Under new ownership, Silent-Yachts has emerged from financial challenges with renewed vigor and determination. Led by new majority owner Michael Said, the company has embarked on a path of growth and innovation, buoyed by fresh funding and a solid management team.


SY60 (credits: Alberto Cocchi)

Michael Said, an American-German investor and a Silent-Yachts client himself, has acquired the assets of Silent-Yachts, including the intellectual property and the shipyard Silent Italia in Fano, through his acquisition vehicle Helios Yacht Investments GmbH. His timely intervention ensured that funding remained available, preserving 140 jobs and allowing progress on existing orders for the Silent 62.


Michael Said

The first of these newly launched Silent 62 3-Deck yachts marks a milestone in the company's journey under new ownership. With seven more scheduled for completion this year and plans for an 80-footer in 2025, Silent-Yachts is poised for significant expansion and development.


Fabrizio Iarrera

Leading the charge is new CEO Fabrizio Iarrera, a seasoned figure in the Italian yachting sector. Under his leadership, the company has undergone restructuring and is now positioned for a bright future. "Silent-Yachts is known for its innovative technology in electric catamarans," says Iarrera, emphasizing the brand's commitment to pushing boundaries in the industry.

Supported by a board of shareholders and vice chairman Steve Bell, Silent-Yachts aims to fulfill its current orders while also planning for future production slots. The focus remains on delivering exceptional yachts and providing top-notch service and support to clients worldwide.


Steve Bell

Looking ahead, Iarrera expresses confidence in the team's ability to excel in the market and maintain Silent-Yachts' reputation as a pioneer in electric catamarans. With a streamlined operation and a dedicated workforce, the company is poised to navigate towards a bright and prosperous future.

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: Silent-Yachts

Latest News

34m AB 110S Introduced by AB Yachts
Italian shipyard AB Yachts, part of Next Yacht Group, has unveiled the AB 110S, a sportier version of its AB 110 model. The 33.7-meter yacht marks AB Yachts' first collaboration with automotive design firm EXE Design, incorporating elements such as a raked windshield and lightweight profile."We also boast over 20 years of experience in naval architecture. [And] this cross-sector approach is the real added value of our work," said Stefano Bedoni of EXE Design.Key features include multiple retractable systems: a sliding cockpit cover, a sunroof between the helm and saloon, and a hardtop that can cover either the helm station or sunpad. The main deck integrates a sunbathing area and a bar serving both indoor and outdoor spaces. A forward "flying couch" provides elevated seating with panoramic views.Powered by three MAN V12X-2200 engines, the AB 110S reaches 48 knots. The engine room is fully soundproofed to minimize noise and vibrations. No pricing or delivery details were disclosed.Italian shipyard AB Yachts was founded in 1992. In 2001, AB Yachts was acquired by the Fipa Group. Today Next Yacht Group is the owner of the historic Maiora, AB Yachts, and CBI Navi brands. AB Yachts range consists of semi-displacement yachts from 17.70 to 42 meters.Credits: AB Yachts
Grand Soleil 65 Performance Launches as Sportier Plus Line Model
Cantiere del Pardo has introduced the Grand Soleil 65 Performance, a performance-oriented evolution of its 20-meter sailing yacht series. Following the Long Cruise version, this model emphasizes speed and responsiveness while retaining onboard comfort. The yacht made its debut at the Palma International Boat Show in May.As part of the Plus Line for vessels over 18 meters, the 65 Performance involves owners in the customization process from initial design stages. Franco Corazza, project manager for the Plus Line, stated: "The 65-footer is the result of a totally Made-in-Italy design process that brings together a team of professionals representing Italian excellence in the yachting sector." Naval architecture was handled by Matteo Polli, structural design by Marco Lostuzzi, and layout by Nauta Design.Environmental considerations include sustainable teak, laminated glass insulation, linen-reinforced composites, water-based paints, and solar panels. The hull utilizes epoxy-infused biaxial fiberglass and carbon reinforcements, with construction processes meeting strict quality certifications.Matteo Polli's design adapts features from the larger Grand Soleil 72, including a V-shaped bow for reduced drag and improved light-wind performance. The sail plan positions the mast aft to maximize the foretriangle, with a self-tacking jib as standard for simplified handling. Underwater, an inverted T-keel and single rudder balance stability and maneuverability, offering draft options of 3.5 meters (standard), 3.0 meters (shallow), or telescopic configurations.Nauta Design optimized deck space and interior flow, lowering the saloon to align with cabin levels for improved continuity. The coachroof's tapered profile distinguishes it from the Long Cruise version's panoramic windows. Massimo Gino of Nauta Design noted: "Our challenge was to convey a sense of motion and energy while preserving comfort, functionality, and style."Interior materials are customizable, with owners selecting finishes from the shipyard’s portfolio. No pricing or delivery timelines were disclosed.Cantiere del Pardo was founded in 1973 in Italy. Pardo Yachts, the brand of Cantiere del Pardo dedicated to powerboats, was born in 2016. The first model, the Pardo 43, was launched in 2017. Grand Soleil was founded in 1973 and is famous for its yachts, which ensure performance for regattas, autonomous long-distance navigation, as well as a high level of sustainable consciousness.Credits: Grand Soleil Yachts
Fourth Conrad C144S Superyacht Listed for Sale with Two-Year Delivery
Denison Yachting has announced the availability of the fourth hull in the Conrad C144S series, priced at EUR32 million with a two-year delivery window. The vessel follows three previous models, including the award-winning Ace (hull 1), Extra Time (hull 2), and the upcoming Moonlight (hull 3), the latter two sold by Denison.Built by Conrad Shipyard in Gdańsk, Poland, the 44-meter C144S is a full-displacement superyacht with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure. The design features exterior styling by Reymond Langton Design and naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design, emphasizing seakeeping performance. The "S" designation refers to the straight bow, which increases interior volume while maintaining a streamlined profile.Interior options include the original M2 Atelier concept seen on earlier models or alternative designs, such as Nauta Design’s understated approach chosen for Moonlight. The yacht accommodates 10–12 guests across a full-beam owner’s suite and four VIP cabins, with crew quarters for nine.Key features include a sundeck with a hot tub, infinity pool, and outdoor cinema, along with a beach club featuring a wet bar and wellness area. Storage capacity includes a 7-meter tender, two jet skis, and multiple SeaBobs.With a transoceanic range exceeding 4,000 nautical miles, the C144S cruises at 11 knots (max 13.8 knots) and complies with IMO Tier III and Lloyd’s MCA LY3 standards."The C144S represents a proven platform with award-winning design and strong value in the 500GT segment," said Denison broker Alex Clarke. Delivery is scheduled for 2027.Conrad Shipyard is located in Gdansk, Poland and specializes in building steel, and aluminum luxury yachts ranging from 24 to 100 meters in length.Credits: Denison Yachting
Genoa International Boat Show to Showcase Italian Marine Excellence at Expo 2025 Osaka
The Italian Marine Industry Association will present the 65th Genoa International Boat Show at Expo 2025 Osaka on June 30, highlighting the Mediterranean’s largest boating event and the world’s third-largest boat show.The Japanese presentation serves as a strategic platform to reinforce the Genoa International Boat Show’s position as a global hub for promoting Italian marine manufacturing. The event is part of Liguria Week at the Italian Pavilion, aiming to demonstrate Italy’s leadership in the boating sector.The Italian boating industry achieved a record global turnover of €8.33 billion in 2023, marking a 13.6% increase from the previous year. Exports surpassed €4.3 billion, with Italy leading worldwide superyacht production (>24m) and inflatable boat manufacturing. The sector supports over 200,000 jobs with a 90% export rate.Organized by the Italian Marine Industry Association – Confindustria Nautica, the Genoa International Boat Show has maintained its status as a global reference point for the marine industry for 65 years. According to Nielsen analysis, the event generates between €65 and €70 million during its duration and attracts industry professionals from over 30 countries.Alessandro Gianneschi, Vice President of the Italian Marine Industry Association responsible for promoting Made in Italy production, commented: “With its presentation at Expo Osaka, the Genoa International Boat Show, organised by the Italian Marine Industry Association, continues in its role as an ambassador of the Made in Italy brand across the world and of the industrial value of the boating sector. For 65 editions, the Genoa International Boat Show has promoted and supported the boating industry, thanks to its specific nature as a supply chain event, designed and organised by the Italian Marine Industry Association, an Association of Companies for Companies, and has fostered such an exceptionally positive trend over the last twenty years, accompanying the sector’s businesses on a journey defined by growth and excellence.”The 2025 edition will take place from September 18-23 at the new Levante Waterfront venue designed by architect Renzo Piano. The 20,000 sqm event features five interconnected product areas: Yachts & Superyachts, Sailing World, Boating Discovery, Tech Trade, and Living the Sea. The venue’s unique design allows 85% outdoor space for sea trials and seamless visitor access.The show will also host the 4th World Yachting Sustainability Forum and the Design Innovation Award, recognizing creativity and technological excellence among new products.Credits: Confindustria Nautica
Rolex Fastnet Race: Battle for Line Honours Heats Up
The centenary edition of the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s Rolex Fastnet Race is set to feature a fierce competition among the world’s fastest 100-foot maxi yachts vying for the prestigious Erivale Trophy for monohull line honours.The main contenders this year are Black Jack 100, owned by Ramon Vos, and SHK Scallywag, belonging to Seng Huang Lee. Black Jack 100, originally Alfa Romeo II, underwent a complete refit in Italy. Skipper/project manager Tristan le Brun noted: “We’ve done a full overhaul of all systems… We’ve replaced all the moving parts.” The yacht features a revised sail plan with a reduced mainsail and enlarged foretriangle.SHK Scallywag, formerly Ragamuffin 100, has a notable racing history. In the recent Rolex Middle Sea Race, it finished 18 minutes ahead of Black Jack 100. The yacht recently won the Loro Piana Giraglia.Another strong contender is Leopard 3, owned by Joost and Laura Schuijff. Long-term skipper Chris Sherlock reported: “We had a new rig and a new sail package and we reduced the weight of the boat by 10 tonnes.” The yacht is preparing for the event after winning the Rolex IMA Maxi 1 World Championship in Porto Cervo last year.The fleet also includes VO70 yachts, with Christian Zugel’s Tschüss 2 being a strong contender. The yacht, originally Groupama 70, has an impressive racing record, including victories in the Volvo Ocean Race, RORC Caribbean 600, and the Transatlantic Race.The current monohull race record stands at 2 days, 7 hours, 16 minutes, and 26 seconds, set by Charlie Dalin’s IMOCA MACIF in the previous edition. The race presents the unique opportunity for a yacht to achieve the ‘triple’ — winning line honours, IRC overall, and setting a new race record. The last to achieve the ‘double’ (line and IRC honours) was Ludde Ingvall’s Nicorette in 1995.The race, which covers 695 miles to Cherbourg, will test the yachts’ capabilities in various conditions, with the potential for record-breaking performances.Credits: Royal Ocean Racing Club