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.
Royal Hakvoort has signed a construction contract for a 70.1-meter superyacht, designated Project YN258. The vessel, designed for long-range cruising, will be the largest project in the shipyard's history in terms of both length and gross tonnage.Construction will begin immediately at the shipyard's facility in Monnickendam, the Netherlands, with delivery scheduled for 2029. The project involves an all-Dutch team, with Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design responsible for the design and Diana Yacht Design providing the naval architecture. The sale was brokered by 26 North Yachts, with Arrow Monaco acting as the owner's project management company.The yacht will have a beam of 11.6 meters and a gross tonnage of 1,513. Accommodation is planned for up to 14 guests in seven cabins, including two owners' suites – one located on the bridge deck and another occupying the entire owners' deck. Crew quarters will accommodate 20 staff and include a mess hall, a dedicated gym, and technical spaces designed for accessibility on long voyages.Reported features include a touch-and-go helipad, a sports court, and a swimming pool, with a layout emphasizing a balance between indoor and outdoor areas.Royal Hakvoort is a family-owned shipyard. She was founded by Albert Kizn Hakvoort in 1919. The yard is based in the historic Dutch village of Monnickendam. The shipyard is able to guarantee best in class quality for custom built motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 65m in length.Credits: Royal Hakvoort
September 23, 2025
German marine glass manufacturer Yachtglass and Italian manufacturer Hard Glass have established a joint venture named Ocean Glass. The companies will continue to operate independently while using the new entity to develop markets and provide glazing solutions to shipyards internationally.The joint venture will be officially introduced at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show at Stand DS 57 in Darse Sud. Both companies have previously supplied custom glass for yachts, including vessels exceeding 120 meters in length.Silvia Buck, CEO of Yachtglass, stated: “This strategic partnership merges German engineering precision with Italian design expertise. Together, we’re poised to deliver custom, high-specification glass solutions for the most sophisticated superyachts on the market. We’re particularly focused on expanding our presence in Turkey, the Middle East, and Asia - regions where demand for premium European craftsmanship continues to grow.”Fiorenzo Furlan, president of Hard Glass, added: “Ocean Glass represents the fusion of uncompromising quality and refined aesthetics at sea. Our new venture is committed to delivering marine glass systems that meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and design. Partnering with Yachtglass allows us to scale our vision and set new benchmarks for the industry.”The formation of Ocean Glass occurs as demand increases for large-scale glazing solutions on superyachts, where exteriors often incorporate hundreds of square meters of custom glass. The venture aims to combine German engineering and Italian design capabilities to serve emerging shipbuilding regions.Credits: Ocean Glass
September 23, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has listed the 23.86-meter expedition yacht Vanguard for sale at $3,980,000. Yacht Broker Mike Finnegan is representing the vessel, which was delivered by Naval Yachts in 2023.The XPM 78 platform yacht is designed for long-range cruising with a focus on efficiency and system integration. Vanguard recently completed a 7,000-nautical-mile voyage along the U.S. Atlantic Coast and into Greenland's High Arctic waters, conducted with two ice pilots onboard.Propulsion is provided by a diesel-electric Praxis hybrid system with an integrated energy management network. The yacht cruises at 9 knots with a reported fuel consumption of 3.5 liters per nautical mile, providing a range exceeding 7,000 nautical miles. Technical features include an ice-reinforced hull, DMS Magnus Master stabilizers, and a commercial-grade dynamic positioning system.The interior, designed by Arista Marine, follows an open-plan layout with the galley, helm, and salon located on the main deck. Finishes include pale timbers with dark contrast elements. The helm station is equipped with dual high-back chairs and a multi-display dashboard.Accommodation is provided for six guests in three en-suite staterooms, with a convertible salon that can accommodate two additional guests. The full-beam owner's cabin contains a king-sized berth and lounge seating.Exterior areas are configured for operational functionality, featuring a tender crane and storage on the aft main deck with L-shaped guest seating. The flybridge helm seats two persons, with dual stairways leading to the swim platform. All exterior spaces are designed for low maintenance and expedition readiness.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
September 23, 2025
Luca Dini Design & Architecture has entered into an agreement with Albania’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy to explore the development of a national maritime strategy. The initiative aims to position Albania as a sustainable yachting hub in the Mediterranean.The proposed strategy involves creating a network of interconnected marinas designed to share resources and infrastructure rather than compete. The approach intends to improve logistical efficiency, support regional economic growth, and reduce environmental impact. Albania’s geographic position near established yachting destinations such as Greece and Montenegro, along with its undeveloped coastline, is seen as a foundation for attracting seasonal boaters and superyachts.The project envisions the development of service facilities including repair yards, refit stations, and fueling areas to meet international standards and accommodate larger vessels. The plan emphasizes adopting sustainability principles in new marina construction and diversifying specializations across different locations to reduce congestion and environmental pressure. Intermodal transport connections with road and rail networks are also part of the proposed strategy to link coastal and inland regions.The concept aligns with European Union initiatives such as the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), focusing on integration with continental trade and logistics systems. Luca Dini Design & Architecture will contribute expertise in architecture, yacht design, and master planning to the project. The firm indicated that the next 15 years represent a critical period for Albania to establish itself as a competitive maritime destination through coordinated planning.Credits: Luca Dini Design & Architecture
September 22, 2025
Camper & Nicholsons has listed the sailing yacht Imagine for sale at €17,800,000, with VAT paid. The 44.18-meter vessel is represented by Sales Advisor Maël Fiolet and was available for viewings at anchor during the Monaco Yacht Show, which opened on September 18.Built in 2010 by Alloy Yachts to a design by Ed Dubois, Imagine remains under its original ownership. The yacht was designed for worldwide cruising and has never been chartered. It complies with LY2 regulations and completed its Lloyd’s 15-year survey in 2025 alongside an extensive refit. In 2011, the yacht received the Best Sailing Yacht award at the World Superyacht Awards.The yacht accommodates nine guests in four cabins. The full-beam master suite is located aft and includes an en suite bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, study, and vanity area. Additional accommodation consists of one double guest cabin, one twin cabin with a Pullman berth, and a fourth cabin configured as a single with a Pullman. The main saloon sofa can convert into two additional bunks if required.The interior offers 242 square meters of living space finished with white oak joinery, Loro Piana fabrics, and alpaca carpets. The raised salon features panoramic windows and a split-level arrangement with a lounge area to port and a navigation station to starboard. Custom features include an automated sliding companionway door, opening portholes in the master suite, underfloor freezers, and a firearms safe for Arctic voyages.Deck areas include a forward cockpit with dining space and sunpads, a boom awning for shade, and a foredeck tender well that converts to a heated spa pool. A crow's nest is positioned on the mast for observation.The yacht is equipped with a 61.9-meter Southern Spars mast, carbon fiber rigging, and a furling boom. The sail plan includes 895 square meters of upwind sail area managed by captive winches built by Alloy Yachts. A lifting keel allows operation in both shallow waters and open ocean conditions. All sails have been upgraded over time, with a new North Sails jib installed in 2025.Power is provided by a single Caterpillar C18 engine. The yacht carries a diesel-powered tender, which eliminates the need for separate refueling arrangements. The vessel is maintained for serious cruising with systems designed for extended autonomous voyages.Credits: Alloy Yachts
September 22, 2025