the 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 compact kite wing designed by dresden-based company wingit helps the catamaran reach a top speed of 20 knots. wingit founder stephan schröder explains, ‘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.’
he adds,‘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!’
images courtesy of SILENT-YACHTS
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.
the kite wing is stored in a locker under the foredeck
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.
automated app controls move the kite to a position right above the boat
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.
