Silent-Yachts is proud to introduce the Silent 55 at her world debut at the 2018 Cannes
Yachting Festival (September 11-16, 2018). The Silent 55 is the first and only oceangoing solar-electric production catamaran in the world. The yacht uses silent electric propulsion for unlimited range with no noise or fumes and minimal vibration, she is self-sufficient and virtually maintenance-free. The Silent 55 is available in several power configurations to suit a variety of cruising applications. All of them stick to the Silent-Yachts philosophy of relying chiefly on solar power for propulsion and onboard power needs.
The Silent 55 that was on display in Cannes is an “E-Power” version with 2 x 135 kW motors and can reach up to 14 knots. The model can be equipped as a “Cruiser” version, with a pair of 30 kW motors or a “Hybrid Power” version with 2 x 220 hp diesel engines and two 14 kW electric motors. A “Sailor” version can be equipped with all the previously mentioned drivetrain configurations and is rigged with a mast and
sails to provide additional propulsion in fair winds.
With 30 high-efficiency solar panels rated for approximately 10 kilowatt-peak, the Silent 55 uses maximum power point tracking (MPPT) solar charge regulators and lithium batteries, which provide capacity for all-night cruising, while a 15-kVA inverter provides power for all household appliances. The systems require hardly any maintenance and produce no fumes or noise. Because of that, the operational costs of the vessels are substantially lower compared to power yachts using more traditional propulsion systems. Michael Köhler, Silent-Yachts' CEO, said “What this represents to the yachtsman, among other features, is the ability to cruise for many hours at normal speed and throughout the entire day and evening at reduced speed. Silent-Yachts sets the standard for an entirely new dynamic in yachting: No fuel. No maintenance. Pure solar-powered luxury.”
The Silent 55 is available in five different layouts ranging from three to six staterooms with three or four heads. A full-width central owner’s stateroom is the centerpiece in three of the layouts, with guest staterooms located in port and starboard hulls. All staterooms offer double or twin berths, and all heads include a separate shower. Other layouts are available on request. In all configurations, careful attention has been paid to onboard ergonomics. The staterooms, heads and saloon on the Silent 55 are all created to welcome every person into spaces that are adapted to human size and create a comfortable environment for living, even for extended cruising. Large portlights and flush deck hatches admit natural light.
On the Silent 55, the interior layout is centered on a shared onboard space, a huge 40m² combination of saloon, helm and galley, with enough space for the crew to gather. The skipper will never be lonely at the lower helm as plenty of companion seating and an aft galley will keep the crew around. Three of the layouts feature a forward owner stateroom that capitalizes on the 8.46-meter beam of the yacht for a spacious layout with a walkaround double berth. Other accommodation plans optimize the space with additional staterooms as Silent-Yachts uses a modular construction and efficient design methods that allow additional layouts at reasonable prices.
With wide side decks for safety moving fore and aft, the Silent 55 has a spacious cockpit sheltered by a large hardtop overhang, and enormous open foredeck space. In addition, the flying bridge promises to allow helmsman and guests to enjoy time together underway with superior lines of sight all around the boat. The Silent 55 is equipped with the company’s aeration system, which provides cool and fresh air to all accommodations, heads, and in the saloon. The air-flow 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 can be used to heat the interior when necessary, ensuring all-season comfort. The insulated hull ensures efficient achievement of desired onboard temperatures.
The Silent 55 is built using vacuum-bagged resin infusion to create a lightweight glass-sandwich composite construction that has sound- and temperature-insulating qualities. The hull is reinforced with carbon fiber at stress points, and uses vinylester resin to prevent osmotic blistering.
The Silent 55 hull shape was designed using extensive tank testing for optimal efficiency. The molds were then created using CNC milling for true replication of the refined, enhanced shape in the tooling. The Silent 55 has a shape both above and below the waterline that is designed to slip through the wind and waves with minimal resistance. Designed with sealed deck sections and collision compartments for safety, the Silent 55 uses watertight bulkheads and integrated interior furniture to create a torsion-resistant hull structure.
The electrical system can allow such features as a powered aft swim platform, a 1,500-watt electric windlass, and other features yachtsmen have come to expect on world-class oceangoing cruising yachts. Because the Silent 55 is designed to range everywhere as a true ocean-going cruising yacht that is selfsufficient, she is equipped to keep her crew happy and comfortable for virtually any voyage.
It starts with the benefits of the propulsion system. The Silent 55 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 onboard systems without need of fuel to power a generator. Because of her revolutionary design, the Silent 55 travels just with the sound of the wind, and the water streaming past the hull, with no smoke, noise, or vibration of engines.
“The generator is only used to recharge the batteries in the rare case when higher speed is required for longer periods of time or if the weather is bad for several days,” Köhler says. In addition to the ergonomics of the living spaces, the Silent 55 - thanks to her advanced conveniences -offers a comfort level that sparks peace of mind. A water-maker powered by the solar-electric system, produces enough water to supply a full six stateroom company with reasonable rate of consumption.
On the Silent 55, all onboard appliances operate on the 220/110-volt system, to which her crew might be used to from their homes. The galley has refrigerator and freezer space to sustain the crew and an efficient induction cooktop, precluding the need for carrying propane. “Under normal, average holiday conditions, the boat is self-sufficient with unlimited range without burning fuel,” Köhler says. But perhaps even more importantly, the time under way is spent enjoying the sounds of wind and water, with no fumes or vibration, with no noise but the laughter of friends and family.
Camper & Nicholsons has been appointed central agent for the sale of the 40.05-meter Sunseeker motor yacht Berco Voyager. Built in 2018, the vessel is offered at €13.9 million with VAT paid. Sales advisor Maël Fiolet is handling the listing.The yacht represents one of the final hulls in Sunseeker's 131 series, featuring upgraded interiors and specifications exceeding standard models. The current owner has maintained the vessel with additional custom features distinguishing it from sisterships.Berco Voyager accommodates 10 guests across five cabins with crew quarters for seven personnel. The yacht has demonstrated charter operational capability and includes extended engine warranty coverage.Currently located in Sardinia, the vessel will relocate to Southern France for the upcoming show season. The listing presents a rare opportunity to acquire a 40-meter Sunseeker with proven charter history and comprehensive maintenance records.Since 1969 Sunseeker Yachts has built composite semi-custom yachts from 12m to 47m. The shipyard's main facility is located in Poole.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
August 20, 2025
American shipyard Hargrave Custom Yachts has unveiled a new 36.5-meter design in its 120 Series, featuring exterior and interior styling by Italian designer Patrizio Facheris. The raised pilothouse model represents a departure from the yard's typical in-house design approach.Constructed in carbon-reinforced E-glass epoxy composite, the yacht meets RINA Pleasure classification standards. The vessel accommodates 12 guests and 7 crew members, with a 7.6-meter beam and 1.9-meter draft. Light displacement measures 130 tons.Performance specifications include twin Caterpillar C32 engines producing 1,900 horsepower each, enabling a maximum speed of 21.5 knots and a cruising range of 945 nautical miles. The electrical system incorporates twin Northern Lights 56kW generators with 120/208 VAC power distribution and 24V DC engine starting.Exterior finishes feature hand-laid Burmese teak decking with non-skid paint options. Hull and superstructure coatings utilize AWLGRIP and International products for durability.Hargrave includes a six-month management package with each sale. The vessel remains available for inspection ahead of its Cannes showing.Credits: Hargrave Custom Yachts
August 20, 2025
Damen Yachting has simultaneously delivered two vessels to a single owner: the 60-meter Xplorer After You and the 53-meter Yacht Support Emotional. Both yachts were constructed at Damen's Antalya shipyard with Dutch engineering support and brokered by TWW Yachts.The Xplorer 60 is designed for global exploration ranging from polar regions to Mediterranean destinations. The Yacht Support vessel provides additional crew accommodations, toy storage, and helicopter facilities to complement the main yacht's operations.Jorrit Pilaar, Damen Yachting Sales Manager, stated: "It was an absolute pleasure working with the team of TWW Yachts over the last months to get the first Xplorer 60 and the 53-metre Yacht Support ready for delivery."Enrique Tintore, Product & Design Manager, added: "This double delivery is a landmark moment for Damen Yachting," acknowledging collaboration between the company's Antalya and Vlissingen facilities.David Westwood, CEO of TWW Yachts, noted: "Their technical proficiency and reliability as a supplier allowed us to focus on the Owner's priorities with complete confidence."Both vessels will appear at next month's Monaco Yacht Show before beginning operational service. The delivery represents Damen Yachting's continued expansion in the expedition yacht and support vessel market segments. The Xplorer series (formerly SeaXplorer) and Yacht Support vessels complement Damen's existing Amels superyacht portfolio.Damen Yachting, the yacht-building division of Damen Shipyards Group, employs approximately 500 professionals across its Amels, SeaXplorer, and Yacht Support vessel programs. No purchase price was disclosed for the new build.Credits: Damen Yachting
August 20, 2025
Tureddi Group has sold the first superyacht under its recently established Tureddi Yachts brand. The 36-meter Azzurra is currently under construction with delivery scheduled for 2027. Worth Avenue Yachts brokered the sale and will provide project management during construction.The steel and aluminum yacht features exterior design by Italian studio Giamboi Design and naval architecture by Dutch firm Van Oossanen Naval Architects. The interior designer remains undisclosed, described only as a "renowned international design house" by the shipyard.Project details remain confidential, though the yard references a "wide beam, generous volume and high-level specification" incorporating latest marine technologies. Worth Avenue Yachts' Europe managing partner Mathieu Bardon stated: "This sale represents an incredible collaboration between all parties involved, supported by the trust of the buyer through a long-standing relationship."The sale marks Tureddi Group's transition from component supplier to independent yacht builder after 40 years in the marine industry. Company president Alessandro Tureddi noted the significance of this milestone for the family-owned business.The Italian shipyard recently expanded its portfolio with two new designs currently available for sale. Construction progresses at Tureddi's facility with the Azzurra representing the brand's inaugural superyacht project.Credits: Tureddi Group
August 19, 2025
William J. Healey, co-founder and former president of Viking Yacht Company, passed away on August 14, 2025 at Shore Medical Center in Somers Point, New Jersey. He was 97 years old.Healey established Viking Yacht Company with his late brother Robert T. Healey Sr. on April 1, 1964, building the New Gretna-based operation into a leading manufacturer in the recreational marine industry. Under his leadership, the company became known for its luxury yacht production and innovative workplace practices.Healey maintained direct relationships with employees, personally greeting workers by name as they left the factory each evening. He implemented comprehensive employee benefits including an on-site health department providing free medical care to workers and their families.The industrialist pioneered several manufacturing advancements, including a tri-generation facility for power generation, wastewater treatment systems, and early adoption of computer numerical control technology. He oversaw installation of solar panels on company buildings and invested in advanced manufacturing equipment including a $1 million five-axis CNC router.Healey retired in October 2013, succeeded by his son Patrick, but maintained regular presence at the New Gretna facility. His brother and co-founder Robert Healey Sr., who led the successful campaign to repeal the federal luxury tax on yachts, predeceased him in 2021.Viking Yacht Company continues operations under family leadership, maintaining its position in the luxury yacht market. The company's New Jersey facility remains one of the largest yacht manufacturing operations in the United States.Credits: Viking Yacht
August 19, 2025