Silent 60 launched in Thailand

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The Silent 60 has 42 solar panels

Silent-Yachts has launched the first hull of its Silent 60, while eight more hulls are currently under construction among a total of 17 orders. The first unit was built at the PMG Shipyard in Rayong, Thailand, where several more hulls are being built, while others are under construction in Silent’s facilities in Italy. The yacht has an overall length of 59ft and a beam of 29ft 6in.

The first hull has been built with a 13sqm kite wing from Wingit and operates at such heights – it has a 150m line length – that it generates up to 10 times more power [per square metre] than a conventional sail, according to Silent-Yachts. The standard kite wing is 9sqm.

The kite can pull the 30-tonne Silent 60 with about 4-5 knots, so reducing the consumption of the e-motors and extending the range. The kite-sail system is stored in the bow and is an option on all new Silent models, which also include the 62 3-deck, 80 and 80 3-deck.

“The kite system sounds like the perfect match for windy days together with the electric propulsion system of Silent-Yachts. I am an enthusiast of new technologies which help, little by little, to overcome the ecological challenges we are facing today,” said the German owner of the first Silent 60, who will also make the boat available for charter after it has been delivered to Mallorca, Spain.

The first unit has a 13sqm kite wing

“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.”

The Silent 60 has a new high-performance hull form with a reverse bow, while signature details include long window stripes on the hull sides and more window surface overall. The 42 solar panels on the roof of the superstructure and hardtop produce 17kWp, compared to 30 panels and 10.8kWp on the Silent 55.

Michael Köhler, founder and CEO of Silent-Yachts, said: “I want to congratulate our entire team on this successful project. 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 yacht’s social areas include an aft cockpit, a saloon with up to 2.3m of headroom, bow seating and a flybridge. The Silent 60 offers flexible accommodation and the first unit has a spacious master suite and three other guest cabins on the lower deck.

The Silent 60 has a draft of less than 1m, which allows it to reach shallower bays, important in areas like the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. The two swim platforms can optionally be extended by 90cm upon the owner’s request. In this case, the boat may carry a pair of electric jet-skis, while additional water toys, SUPs, kayaks and e-bikes can be stored in the bridge deck.

The hydraulic platform sits between the swim platforms

A liftable hydraulic platform located between the two swim platforms can also be enlarged from the standard 3.7m x 1.7m to 4m x 2.4m to carry a larger tender, up to 4m and 350 kg.

The Silent 60 is equipped with the company’s aeration system, which provides cool and fresh air to all cabins, heads and 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.

A water-maker powered by the solar-electric system and all on-board appliances operate on the 220/110-volt system. The galley has refrigerator and freezer space and an efficient induction cooktop, precluding the need for carrying propane.

The CE-A certified yacht can cruise efficiently for up to 100 miles a day for weeks, while powering all onboard systems without the need of fuel to power a generator. The yacht’s cruising speed is 6-8 knots, with a top speed of 20 knots.