Austrian shipyard Silent Yachts has begun building the first of three new solar-powered SILENT 79 luxury catamarans – the company’s largest model of its type to date.
Aerial – © Silent Yachts
Company founder and CEO Michael Köhler created the concept behind the SILENT 79 model, with naval architecture from Enrique Castilla of Insenaval and interior and exterior styling the work of Marco Casali from Too Design.
The SILENT 55 model debuted at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2018 and the new 24-metre model takes the best features on a larger scale: The sizeable foredeck is fitted with a forward-facing C-shaped sofa with two drinks tables, plus a sun pad on each side. Sun loungers are placed on the bow, however, the area can be cleared for use as the occasion requires.
saloon – © Silent Yachts
The main deck aft cockpit offers a shaded area with a sofa along the stern, a port-side wet bar and a large alfresco dining area opposite.
Up, on the flybridge, there is a large sun pad to the aft and a Jacuzzi aft and centre. A C-shaped alfresco dining area is to port and a sofa with flybridge controls is positioned centre. The rest of the flybridge is covered in solar panels and the hardtop roof can lie flush with the rest of the panels for greater efficiency without casting shade on the other sections. As a result of the solar panels, there is no need for an engine room and space is used instead of a spacious tender garage with plenty of room to store water toys.
Master cabin – © Silent Yachts
SILENT 79 is powered by a pair of electric engines producing 50 kW in the standard version and 250 kW in the E-power version, with the latter capable of a top speed of 20 knots and the ability to travel in complete silence at 6-7 knots, cruising at 100 nautical miles a day. Maintenance on board and therefore running costs are greatly reduced compared to traditional diesel engines, without the production of noise or fumes.
aft view at sunset – © Silent Yachts
Extensive glazing allows for natural illumination in the interior where there is a salon containing a lounge, dining area and a galley. The lower deck hulls can accommodate four to six cabins, with two crew cabins.
Two units have already been sold with the first expected to be launched from the Mattora shipyard close to Ancona, Italy, in 2020.
