the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show with the unveiling of its new brand image. The event, taking place from September 25th to 28th, marks the beginning of the 2024-2025 nautical season and will serve as the platform for Acquera's rebranding debut.Founded in 2018 by Stefano Tositti, Acquera has undergone a comprehensive rebranding process over several months, resulting in a refreshed and more visually striking corporate identity. This new brand image aims to unify the various companies within the Acquera group under a strong, recognizable brand that reflects the company's innovative spirit and future-focused vision.Acquera will welcome customers in a prominent location at the Monaco Yacht Show, situated within The Lounge @ MK Club. The stand, described as the largest and most refined ever for the company, will be shared with four other notable brands in the sector: The Super Yacht Group, MedAire, Dsnm, and Wilson Halligan Recruiter. This collaborative project is designed to foster connections and create synergies that will elevate industry standards.Caterina Oliviero, Chief Commercial Officer of Acquera, emphasized the significance of the Monaco Yacht Show as the ideal venue for presenting the company's new image. "We are particularly proud to do so in this exclusive Lounge, in collaboration with four companies with which we share the same desire to enhance the sector to a higher level," said Oliviero. She also highlighted the event's potential for generating new ideas and expanding Acquera's customer base.The rebranding effort focuses on making the company's iconography more visually impactful, with new color codes that enhance readability and a greater emphasis on images over text. The goal is to communicate Acquera's new positioning in the market, showcasing its commitment to innovation and the development of the yachting industry.Acquera's presence at the Monaco Yacht Show underscores its commitment to forming strategic partnerships and offering comprehensive services to all industry stakeholders, including yacht owners, captains, and other professionals. The company will be located at The Lounge, MK Club, 18 Rte de la Piscine, 98000 Monaco, from September 25th to 28th.Credit: Acquera
September 6, 2024
The Italian Sea Group has recently launched the ADM 67m, a 67-meter superyacht from the Admiral fleet. The yacht, a product of collaboration between The Italian Sea Group’s CENTRO STILE and British designer Mark Berryman, is set to make its world premiere at the Monaco Yacht Show from September 25 to 28, 2024.The ADM 67m features a design characterized by bold, sculptural lines combined with refined details. The yacht’s exterior and interior layout were crafted by CENTRO STILE, while the interior design was developed by Berryman and executed by CELI 1920, The Italian Sea Group’s cabinet-making division. According to Giovanni Costantino, Founder and CEO of The Italian Sea Group, the yacht’s aesthetic reflects a balance of harmony and audacity, consistent with the Admiral fleet’s design philosophy.The ADM 67m’s design concept is built around a new relationship between internal and external spaces, with large, floor-to-ceiling glass walls that create versatile hybrid zones. These spaces can adapt to various guest needs, time of day, and weather conditions, offering a unique at-sea experience. The yacht also features fold-down balconies and large hatches that enhance usable space, providing dedicated areas for outdoor activities and relaxation.The yacht’s interiors are described as luxurious yet understated, with a calming color palette that includes warm whites, sand, beige, and natural tones. The design maintains a contemporary and sophisticated style without excess, aiming to create a serene and informal atmosphere on board.The ADM 67m is the latest addition to The Italian Sea Group’s Admiral fleet and is expected to draw significant attention at the upcoming Monaco Yacht Show.Credit: The Italian Sea Group
September 6, 2024