silent yachts 60 review

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Greener and Better: the Silent 60

• By Chris Caswell
• December 16, 2022

If there was any question that the “Tesla moment” has arrived in yachting, the Silent 60 clearly provides a positive response.

Consider, for a moment, crossing oceans in silence at 5 to 6 knots without consuming a drop of fuel and never needing to plan your course between fuel stops. Imagine sitting at anchor and running the air conditioning all night, not to mention all the galley appliances plus the washer-dryer, without the hum or fumes from a genset.

During my time aboard the Silent-Yachts 60, the electric yacht cruised easily at 8 knots. When I whipped out my sound meter, it barely registered 52 decibels, which is about the sound of a dishwasher. The Silent monitors at the helm showed we were charging our 286 kWh lithium batteries at more wattage than we were using to spin the 340 kW motors, so we were ahead of the power-usage game—and this was in South Florida rain under a solid cloud layer. Had we upped the ante to the yacht’s top speed of 20 knots, it would have been drawing from rather than adding to the batteries, but the speed capability gives skippers the option to outrun weather (or just get to the best moorings first).

The Silent 60 is a catamaran design for several reasons. First, the twin hulls are easily driven to minimize the power needed. Second, with nearly 30 feet of beam, there is enough deck area for the solar panels needed to create power.

Buyers can choose as many as six staterooms, each en suite with stall showers and nearly king-size berths. The salon also uses that beam well, providing bowling-alley space under 7-foot-6-inch headroom. With the Silent 60, the interior is basically a blank sheet, allowing buyers to tailor the layout to their cruising needs.

As for the engine rooms, NASA could take a page from Silent-Yachts: Everything is precisely labeled, placed for easy access and surgery-suite spotless. Externally, the Silent 60 is striking, with reversed bows and black graphic slashes on the topside that conceal dark-tinted windows (which provide bright, airy interiors to the staterooms). What catches the eye most, however, are the 42 solar panels that cover every inch of the cabin top as well as the hardtop over the flybridge. Produced by SunPower in California, these panels feed power to a lithium battery pack reportedly good for 3,000 charge cycles—or an estimated 35 years of normal boating use.

The Silent 60 I got aboard, which was Hull No. 3, had a four-stateroom layout. A larger stateroom forward in the starboard hull served as the master, with an athwartships berth, settee and built-in vanity. This yacht also had a walk-through Dutch door forward in the salon next to the helm, leading to settees on the foredeck as well as providing salon ventilation. Another benefit of the door for short-handed cruisers is quick access to the anchor gear under the foredeck.

Owners can sacrifice the forward door in favor of a forward master stateroom with a king berth just a couple of steps below the salon and an en suite head in the starboard hull. An intriguing design feature is the two outward-facing “window seats” indented into the stateroom on each side deck, which would make a wonderful spot at anchor with a good book.

The salon has a fixed dining table that easily seats eight people on the wraparound settee. There also are loose chairs and a pad just forward for lounging. The helm is raised one step and has twin Simrad multifunction displays plus the Silent systems monitor, all easily understood.

Aft and to port, the U-shaped galley has a dishwasher as well as a full-height fridge to starboard. The fridge setup may change to a pair of undercounter drawer fridges on future boats for easier access and to eliminate a blind spot for the skipper.

Abaft the galley, a window slides open for easy pass-through to the cockpit to serve whatever the cooks have prepared using the Hafele four-burner, two-zone cooktop.

The Silent 60 is a work in progress, and additional changes might be on the way, such as the addition of twin berths that slide together, and a different location for what is now the midsalon washer-dryer (in a console abaft the helm). This hull was built in Thailand, but production is moving to Italy.

Still, the yacht has exceedingly clever design ideas, such as the hinged hardtop on the bridge. The top lowers electrically to seal off the bridge from the weather as well as keep the solar cells from being shadowed. The bridge itself is conventional, with a double-wide helm seat to port that reverses to create wraparound seating for the dining table, and double lounge pads for relaxing, not sunning, since the solar panels take up every bit of sun space.

The cockpit has a settee and an L-shaped table. A hydraulic swim platform is available in varying widths to handle up to a 13-foot tender without impinging on the platforms on either hull. Silent-Yachts also gets points for good walk-around decks protected by toe kicks as well as welded stainless-steel rails.

The Silent 60 is on the leading edge of a greener yachting experience. For cruisers who are looking to lessen their carbon footprint while enjoying some quietude at sea, this yacht is worth serious consideration. 

Built for Safety

Future Silent 60s from Italy will have fully resin-infused fiberglass sandwich construction with carbon reinforcements in high-stress areas. Each of the hulls has watertight bulkheads, sealed floors and three collision compartments for enhanced safety. The foam sandwich core provides thermal and sound insulation.

Kite Sailing

One option available on the Silent 60 is a kite-wing propulsion system using a collapsing mast and hidden winch to fly a 140-square-foot sail. (By comparison, a Laser sail is 76 square feet.) With open ocean breezes of 17 to 21 knots, the builder says the kite can power the Silent 60 at 6 to 7 knots alone, or it can bump the speed with motors to go faster than the usual 8-knot cruise speed. 

Big Sisters

In addition to the Silent-Yachts 60, the boatbuilder has 62-, 80- and 120-foot electric power cats available for owners looking for something bigger. Additionally, it recently started work on the hybrid-powered Silent VisionF 82. 

Take the next step: silent-yachts.com

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Boat of the Week: This Solar-Powered Electric Catamaran Can Cruise Silently and Emissions Free

Minimal emissions from a solar-powered, 60-foot motoryacht is a very big deal. but we found other big features that could be improved., howard walker, howard walker's most recent stories.

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John, Paul, George and Ringo singing “Here Comes the Sun” would make the perfect anthem for Austrian-owned Silent Group’s newest 60-foot power catamaran, the $3 million Silent 60.

Why? Without sunshine, you won’t get very far.

Thankfully, the searing Florida sun is beating down as we take to Fort Lauderdale’s bustling Intracoastal Waterway to try-out this eco-friendly Silent 60. With its roof and foredeck crammed full of solar panels, the sixty-footer is humming along at a leisurely six mph on just zero-emissions battery power.

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The batteries are recharged by solar panels that occupy nearly every available square foot of exterior space.  Courtesy Silent Yachts

Just as its name suggests, the ride is hushed, with just the gentle, soothing sound of water bubbling-up in the wake to interrupt the peace and quiet.

“Silent running is top of the list when it comes to what appeals to our customers. They don’t want to hear engines or feel vibration,” Silent Yachts ‘ in-house designer Juliana Miguel told Robb Report , during the run.

“These days it’s also about fuel costs,” adds US sales director, Philip Bell. “One customer ordered a new 60 after getting tired of using his 80-foot Italian motoryacht for weekend trips to the Bahamas and spending $12,000 on fuel each time.”

The 30-foot beam delivers strong interior space and wide social areas on the outside.  Courtesy Silent Yachts

The Silent 60’s claim to fame? Quiet, zero-emission, electric-only cruising at 7 to 8 mph for up to nine hours, or roughly 100 nautical miles a day. Throttle back to 4 mph, and the company says you have the possibility of near perpetual motion.

We’re sampling the third hull of the constantly evolving Silent 60 series that launched last summer. Silent has been the leader in inventing the solar-powered electric-cruiser niche. Replacing the original Silent 55, the 60 has been such a boat-show hit that more than 30 are currently awaiting construction at Silent’s yards in Fano, Italy and Istanbul, Turkey.

The yacht we’re on is an original folding-hardtop version, with its cantilevered roof panel that, at the push of a button, lowers to cover the small, open flybridge area. Tastes, however, are evolving.

The boat’s 30-foot beam allows for an apartment-sized, open salon.  Courtesy Quin Bassett

According to Bell, most of the new 60s currently in build are “tri-deck” models, featuring a significantly larger flybridge area, a fixed rather than folding roof (also covered with solar panels), and the option of a fully open flybridge, or glass-enclosed “sky lounge,” designed for additional entertaining space or even a master suite.

At the dock, given its 30-foot beam, the 60 looks humongous. To our eyes, it’s not going to win any beauty contests. Towering, vertical hull-sides, a fairly-shapeless upright bow design, and straight up-and-down cabin sides give the catamaran a square-edged, boxy look. All function with little form.

But what the owner gets are huge interior spaces. Inside, it feels like a floating apartment, with a cavernous salon, spacious galley, large dining area, and huge aft deck. Down below are choices of three or four spacious en-suite cabins in the hulls.

A good boat for the sunny canals of Fort Lauderdale.  Courtesy Quin Bissett/Silent Yachts

But the quality of the interior doesn’t track with the boat’s $3 million-plus price tag. Thin cabinet doors, dull-looking fabrics, gelcoat fiberglass on the salon ceilings, faux-wood vinyl flooring, and an inside helm station that was little more than an upholstered board with instruments that looked haphazardly arranged, were all below par, considering the upscale market Silent is targeting.

Miguel says the interior will change with the next generation of 60s arriving towards the end of the year, with a big step-up in terms of quality of materials, attention to detail, style, and fit and finish. So, why didn’t they wait to unveil the boat to the media before they got to that point?

The man at the helm is Silent Yachts’ delivery captain and chief tester Kyle Miller. With a jiggle of a joystick control and a touch of bow-thruster, he maneuvers the 60 out of its tight, side-on slip and eases into the busy Intracoastal Waterway.

All function, no form? The 60-footer’s boxy shape is out of synch with other cat manufacturers that use more curves in their superstructures.  Courtesy Silent Yachts

The yacht features Silent’s E-Power propulsion package, with twin Dana TM4 200kW or 268 hp electric motors and 207kWh lithium-ion batteries. They’re good for an 8 mph cruise speed and claimed 16 mph top speed. There’s also a base version with twin 50kW or 67 hp motors juiced by a 143kWh lithium-ion battery bank. Even Miller admits this is short on power.

The best, and of course the priciest, option is the E-Power+ package, featuring twin 340kW 455 hp motors and 286kWh batteries. It’s said to be good for tide-punching bursts of up to 20 mph.

“For anyone who wants to dash around at 17 knots all day long, our recommendation is to buy a different boat,” says Miller. “The Silent 60 is designed for relaxing on the move, gliding from one anchorage to the next, and being self-sufficient on the hook.”

Open space on the flybridge.  Courtesy Silent Yachts

As we discovered, the 60 isn’t always a Tesla of the seas. Running over 6 mph will necessitate firing up the Hyundai diesel generator for one of every three hours of running time to keep the batteries charged. And that’s not silent.

While ambling along at 6 mph is fine for laid-back cruising, we also had concerns about a lack of reserve power for tackling strong currents and adverse tides.

Even our test boat’s twin 200kW motors struggled to keep the 60 under control when maneuvering against a fast, incoming tide under Lauderdale’s narrow 17th Street Bridge. The bigger 340kW motors are definitely the way to go for running in fast currents or tidal waters.

Galley and dining area  Courtesy Silent Yachts

Without doubt, this new Silent 60 showcases the appeal of electric power on the water. The way it efficiently and effectively harnesses the sun’s rays, its largely zero-emissions running, coupled with its huge and versatile interior space, is impressive for a family cruiser.

Just don’t plan on getting anywhere in a hurry—and beware of fast-running tides.

Read More On:

• Electric Yacht
• Silent Yachts

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Silent 60 Review: A Sailing Tesla

The design of the Silent 60 is flawless and, above all, functional, without superfluous luxury, because on this catamaran everything revolves around technology

Although this is not the largest catamaran in the catalog of Silent Yachts (there are two larger models; Silent 80 and Silent 100), or even the most ambitious in design (that title goes to 62 Trideck), the new Silent 60 is a prime example of a balance between modern technology, design trends and green yachting .

Silent 60 catamaran

This model, by all accounts, represents a new milestone for the Austrian builder, as was the case with Silent 64 – the first serial solar catamaran to cross the Atlantic.

Instead of a world premiere in Cannes, the model debuted in front of trade journalists in Mallorca, at a launch event organized by the newly-opened Silent Yachts office in Port Adrian.

The design of the Silent 60 is flawless and, above all, functional, without superfluous luxury, because on this catamaran everything revolves around technology. Although equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a kite sail on the bow, Silent 60 is stylish like it was only designed to look good, with high sides, curved stainless steel railing and a slightly lower fly bridge towering harmoniously above the glazed saloon.

Silent 60 interior

With an 11 sq.m. salon on the bow, it’s obvious there’s more than enough space aboard. Astern, the salon stretches across more than 80 sq.m., and is furnished with an L-shaped sofa, a folding table and another modular sofa, and doubles as platform for swimmers climbing aboard or when boarding water toys via an immersion hydraulic platform.

The main deck salon is 50 sq.m., has 2.2 m head clearance, and is adjacent to the galley on the left, and a desk and a huge refrigerator on the other side. The interior is as spacious and comfortable as a home, and the 360° view allows constant contact with the sea. This first unit has four cabins, and in this version, instead of a bow exit, a large full-width master cabin with a private head.

Two double cabins in the left hull and a VIP cabin in the right, all with private heads, offer plenty of space for long and self-sufficient cruising, a sought-after feature for modern owners. Up on the delightful fly bridge, we have discovered 20 sq.m. of pleasant shade (provided by a folding hard top). Behind the skipper’s seat there is enough room for a full-beam sofa, so the flybridge is one of the best places to hang out on the Silent 60.

Green and innovative materials

Silent have given more attention to the interior of this model, using green and innovative materials such as print-free Fenix and furniture that combines natural wood and veneer with leather upholstered surfaces. The table, the sofa and the skipper’s seat are all on a raised level, and skipper has excellent visibility in all directions.

All the instruments on the dashboard have been placed intuitively and are easy to read even if you’ve never piloted before, but we should add that all owners must undergo a seven-day course in order to operate their high-tech catamaran if they have no prior knowledge of electric engines.

Silent 60: Yacht with solar-electric drivetrain

This first unit was powered by a pair of 240 kW electric engines, with three lithium battery packs that power the 42 solar panels on the fly bridge (400 W) and the salon roof (240 W). Compared to the Silent 55, that’s 30% more panels that charge batteries via an inverter and provide 230 V for all electrical devices on board.

For full-on electricity-powered navigation under 30 miles this boat doesn’t need to turn the generator on, although it is turned on automatically when the batteries drop to 25%.

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It takes about three hours to full charge all batteries (210 kW), or one night connected to the marina charger. In case the batteries are overcharged and there is still an influx of electricity, Silent 60 can distribute the surplus to nearby ships, like a floating mini power plant.

With a lifetime warranty on engines and virtually no parts that require maintenance, the electrical system of the 60 is less complicated than it seems at first, and significantly cheaper to maintain.

Sailing along the coast we came across some kayaks and managed to avoid being stuck behind them with mere gentle turn of a lever. We were amazed by how easy this 60-foot catamaran is to handle, especially since the only thing needed is the said lever, part of the follow up steering system.

We sailed in total silence, and dare we say, without unnecessary drama. When we returned the lever to the starting position, the catamaran immediately returned to the set course, and it was equally elegant to humor our sudden turns.

Silent 60 range

The lever is essentially a gear stick with intuitive positions (forward, neutral and back), but with all the advantages provided by electric engines, like easy maneuvering and sudden changes of direction, with all thew power (2 x 250 kW) readily available. At a cruising speed – comfortable and, more importantly, silent 6 knots – the engines consumed 29 kW, which is more than economical for a catamaran with a 29-tonne displacement.

For the most part, such efficiency has been achieved by extensive CFD studies on composite hulls, which provide very little resistance and has less than 1 meter of draft. We reached maximum speed of about 210 knots, but were infomed our unit was capable of 17 knots, and the strongest version reavhes 20 knots.

Silent 60’s first sea trial, a 60-mile trip from Mallorca to Ibiza with an average speed of 7 knots, took eight hours – which is ideal for solar-powered catamarans. Still, some careful planning, two water-markers and plenty of food will be enough to turn all the seas into your playground.

With this concept, Silent Yachts have responded to the growing demands of eco-conscious owners who want longer trips and zero emissions, or even sustainable and green living. Silent 60 is an accessible and interesting model likely to pique interest of a wider circle of potential buyers, seeing how in addition to being en par with luxury yachts, it has all the qualities of a leader in e-yachting, which was recently confirmed by a tidal wave of interest and orders coming in from the US.

Silent 60 kite

Silent founder Michael Köhler, following his vision – making Silent catamarans even more efficient – has equipped Silent 60 with a Wingit kite sail (the first unit), which should give it even more autonomy.

The kite, stored in the bow, is installed on a small mast, and once deployed, when it reaches certain height, it is controlled automatically, adding up to five additional knots of speec. The process is not as simple as is regular kite surfing, given that the catamaran itself interferes with the airflow.

In ideal conditions, the kite allows 10 times more power per square meter than a traditional sail, and is an ideal addition to this type of boat, seeing how sailing at 4 knots using engines (only 3 kW per engine) and as many using the kite saves a lot of electricity. A useful companion in case your engines decide to call it quits, the kite is also fun to use.

Find more about Silent 60 here .

LOA: 17.99 m Beam: 8.99 m Displacement: 29 t Draft: 0.93 m Fuel tank capacity: 2 x 500 l Water tank capacity: 2 x 500 l Generator: 100 kW Battery capacity: 210 kW Engines: 2 x 250 kW (max. 340 kW) Top speed: 20 knots Builder: Silent Yachts

Text Filip Bubalo

Photos Alberto Cocchi

Video Silent Yachts

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Silent 60, The Solar Electric Catamaran With 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-sqm kite wing. The kite wing is optionally available on all SILENT models. 

How the kite wing works

A dedicated storage locker under the foredeck houses the kite wing and all its components, including an electric winch and a short, collapsible mast. On the first unit the mast is connected by four shrouds to pad eyes on deck that distribute the forces through the hull structure, but on subsequent deliveries (8 units with the kite wing option have been ordered to date) 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 generates power to pull the yacht.

If you want to stop kiting, 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 be winched down electrically and collapsed over the foredeck ready for stowage.

“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 metre 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 .  “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!”

“We tested the performance on different headings and at wind angles of up to 40 degrees with the 9-sqm 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. 

As the kite rather pulls the boat than pushes it like a conventional sail, it requires good steering capabilities, which are compromised by the fact, that on a motorboat the rudder is typically pretty small and the propeller big. On a sailing boat it is the opposite. For this reason, it is difficult to steer a motorboat that is being pulled by a kite, but by turning on the motors, and by letting them run at a low speeds of 100 rpm this problem can be solved.

But only on a SILENT Yacht it is possible to run the electric motors at such a low rpm powered solely by solar energy and without consuming fossil energy. Any conventionally powered boat would need to run the diesel motors permanently when using the kite. 

“At 5 Beaufort we can drive with the kite indefinitely at 6-7 knots, which is faster than a comparable sailing catamaran in such wind condition when crossing the ocean, for example,”  adds  Michael Kohler .

Different layouts availabls

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 on board, including an airy main salon, an aft cockpit, a cosy bow area and a flybridge. The yacht also has high headroom throughout (up to 2.32m 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 owner’s request to carry a pair of electric jet skis. The lifting hydraulic platform between the two platforms can carry a 4 m tender.

Efficient technology

The SILENT 60 is equipped with the company’s ventilation 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 cools and heats the interior for all-season comfort. The insulated hull ensures that stable on-board temperatures can be achieved without excessive energy consumption.

A watermaker powered by solar-energy 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.

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Electric boats

Silent yachts, silent yachts launches solar catamaran with kite wing sail and 100 mile daily range from the sun.

Solar boat engineer and designer Silent Yachts has shared new details of the SILENT-60, a 60′ catamaran with 42 solar panels and two electric propelled motors backed by 286 kWh of battery capacity. While Silent Yachts’ solar-powered vessels are all unique, the SILENT-60 will also be fitted with a 9-13 square meter kite wing, generating additional clean power to pull the yacht.

Silent Yachts was founded by Heike and Michael Köhle, who together have sailed over 75,000 nautical miles around the world, and decided there had to be a better way to propel yachts with clean energy.

After beginning research into solar yacht technologies in 2004, Silent Yachts gathered five years of sailing data and constructed its first fully self-sufficient solar-powered catamaran , the Solarwave 46.

After a five-year trial at sea that began in 2010, Silent Yachts had a proven solar yacht concept, and began serial production of luxury sustainable vessels in 2016 with the SILENT-64. By 2018, The SILENT-64 had become the first serial-production solar-powered bluewater catamaran to cross the Atlantic, from Cartagena, Spain to Barbados in 16 days.

In 2020, the company announced a partnership with Volkswagen Group , which will supply all the components and batteries for a new 50-foot yacht. The yacht will be designed with the help of Cupra, and will utilize VW’s MEB Platform.

Earlier this year, Silent Yachts launched the SILENT-60 as a more powerful, revamped generation of the SILENT-64. With the company’s latest announcement, the SILENT-60 catamaran looks to separate itself from other solar yachts by utilizing even more sustainable propulsion techniques.

The SILENT-60 solar yacht specs

In addition to being a yacht completely powered using solar energy, Silent Yachts has now shared an additional kite wing option that can deliver even more clean range to the Silent-60.

According to the press release, the SILENT-60 will be the first vessel to be fitted with a nine or 13 square meter kite wing, although the option will now be available on all Silent Yacht models.

After deploying the compact kite, it drifts away on the surface of the water before pulling taught and launching into the air. When it reaches its optimal flight height, the kite begins to trace a “figure 8” in the sky, generating additional power to pull the solar yacht. Silent Yacht founder Michael Köhler elaborates:

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 rig and costs much less. 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!

When yacht owners want to stop kiting, an automated app controls the kite, moving it to a position right above the boat where it has the least pull on the line. This allows for more easy electric winching down over the foredeck for stowage.

In addition to the wind kite option, the SILENT-60 yacht comes with 42 solar panels, garnering 17 kWp of energy from the sun to power two, 340 kW electric motors. The system is backed by a battery capacity up to 286 kWh.

As a required safety measure, the SILENT-60 is equipped with a generator and 1,000 liters of fuel. However, according to the Silent-Yachts’ owners, they almost never use it because they have enough solar power and electric energy.

According to Silent Yachts, the SILENT-60 can cruise efficiently with zero emissions using solar power only for up to 100 nautical miles a day and can maintain that pace for weeks. The vessel’s cruise speed is six to eight knots, but it can get up to a top speed of 20 knots using the all-electric motors.

The SILENT-60 comes with four guest cabins but can be designed with a custom layout for those willing to pay a bit more. Speaking of which, the SILENT-60 starts at 2.39 million euros ($2.69 million).

The first of these SILENT-60 solar yachts was built in Thailand, but the company plans to build future units in Italy. Furthermore, Silent Yachts has already shared design plans for a SILENT-80 and SILENT-100 Explorer vessel.

More electrified boats are sure to make their maiden voyage soon. In the meantime, check out this launch video detailing the style and luxury of the SILENT-60:

Electrek’s take

The more I see electric propulsion on larger and larger boats, the more excited I get. While this is still such a niche segment in not just maritime transportation, but electrified mobility overall, it really excites me personally.

Many of you (hopefully) saw my previous article where I got to captain a solar-powered yacht called the Ramblin’ Rose, thanks to Sunwater Marine . That experience helped me learn and experience a lot of similar technology that Silent Yachts has implemented on an even larger and more powerful scale with its catamarans.

While it’s safe to say that my current income level might get me on board a SILENT-60 solar yacht as a mere stowaway, those who can afford their own are going to be blessed with luxury and performance with zero emissions. The quicker we stop burning diesel in our Earth’s waters (and anywhere else while we’re at it), the better.

A top speed 20 knots is nearly 23 mph, not bad for two electric motors getting all their energy from the sun. Obviously, that speed is not sustainable for the batteries, but being able to get 100 NMs from the sun each day truly means you can take this yacht out for weeks at a time if you want. Not to mention the unique wing kite that actually pulls the 60-foot yacht, unlike a sailboat that is pushed by the wind. No range anxiety here.

I’d love to get below deck on one of the Silent Yachts and explore the inner workings… while getting a tan in the Mediterranean, perhaps? A kid could dream, right? For now, I’ll simply have to report electric boat news from my squeaky chair, pretending the cars whizzing by outside are calm ocean waves lapping against the yacht’s hull. Is it too early for a mojito?

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Scooter Doll is a writer, designer and tech enthusiast born in Chicago and based on the West Coast. When he’s not offering the latest tech how tos or insights, he’s probably watching Chicago sports. Please send any tips or suggestions, or dog photos to him at [email protected]

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Silent 60 sea trial: quiet, spacious, self-charging

The first impression on stepping aboard for our Silent 60 sea trial is how light, airy and spacious everything feels – more like you’ve entered  a large, luxe beach house rather than boarded a vessel that is going to take you out along the water.

The wrap around windows provide the panoramic view, and with the fore and aft sliding doors open a gentle breeze drifts through the main deck salon, completing the illusion that you are entirely out in the open air.

The temperature here in Fort Lauderdale is in the low 80s F (mid 20s C) and the clear blue sky is speckled with the kinds of clouds that inspired Joni Mitchell’s ‘ice cream castles in the air’ lyric.

The Silent 60 we will be taking out today is their recently launched front exit model. This vessel was built in the company’s Thailand shipyard ( they also have facilities in Austria, Italy and Turkey ) and will shortly be making her way up the US coastal waterways to her new home and owner in the New England area.

Captain Kyle Miller will be piloting that journey, but today he is taking 12 of us out for a cruise on the Intracoastal Waterway, accompanied by Silent Yachts in-house Designer Juliana Miguel and US Sales Director Philip Bell. They are all eager to show off what the Silent 60 can do. And we are all eager to experience it.

Solar electric yachts pioneer

Silent Yachts is a pioneer in solar electric boating. Founded in 2004 by expert sailors and avid environmentalists Heike and Michael Köhler, they spent the next five years measuring the production and consumption of energy on every trip – long or short – working out how to combine electric propulsion with a totally onboard energy supply.

Next came the challenge of how to add and service the energy load required to host 8 passengers with a water maker, electrically prepared meals and other amenities like ship-wide heating and cooling.

By 2016 they were ready with the Silent 64, the first serial production solar powered yacht in the world, and in 2018 the 64 crossed the Atlantic Ocean, travelling from Cap Verde to Barbados in 16 days, with an average speed of 6 knots.

The Silent 60 line we are on today was introduced in 2021 with more powerful electric motors, larger battery banks and the latest solar panel technology. She has won numerous awards, including the 2021 German Design Awards and Gustave Trouvé Awards for Excellence in Electric Boats and Boating .

Twin 250 kW motors, 225 kWh battery storage

Captain Miller has helmed a few iterations of Silent-Yachts catamarans, the first in early 2019 when he sailed a Silent 64 from the Bahamas to Florida. His on-the-water experience helps guide the company’s design advances.

“Every boat since that 64, you can just see and feel the improvements” he says. “In my opinion this is the best boat Silent-Yachts has built, certainly the best I have captained.”

The big change, he says, is the higher power motors. The Silent 60 is available with a variety of motor and battery systems, today’s boat has twin 250kW motors (≈340 HP each) and lithium ion battery packs with a combined 225 kiloWatt hours of electricity storage.

This gives the Silent 60 the ability to up its cruise speed from 6 to 8 knots, but Kyle says the increase in power is also appreciated when docking or in tight quarters.

“You have a lot more control” he says, proving his point by easing off a side slip in the narrow canal where the boat is moored, then executing a tight turn to get us out on to the Intracoastal.

“That was the air conditioner” says Miller, “I turned off the blowers for the salon.” Apparently that refreshing breeze we noticed earlier coming from the sliding door at the bow end of the salon has a very practical purpose.

Air conditioning is one of the major power loads on any yacht. The Köhlers knew that from their years and miles of research and have made sure that the units on all Silent-Yachts models are among the most efficient anywhere.

Still, they can draw as much as 8 kiloWatts of power when operating at full blast, and we can see from the easily understood screen of the energy monitors that is about the same draw as the motors at our current speed.

The company’s first solar electric catamarans did not have the front exit option, but it’s cooling effect is a big bonus.“If you can get comfortable without the air conditioning on, you can effectively double your range.” says Miller.

The other benefit of the front exit is being able to easily access the sundecks at either end of the spacious salon. Both are ideal places to enjoy a cool drink of your choice, and have a quiet conversation without the rumble of motors beneath you.

Catamaran platform makes for giant open space

Click for larger images

The impression of airiness we got on first stepping aboard only gets stronger as we spend more time on the Silent 60. The catamaran format provides a huge platform for all of the living and relaxing areas, and even with 12 on board you could easily find your own little spot to curl up with a book or do whatever else you would like without running into the other guests.

The front lounge off the main salon has an L-shaped seating area on one side of the front exit door, a double size day bed on the other and a large deck with storage space and hatches.

The stern lounge is a multipurpose area where 6 guests could sprawl out on cushions or all could be accommodated for a meal at the dining table.

There is another sizeable lounge area on the flybridge (to enjoy the ocean breeze in all its glory) where 8 people can comfortably sit and chat and if you really want to be alone, there are always the cabins in the lower deck and pontoons. There are 4 in total, all with ensuite bathrooms: the full width master (20 Sq m) VIP cabin, and 2 generous guest cabins, 1 with a double bed, the other with 2 singles.

The air conditioning fans are on when we go in the sleeping areas, but it is striking how quiet everything is considering the motors are literally a couple of meters/yards away. Hard to imagine they would be this serene if it were 250 horsepower fossil fuel motors that close.

The main salon is the place where you can really feel the difference a catamaran makes to comfort and space. It is 50 square metres (550 sq ft), but figures don’t do a very good job of conveying how big it feels, especially with the wraparound glass. The minimalist design and light colours also contribute to the open air ambience.

Green philosophy extends to materials

The cockpit is at the bow, with lounging space on one side, the dining area on the other and the open kitchen galley area.

The Silent 60 is obviously meant for entertaining and travelling with friends and family, so the kitchen/galley and how it fits into the flow of life on the water is essential to that experience.

The Europeans prefer the ‘cooking’ island to face the interior salon while those in the US almost invariably choose the opposite so they can chat with guests in the open air lounge.

“The counters are exactly the same,“ she says “they are just switched for what the client prefers.” She’s happy to configure the set up either way, even happier to consult with clients on the materials used throughout the boat interior.

Juliana started with Silent Yachts in 2021, coming from a background in general interior design with an additional degree in yacht design. She previously worked with large cruise companies and is delighted to now be with a company that focuses on reducing the environmental impact of the whole vessel. That includes the materials throughout the interior.

“There are some incredible products out there, with more and more companies providing information on the impact of the whole manufacturing cycle.” she says. “I am delighted – the clients are delighted, too – when we find the fabric, or table top or other material that has the exact look and feel they want and is also as environmentally friendly as possible.”

Solar panels can generate 17 kWp

Aside from the oodles of space for living quarters a catamaran allows, the hull format also provides a technical advantage for electric boats: oodles of surface area to place solar panels.

Today’s conditions are pretty close to ideal – it’s a clear day and we are out cruising in the afternoon when the sun is shining most directly on the panels.

All this means that, even as we cruise along, the boat is actually generating more electricity than we are using and putting the surplus into the battery. The motors are using 8-10 kW, and the air conditioner and other hotel load about 5 or 5 kW. It’s like filling up your boat with fuel even as you cruise.

Not every afternoon is as perfect as this, but on the other hand, the solar panels are generating electricity all the time the boat is in the sun, whether it is moving or moored. It can also be charged with shore power, and the battery’s 225 kiloWatt hours of electricity are available whenever demands requires.

We get an unexpected taste of how exactly that works when another boat comes unexpectedly close in the tight and often crowded waters of the intracoastal. Our blissful quiet was suddenly interrupted by the rumble and vibrations of the motors being thrust into reverse – hard.

The instant torque and response of the 250kW motors came in very handy in the situation, and while it is hard to gauge, I would estimate that we were able to come to a complete stop within less than the length of the catamaran.

Tested on the open seas

The episode did interrupt our tranquil cruise, but it also served as a reminder that water and weather conditions don’t always cooperate. Which brings us to another benefit of catamarans – stability.

“There’s no hiding in 16 foot seas,” he said “and sitting on the floor back there you saw the tender go up and then drop down below the horizon, and we were like…OK…this is a pretty good sea trial, good test!”

“We ended up changing our direction just to make sure we didn’t lose the tender, and the run turned into 28 hours instead of 14, but at the end of the day it was all good, no damage to either vessel and all ready to get back out there the next day.”

One hopes that one isn’t going to run into those kinds of conditions on a regular basis, but unexpected conditions are one of the reasons the solar electric catamaran has a diesel generator on board and can carry 1,000 litres of fuel.

The fuel is used to charge the battery, the motors continue to operate all-electric. The back-up is there for times when you are going to need power either for short term spurts or for maintaining higher speeds over a long period. It is also handy for extended open water cruising when the sun may not be cooperating or you may want to go at high speed to get out to a destination or back to shore.

Kyle says it is highly unlikely he will use any diesel whatsoever on the trip up to New England, and the new owner is looking to use the boat for relaxed daytime and overnight cruises with family and friends fairly close to the coast, not for going out on high speed runs.

The peace and quiet of the Silent 60 doesn’t come cheap, with a starting point of about $3 million (US) without any customization. Most of the new owners – and there are twenty Silent 60s being constructed right now – obviously think that is good value for the serenity of the on-water experience as well as knowing they are treating themselves and their friends to a luxury experience without increasing their carbon footprint. The price of diesel is also making solar electric propulsion attractive to a whole new type of client.

Silent 60 sea trial uses 7kWh

As we arrive back at our slip and softly sidle into place surrounded by dozens of fossil fuel yachts of similar length, one can’t help but reflect on the difference in consumption. Before we disembark, I ask about the final tally on energy usage. We started out with a full battery – 207 kWh – and arrived back with 200 kWh.

Not bad for a one and a half hour cruise on a spacious catamaran with all the amenities one could want, a giant main salon, sun decks galore and all the while being able to appreciate the trip without any rumbling motors or exhaust fumes.

I take one look back at the Silent 60 before I go and there she is, sitting in the sun, her solar panels silently recharging her batteries – for free – and getting set for another great day tomorrow.

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2 thoughts on “ Silent 60 sea trial: quiet, spacious, self-charging ”

Pedantic I know – but for the love of all things electrical never say something like “…meaning 17 kiloWatts per hour can be generated under ideal conditions”. kW per hour is not a unit of anything. kWh/h is what you meant but of course that is just kW!!!! i.e. 17kW

You are absolutely correct, David. The reason I wrote it that way is that I felt within the context of the paragraph it was a good way of explaining the concept of kWP for those not familiar with it.

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The award-winning entry to solar-electric yachts

As the successor to the Silent 64 (the first ever solar powered production yacht to cross the Atlantic Ocean during January of 2018), the 60 Series is equipped with the most refined, efficient and clever technology available today. Being a multi-award winner, including the prestigious “Best of Boats Award” in the category of ‘Best for Travel’, she embodies solar electric yachting in its purest form. Available in a variety of deck and cabin options, the Silent 60 is ideally suited for families cruising with or without additional crew.

Specifications

Deck options, silent 62 flybridge.

The flybridge version with a retractable roof offers enough space for a dining area with a small lounge and a dedicated helm station. For owners who do not need the additional space of the 62 3-deck configurations, the flybridge version offers enough space and outstanding 360° visibility.

Silent 62 3-Deck Open

An additional open deck instead of the flybridge combines the benefits of larger catamarans with the compact dimensions of the 60 Series. The open sky lounge is a fantastic outdoor community space, equipped with a full dining area including a panoramic view and a superyacht atmosphere.

Silent 62 3-Deck Closed

The closed version of the 62 3-Deck further develops her character as a compact superyacht. Providing additional indoor space, the closed third deck is available in two options: a choice between a sky lounge or an exclusive owner’s deck makes sure it can be tailored towards individual needs.

Model variations

Front Master Version

• Available for every deck option (flybridge, 3-deck open & 3-deck closed versions)

The Master cabin is located below the bow in the front of the main deck. This replaces the additional exit in the front of the salon.

Front Exit Version

Hereby the salon on the main deck is equipped with an additional exit in the front. The Master cabin moves to the side of the hull in the lower deck.

3-Deck Open

3-Deck Closed

Front Master

Solar-electric yachting advantages

Unlimited range, noiseless cruising, zero emission, minimal maintenance, powertrains, 6o series highlights.

Kite sail system

Adding the option of a fully automatic towing kite gives the 60 Series the opportunity to make use of the wind without shading the panels. The either 9m² or 12 m² sized kite flies at heights where winds are much stronger, thus being able to create up to 10x more pulling power compared to a conventional sail.

Self-sufficient lifestyle

Designed from the ground up to be fully autonomous. By being able to produce your own energy and water while making use of coolable food supplies for storage as well as a worldwide internet connection, you have the possibility of creating a fully self-sufficient lifestyle on board.

Bridgedeck storage

Under the bridge deck, there are two spacious storage boxes for SUPs, surfboards, small RIBs or compact sailboats. Both of them can be accessed either from the aft cockpit deck or directly from the hydraulic tender lift.

Owner's suite

Being able to design the 60 Series with an exclusive owner’s suite on the 3rd deck us unique amongst 60-foot catamarans. The suite itself is fully equipped with an en-suite bathroom and measures 23 m² in size. It also gives direct access to the 36 m² lounge area in the aft.

If you would like to enquire about this electric yacht and get in touch with a member of our team, please click on the button below.

Other models

120 Explorer

• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Review: Silent 55, the extraordinary solar powered yacht

• January 18, 2019

Silent Yachts is tapping into the solar zeitgeist and creating a new meaning for the term ‘powercat’.  Sam Fortescue reports

There is a slow, silent revolution under way in the yachting world. It is a revolution that is introducing tonnes of lithium and a sprinkling of silicon to the spec list of new boats. Holding out the promise of silent mobility, plus limitless domestic power on board, it made a big splash at the last Cannes Festival of Yachting – not least thanks to the new Silent 55 catamaran which debuted there.

From the pontoon side, the Silent 55 looks like a typical modern catamaran, with a big coachroof studded with windows and a flybridge helm. Except there’s no mast. Now, bear with me here. I realise that this is a sailing magazine, but we will shortly get back to more familiar territory. The unique qualities of this catamaran only become apparent from up top, where an expanse of solar panels stretches away fore and aft, embedded into the coachroof. The hard top itself carries yet more panels, and can be folded down flush to give an unshaded solar array of 49m2. During the heat of a summer day in the Med, this is capable of generating 10kW of power and up to around 60kWh in the course of the day.

But to make a solar system work in reality, Köhler had to go back to the drawing board on yacht design. The saloon and hulls have extra thermal insulation to keep air-con losses down, and the use of carbon and aramid in key areas helps reduce the overall weight to a decent 17 tonnes (a Lagoon 52 weighs 22.5 tonnes). He has tried to keep windows out of the direct sun with long overhangs and in contrast to the Lagoon’s 12 deck hatches, the Silent 55 has just two.

Holistic design

On the other hand, it has lots of opening windows, to allow a natural draught to do its job. “It’s a holistic approach – you can’t take the batteries and the drivetrain and drop it into another boat.”

Of course, using the propulsion system quickly takes its toll of the boat’s 140kW battery bank. The model on display at Cannes had two 135kW motors, giving you just half an hour of silent motoring flat-out, albeit at a top speed of over 20 knots. More reasonable 30kW engines and a single-digit speed give you greater range. Nonetheless, the electric drive alone isn’t going to allow you to outrun a storm, or race home after a day at anchor, so the boat is designed to work with a generator hidden in the heavily insulated transom of its starboard hull. At cruising speed of around 5-6 knots, Köhler says there is rarely any need to use the generator, citing an owner who has just emailed him triumphantly about a second year totally generator-free. “In the end, you have to compare it to the performance of a sailing boat,” Köhler says. “It is as fast as a sailing boat in similar conditions – after all, there is no wind without sun.” He went so far as to tell me during the sea trial in Palma, Mallorca, that he believed the majority of sailors would happily dispense with the hassle of sails and a rig if only they could enjoy silent motoring and anchoring. “As soon as people realise the incredible concept of this boat, they won’t understand why they ever did anything else.”

The market does not seem to agree with him – yet. Sales of the boat have been good – they have already sold six, five of which are already in the water. But of those, four customers have taken the sail option, which means planting a 19.7m tall mast complete with boom and rigging slap bang in the middle of the coachroof solar array. “I was a bit amazed,” Köhler admits. “The shade from the rig reduces the energy generated by the solar area, while it costs more and is heavier, so consumes more fuel. Maybe it is for optical reasons.” In fact, the shade of the rig slashes the average yield of the solar panels in half. In the Med, that means around 30kWh per day. But perhaps it figures. The typical profile of buyers is an environmentalist who has a Tesla electric car and is “an early adopter who likes to have things before others”. And at low speeds, with modest use of the air-con, the reduced energy generation should still cover daily consumption.

The performance under sail should be reasonable because of the lightweight build of the boat, its broad 8.47m beam and stub keels added to each hull. Control lines are led back via conduits in the coachroof to the flybridge helm station, to make single-handing under sail a possibility.

More interesting, I think, is a sort of halfway-house option using a kite rig. This optimises the performance of the solar panels and gives plenty of propulsion. On the smaller 55 and the 64, Silent Yachts currently recommends a 19m2 kite that costs around €25,000 – a fraction of the cost of a new mast, boom, shrouds and sails. “The sail automatically makes a figure of eight above the boat, and you can steer it with a joystick or an app on an android phone,” Köhler explains. “It can propel the 55 at up to 6 knots, even in light winds.” Perfect for an Atlantic crossing, then.

For the bigger Silent 79, which will hit the water in the summer, a commercial grade Sky Sail system needs to be used – a smaller version of the ones used on cargo ships. This kite can propel the boat at ten knots, but it costs more than ten times as much as its smaller cousin. Both are capable of pulling the boat upwind. So far, so new. But outside the novel energy and propulsion system, the Silent 55 aims to do what many other cruising catamarans are trying to achieve. “Most of our clients order for circumnavigation and long-term cruising,” Köhler says. So the boat is aimed to be as comfortable and capable as possible with watermakers, TVs and an induction hob that all capitalise on the boat’s abundant energy. A flexible configuration allows owners the choice 
of between three and six cabins – the latter designed for charter. The owner’s cabin lies forward of the saloon, under the windows of the coachroof, which provide magnificent views and abundant natural light. There’s a walk-around bed and steps down into the starboard hull give access to an en-suite shower room and heads.

In my view, the best cabin lies aft of this, accessed in the traditional manner down steps out of the saloon. The king-sized bed lies athwartships and the shower is larger than that of the master cabin. There’s more space down here, better headroom and still plenty of light courtesy of the many hull lights.

When I had the chance to sea trial the Silent 55, albeit in motorboat format, I jumped at it. It was a contrary autumn day on Mallorca with 15 knots breeze – just a shame, then, that this wasn’t one of the sailing configured versions.

To start with, getting on board is made really easy courtesy of deep boarding platforms on the skirts. She feels rather square because of that vast, glazed saloon with its deep overhang, and perhaps because of the utilitarian nature of the hard top, which is really about supporting more solar panels. Nevertheless, the side decks are broad and uncluttered. The space up top is designed to concertina down flat, hence the hydraulic rams, fold-down seat back and lowering console. It makes a great sailing position, though, with all round visibility, and is also perfect for sundowners at anchor. When the rain comes down, this feels quite exposed, but there is a fully sheltered helm at the front of the saloon, and it is also possible to drive the boat from anywhere using a tablet thanks to smart electronics. Under power, the handling is superb. The quietness of the motors is astonishing, and I gather they’ll be inaudible on the next boat, which will do away with the gearbox. Even in the aft cabins, directly above the motors, there is no more than a distant hum. The boat responds instantly to the power and the wind seemed to have no impact at all. As with any propulsion system, the power consumption jumps as you pile on the speed – it was sobering to see. At 6 knots, both motors drew 10kW but at 8 knots it was closer to 30kW. I liked the huge saloon with its raised table for 360º views. And the sliding door and window gives great access aft, connecting the saloon and cockpit in fine conditions. The finish was smart and in muted tones, feeling more Scandinavian than German.

Intriguingly, at least it seems to me, Köhler has tapped into something with the concept behind Silent Yachts – but not entirely for the reasons that he expected. Buyers are opting for the sail or kite versions of the boat because they want a comfortable wind-powered craft with abundant, quiet energy on tap. It brings a whole new meaning to the 
term ‘powercat’

Multihulls: new yacht reviews

Yes, the racing world is stretching the boundaries, with 100ft foiling maxi trimarans tearing around the globe and F50s, the…

Multihulls: owners’ experiences and reviews

They have two different boats, different sailing plans and two very different sets of experience. But what these cruisers have…

SILENT Yachts

The Iconic Original – Reinvented

The SILENT 60 embodies the next generation of the legendary SILENT 64, the first and only solar powered yacht to cross the Atlantic.

It can easily be driven by two people and offers enough space for families and crew members.

The possibility of storing a 4 m tender, two jet skis, several bicycles and a motorcycle makes it the adventurer of the SILENT family. Ideal to discover the world.

In November of 2021, the SILENT 60 won the “Best of Boats Award” in the category “Best for Travel”. This specific category is defined as “suitable for long distance travels with all amenities to live on board permanently, adapted for both inland waters and the tough conditions at sea”. Generally, she can easily be handled by two people, making the SILENT 60 ideal for families cruising with or without additional crew.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Solar power generation, light displacement.

Trans-Ocean

Certification

Specifications, model versions.

Front Master / Front Exit

Cruising speed

1000 L – 1900 L

900 L – 2100 L

SUNLIGHT Yachts

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First Silent 60 showcases Silent-Yachts’ optional kite sail system

• November 29, 2021

Based in Mallorca, the first Silent 60 is the first of the brand’s solar-electric catamarans to be fitted with the optional kite sail system, which has been ordered on many more hulls.

Silent-Yachts has showcased its first Silent 60, which carries 42 solar panels for 17kWp of solar energy and is further boosted by the brand’s optional kite sail system.

Succeeding the 64 and 55 models, the Silent 60 is the first of the builder’s new generation of yachts that also include the 62 3-Deck, 80, 80 3-Deck and 100, with each 3-Deck offering a much larger flybridge that can be fully open or partially enclosed.

Silent-Yachts produce ocean-going yachts that are fully powered by solar energy and can cruise with zero emissions for up to 100nm a day. The Silent 60 is designed by Pattaya-based Dr Albert Nazarov and units are being built by nearby PMG Shipyard in Rayong (read more) and Silent’s own shipyard in Italy.

Built in Thailand and now based in Mallorca, hull one has twin 250kW e-motors, a 100kW generator and 210kWh battery storage. However, the Silent 60 has a wide range of power options including two electric motors up to 340kW each and battery storage up to 286kWh.

KITE SAIL OPTION A 9sqm or 13sqm kite sail can be fitted on any Silent-Yachts model and is housed in a storage locker under the foredeck along with an electric winch and a short, collapsible mast.

On the first unit, the mast is connected by four shrouds to pad eyes on deck that distribute the forces through the hull structure. However, on subsequent deliveries – eight units with the kite wing option have been ordered to date – the mast will be mounted on a baseplate inside the locker to leave the foredeck clutter-free.

After inflating the kite, it’s 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 generates power to pull the yacht.

To stop kiting, the automated app controls move the kite to a position above the boat where it has the least pull on the line. From here it can be winched down electrically and collapsed over the foredeck ready for stowage.

PULL NOT PUSH Michael Köhler, founder and CEO of Silent-Yachts (read more), said: “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 metre than a traditional sail. At 5 Beaufort, we can drive with the kite indefinitely at 6-7 knots, which is faster than a comparable sailing catamaran in such wind conditions when crossing the ocean, for example.

“In addition to that, it saves about 1.5 tons of weight compared to a conventional rig and costs much less. 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!”

The builder says 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, stronger winds, yet can be used at low wind speeds of less than 10 knots.

POWER STEERING As the kite pulls the boat rather than pushes it like a conventional sail, it requires good steering capability, especially as a motor yacht typically has a small rudder and big propellers, contrary to a sailing boat. However, this problem can be solved by running the solar-powered motors at 100rpm, while a conventionally powered boat would need to run diesel motors when using a kite.

Silent-Yachts Captain Mike Wandler said he had tested the performance of a 9sqm kite on different headings and at wind angles of up to 40 degrees. “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 4-5 knots,” Wandler said.

“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 6-7 knots over the same headings, a significant improvement on our original predictions.”

The first Silent 60 has four guest cabins on the lower deck including a spacious full-beam master suite forward, although other layout solutions are available. The saloon has up to 2.3m of headroom, while other social areas include the aft cockpit, flybridge and the foredeck.

A sub-1m draft allows access to shallow bays, ideal for cruising grounds in the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. The lifting hydraulic platform can carry a 4m tender, while the swim platforms on each side can be extended on an owner’s request to be able to carry a pair of electric jet-skis.

Featuring a new, high-performance hull form with a longer waterline and reverse bow, the Silent 60 has a cruising speed of 6-8 knots, but can reach 20 knots depending on the power options. www.silent-yachts.com www.farfallamarinegroup.com

Silent-Yachts sells first flagship 100 Explorer Silent-Yachts has sold the first unit of its new flagship – the Silent 100 Explorer solar-electric catamaran designed by Marco Casali.

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Silent 60 first look: Sleek new electric catamaran makes a lot of sense

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If you’re interested in electric boating then a catamaran might be the way to go, with slim, relatively-low drag hulls and expansive deck and roof areas for solar panels.

Headquartered in Austria with manufacturing plants in the Far East and Italy, Silent Yachts’ new Silent 60 comes with a pair of electric motors of 170kW each, battery capacity of up to 286kWh, and solar panels capable of generating 17kWp (the ‘p’ stands for peak, or optimum sunny conditions), for a claimed cruising range at six to eight knots of around 100 nautical miles.

Naturally there are diesel generators too, both for battery charging and for powering the electric motors, in which case the 60’s maximum speed is 20 knots, with a cruising range defined by the size of the fuel tanks.

A variety of internal layouts is offered, with up to six cabins in the hulls, all ensuite, and including one for crew, plus the option of a big owner’s suite spanning the bridge deck up at the bow.

The main deck saloon is of course a spectacular space, with acres of seating and floor area, windows all round, and an optional door at the front onto the foredeck.

The deck spaces are as generous as you would expect of a boat that is nearly 30ft wide and some tweaks to the flybridge improve comfort levels over the Silent 55.

The hydraulic hard top is carried over, which clamps down flat to the deck to securely close off the top deck and maximise the efficiency of the array of solar panels.

The Silent 60 also comes with a kitesail as an auxiliary power source, which is flown from a stanchion and winch assembly on the foredeck. The standard size sail is 9m2, with 13m2 as an option. For comparison, the sails you see off windy beaches being flown by mad kitesurfers typically range in area from 5m2 to 15m2.

Its builder claims that the 29-ton Silent 60 can make four to five knots powered by the kite alone.

Article continues below…

Silent Yachts 55: Liveaboard test of this future-proof electric catamaran

£1730000

Silent 80: Hybrid yacht pioneer reveals bold plans for first electric superyacht

We know this boat’s predecessor, the Silent 55, well here on MBY. Deputy editor, Jack, spent a few days on board in 2019 to see if Silent Yachts ’ claims of noise and emission-free cruising rang true.

His time aboard the Silent 55 proved that the boat’s revolutionary power management and propulsion systems worked, but the boat itself needed improvements. The Silent 60 aims to fix this with a redesigned hull that has a longer waterline and reverse bow to improve efficiency, and styling by Albert Nazarov that apes the flagship Silent 80 .

The Silent 55’s awkward looks have been replaced by a design that is far kinder on the eye and makes room for even more living space plus a boost in solar power acreage on the roof from 30 to 42 panels.

Silent 60 specification

LOA: 59ft 0in (17.99m) Beam: 29ft 6in (8.99m) Engines: 2 x 250kW electric Solar array : 16kWp Battery capacity: 286kWh Top speed: 14 knots Cruising range: 100nm Starting price: Available on application

Owner’s cabin

Owner’s ensuite, vip ensuite, guest cabin, silent has managed to add 12 more solar panels than were fitted to the 55, best pressure washers for boats: 8 top quality products for a thorough clean-down, archipelago’s a80 supercat first look: adaptable aluminium long-ranger, toy of the month: the ‘motorbike for the sea’ inspired by james bond, latest videos, bluegame bgm75 sea trial: the €6.8m powercat that thinks its a monohull, cormate chase 32 tour: fast, stylish and practical weekender, axopar 29 sea trial: sun top vs cross cabin – which is best, sunseeker ocean 182 – see how this compact superyacht copes in a wet and windy sea trial.

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Three major advantages of the kite wing for the yacht

Silent Yachts Silent 60; @Silent Yachts

This innovative kite wing is easy to use and adds up to 5 knots to the Silent-Yacht solar electric catamaran speed.

Silent-Yachts has increased its fleet of innovative oceangoing solar electric catamarans introducing the new Silent 60 that has been launched recently at Silent Yachts production facility in Thailand, which is led by the Swiss entrepreneur Philippe Guénat. This is the first unit of the model while eight more hulls are currently under construction and 17 are ordered in total.

What makes it even greener is that it was built with a kite wing, a special system that in contrast to conventional sailing yachts, does not require a big mast and the kite sail generates much more power per square meter than a conventional sail. Silent Yachts offers the optional available kite-sail system for all their models.

“The kite system sounds like the perfect match for windy days together with the electric propulsion system of Silent Yachts,” said the German owner of the first SILENT 60. “I am an enthusiast of new technologies which help, little by little, to overcome the ecological challenges we are facing today.”

Greener than before

The SILENT 60 carries a light compact kite wing from Wingit, that does not require a big mast to hoist the kite and it´s also easy to use. A kite wing that operates in such heights, generates up to 10 times more power per square meter than a conventional sail.

So, how the kite wing system works? There is a dedicated box in the bow area of the SILENT 60, which contains the kite (the sail is 13 sq. m) including all its components (winches, mast, ropes, etc). Here the entire system is also stored, when not in use.

To launch the kite, it’s only required to set up a small mast, which is only two feet high, with four stays (6 mm Kevlar “ropes”) that need to be fixed to four foldable pad-eyes (this takes a few seconds). After taking out the kite, it gets pumped up with an electric pump that is in the box as well (this takes only a few seconds), you switch on the winch, throw the kite overboard where it will drift away with the wind and then the kite can start from the water by pulling the ropes. When in the air, the automatic steering can take over – the pulling rope is released until the kite is more than 120 meters above the boat and it starts to paint a huge “8” in the sky.

Bringing it down is the reverse process. The automatic control moves the kite to a position right above the boat where it has the least pull on the rope, then the owner or a crew member winches the kite down electrically, pulls the right rope so that the kite collapses above the front deck. Now, the kite gets put back into the bag and stored in the box.

The advantages of the kite wing

There are three major advantages of the kite wing for the yacht. First, extra propulsion. The kite can pull the 30-ton SILENT 60 with about 4-5 knots and it reduces the consumption of the e-motors, thus extending the range. The already green solar electric catamaran gets greener and more eco-conscious this way. Second, emergency. If a floating fishing line gets entangled in the propellers, a kite can serve as a reserve propulsion that enables the boat to get to a protected place where the rope can be cut and the prop set free. Last but not least, fun and joy. It is great to see the kite high up in the air, pulling the boat with the power of the wind.

A new high performance hull form

The SILENT 60 also has a new high-performance hull form that is optimized with CFD study, with longer waterline and reverse bow. Its exterior design’s signature details are long window stripes at the sidewall of the hull and more window surface overall.

“I want to congratulate our entire team with this successful project”, said Michael Köhler. “The SILENT 60 is the first example of a new generation of solar electric catamarans that we produce and many more will follow. We are happy to provide sustainable, emission-free solutions for yachting enthusiasts that want to make the world a better place.”

The owner plans to use his SILENT 60 for a few weeks per year and will make it available for charter.

“I thought it would be a pity to leave the boat unused for the rest of the time, and I have decided to rent the boat on a daily or weekly basis to anybody who is interested in trying out this wonderful yacht for a day trip or for a longer holiday with flexible routings,” he said.

The boat can be handled by two people with ease and offers plenty of space for families and crew.

For adventurers, additional water toys, SUP´s, kayaks and e-bikes can be stored in the bridge deck.

The SILENT 60 offers a flexible layout. The first has four guest cabins on the lower deck, including a spacious master suite. There are many social areas on board, an airy main saloon, an aft cockpit, a cosy bow seating and a flybridge. The yacht has higher headroom everywhere (up to 230 cm in the saloon) and more powerful solar panels (42 pieces for 17 kWp against 30 for 10.8 kWp on the SILENT 55).

The new model has a draft of less than 1 meter, which allows it to reach shallower bays, that may be crucial for areas like the Caribbean and South East Asia. The SILENT 60 has two swimming platforms in the aft which can optionally be extended by 90 cm upon owner’s request. In this case, the boat may carry a pair of electric jet skis. A liftable hydraulic platform, which is located between the two swimming platforms, can also be enlarged from the standard 3.7 x 1.7 m to 4 x 2.4 m to carry a larger tender – up to 350 kg and 4-meter long.

The SILENT 60 is equipped with the company’s aeration system, which provides cool and fresh air to all accommodations, heads, and in the saloon. The airflow 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 heats the interior when necessary, ensuring all-season comfort. The insulated hull ensures efficient achievement of desired on-board temperatures.

The catamaran is designed to go everywhere as a true ocean-going cruising yacht. It 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 on board systems without.

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