Catching Light, a progressive, eco-technology company that envisions that all marine vessels, should be designed and developed to protect our waterways and oceans, using the latest innovations in solar and solid-state carbon batteries, is launching its first solar electric marine vessels. ‘Catching Light’ is the brainchild of Tom Wedgwood and Sheryl Greentree, who believe that companies like theirs should be thinking brightly about all of our futures. They provide 100% solar, eco-technology solutions to living and moving on the land and the water. Harnessing the power of the sun, to live and travel on our planet’s waterways.

Josiah eco yacht at dusk – rendering

Sheryl says “We believe it is time we look at a new way to live and travel across 70% of our planet, to navigate and live upon our rivers, our inland waterways or across the ocean and at the same time caring for the earth in an innovative, beautiful way. Our future generations will one day ask us… ‘Why did we not act? Well, we are dedicated to providing a new way to protect our waters by following the industries leaders such as Tesla and Lilium in designing and developing solar electric boats and yachts.”

Onboard pool

Solar balls

They have launched the Solar Electric 35 Metre, ‘Luxury Super Yacht, ‘Josiah’. Inspired by ‘Josiah Wedgwood’, an English pottery designer and manufacturer, outstanding in his scientific approach to pottery making, his exhaustive research into materials, beauty, philanthropy and business sense. Tom Wedgwood, a direct descendant, was inspired by the simple elegance of Frank Lloyd Wright, the red and white Lofoten Island fishing trawlers, East meets West interiors, and spirit of Josiah Wedgwood to marry beauty and function. This innovative, superyacht is no floating plastic white wedding cake. It is a beautiful glass and carbon superstructure, connecting us to nature in every direction.

Saloon and dining area

Saloon

We believe it is a very attractive proposition for the charter industry as It’s range is unlimited, it is kind to the oceans, quiet and pollution free. In terms of reducing the direct costs of running a charter service, Josiah removes all fuel costs, there is no need for a hook-up and with the state-of-the-art toilet systems, there is no black water to dispose of. Thus, reducing maintenance time and significantly increasing profits for any charter business.

Guest cabin

Living area

Josiah shatters conventional thinking with luxury superyachts. Simplicity, efficiency, utilisation, sustainable and ethical construction are essential characteristics of this luxury vessel. It will redefine how to travel and live on the waters. The yacht will have autonomous features similar to the direction of the electric automotive industry and can sail with minimum crew or just owner-captain. The software ensures that clean energy is being harvested from sun, water and wind the then distributed with maximum efficiency. The trimaran hull makes is fast and safe. The construction used is from 95% sustainable materials such as timber, bamboo, hemp composites, and recycled aviation grade aluminium.

Cabin example

The staterooms have a range of design options, including individual on-suite staterooms or a more flexible, open plan option, that incorporates smart walls that can be reconfigured for open spaces or private retreats. Additional double beds form part of the ceiling which drop down to expand capacity. Featured in a modern style tatami room which is both useful for entertaining or providing several berths with both western and eastern style. The ‘washroom’ can also be a large bathroom inspired by eastern spas. A place to relax in a bamboo tub or experience one of the two water efficient showers. Smart locks, software, and digital display show when in use or the ability to reserve on an iPad or smartphone.

cabin area

Bathroom rendering

The superstructure sitting on top of the deck is a glass box providing a borderless experience with nature. It is open plan with an expanding gallery. The is a seamless link to the navigation cockpit featuring a massive digital map. The glazing is smart glass with captures both thermal radiation and photovoltaic energy. A solar canopy reveals a flybridge that is perfect for entertaining, relaxing in a large solar heated Japanese ‘Ofuru’ style jacuzzi which double has water battery. When underway the water is released through microturbines.

EV Chargers

Cockpit

Tom says ‘We are delighted to be working with cutting-edge companies to collaborate on both of our boats. We are using several types of solar technology beyond typical rooftop silicon crystalline panels. Catching Light incorporates the latest thin film and multi-junction concentrator to enhance the beauty and aesthetics. Our battery technology is also revolutionary, a solid-state carbon battery, which unlike lithium-ion is safe and ethically cobalt free. Tom continues ‘All of these types of eco-technology can transform marine travel and we have many plans to continue to innovate to develop all of these concepts with pleasure and commercial boats, yachts and ships.

Customisable layout

This is only just the beginning for Catching Light, they are also developing a Dutch Barge and a marina project to combine eco-tech smart living apartments, which can be located and moved on the water.

Eco-friendly superyacht JOSIAH concept with blue hull

Aft view by night

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Further details, please contact:

Tom Wedgwood
Co-Founder/CTO
Catching Light Limited
Telephone: +44 7491 972792/ +44 7799 668151
Email:tom@catchinglight.tech
www.catchinglight.tech