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SAILING YACHTS

Combining traditional sail power with electric motors enables greater maneuverability and control onboard while remaining at the forefront of sustainable yachting. Wind propulsion ensures reduced dependency on fossil fuels, minimum carbon emissions, and greater contributions to the preservation of oceans.

As the maritime industry progresses towards a more sustainable future, sailing catamarans from Sunreef Yachts emerge as beacons of progress with their ECO variants of the Sunreef 50, 60, 70, and 80. Join the responsible seafaring movement with an electric sailing yacht that celebrates nature and innovation.

Length overall

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The Sunreef 50 is an all-around compact sailing catamaran, ideal for exclusive getaways, charter, and transoceanic adventures.

The Sunreef 60 is an all-around sailing leisure yacht ideal for exclusive getaways, charter, and transoceanic adventures. This model boasts a combination of exterior and interior areas easily flowing into one another.

With her outstanding composition, the Sunreef 70 balances extreme comfort, advanced technologies, and great performance under sail.

The Sunreef 80 is an all-around luxury sailing catamaran, ideal for exclusive getaways, charter, and transoceanic adventures. This model boasts a combination of exterior and interior areas easily flowing into one another.

SUNREEF ZERO CAT

Sunreef Yachts Eco reveals the first images of the Sunreef Zero Cat superyacht.

SUNREEF 100

The Sunreef 100 Eco was designed to provide an emissions-free cruising experience in complete silence and luxury.

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• solar electric yachts
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SOEL YACHTS

Solar electric yachts.

With dedication and passion for high tech, sustainability and excellent design, Soel Yachts creates solar electric yachts that promise high efficiency, low emissions, outstanding comfort, low maintenance, and significantly reduced costs of ownership. We are driven by an unwavering commitment to accelerate the transition to sustainable and autonomous mobility on the water.

ENJOY THE RICHNESS OF THE SEA

Our solar electric catamarans combine all the elements for a luxurious and environmentally conscious aquatic lifestyle. With zero CO2 or noise emissions on board, you can reconnect with your senses and fully enjoy the journey.

electric models

The Soel Yachts portfolio offers solar electric catamarans for both private and commercial applications. With the vast experience gathered trough different projects worldwide and boats successfully performing on a daily basis for many years, we gladly can discuss individual requirements and find the ideal solution for your preferred electric yacht and destination

PIONEERS SINCE 2007

Bringing over 15 years of extensive expertise in electrifying solar electric yachts since 2007, we have been pioneers in the solar yachts industry. Our integral solar electric systems in-house have impressively powered more than 27 circumnavigations of the Earth across the world’s oceans, offering unmatched real-world testing and performance validation for an extraordinary and worry-free sailing experience.

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INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY

At our core, we strive for the perfect balance between cutting-edge technology, purposeful design, and outstanding performance. Our innovative approach combines streamlined hull designs for electric propulsion, engineered in conjunction with our in-house systems, to ensure an exceptional range.

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It is undoubtedly the most effective approach to directly communicate your desires and preferences with one of our partners. They can provide you with a comprehensive presentation of the available options and take you on a virtual tour of your desired model. Our team eagerly awaits your message today to arrange your personalized appointment, which can be conveniently held either online or in person.

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Timeless design meets state-of-the-art technology

More spacious, bolder with premium levels of elegance and comfort. The 80 Series combines our state-of-the-art solar electric drivetrain with unmatched refinement. Her timeless exterior and modern interior features bespoke design by none other than renown Italian yacht designer Marco Casali. Highly advanced hydrodynamics make for an incredibly smooth cruising experience. She can be either configured with a flybridge or as a 3-deck version and can easily accomodate additional crew.

Specification

Deck options, silent 8o 3-deck open.

A complete third deck instead of the flybridge provides a total 84 m² of sky lounge space. The open sides create an outdoor ambience which offers a perfect mixture of sun and shade for relaxing owners and guests. Of course, the open third deck can be customized towards the owner´s needs.

Silent 8O 3-Deck Closed

The closed 3-deck version features an owner’s suite with a private 41 m² aft terrace. Those who value sharing their experiences on board can opt for an indoor lounge instead. It is comprised of a 39 m² dining area, fully equipped with a bar and galley, while still maintaining the same terrace in the aft.

Silent 8O Flybridge

Just as the 60 Series, the 80 Series can also be configured with a retractable flybridge. With 53 m² of space, the flybridge version already offers plenty of room and is equipped with a dedicated helm station to steer the yacht while enjoying the 360° view.

3-Deck Open

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Version 1 (4+2 Cabins)

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Solar-electric yachting advantages

Unlimited range, noiseless cruising, zero emission, minimal maintenance, powertrains, 8o series highlights.

Tender garage

In the aft of the portside hull, the staircase can be raised to reveal a fully enclosed tender garage. It fits tenders with a maximum length of up to 5.20 m, such as the Silent Tender 520, and has a direct charging point to recharge electric tenders with energy produced by the yacht.

Largest salon area

When compared to other catamarans of similar size, the 52 m² salon of the 80 Series leads with the largest amount of interior space. This creates a lounge like ambiance which offers all the necessities such as a fully equipped galley to enjoy your stay on board.

Aft storages

Inside the bridgedeck there is a large storage for water toys. Additionally, in the starboard side there is another storage compartment for diving gear, bicycles and motorbikes which can be accessed through hydraulically liftable stairs from the aft.

Owner'suite

The choice of an owner’s suite on the 3rd deck adds to the exclusive appeal of the Silent 80. With the entire deck measuring 80 m², it comes with an en-suite bathroom and a private terrace in the aft offering direct access to the sunbed.

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.

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Discover the Top Power Catamarans for 2024

• By Yachting Staff
• Updated: September 10, 2024

Power catamarans have seen a surge in popularity, growing both in size and appeal. These cruise-focused yachts offer homelike comfort, fuel efficiency and user-friendly operation, making them a favorite among avid travelers. Their popularity extends to the bareboat charter market for the same reasons.

In this article, we explore the world’s top power catamarans, ranging from a 36-footer ideal for a cruising couple to a 78-footer perfect for entertaining friends and family. The propulsion options are diverse, including outboards, diesel inboards, hybrids, and even all-solar setups.

Top Luxury Power Catamarans

The following power catamarans are all vessels we’ve reviewed. They are listed in no particular order.

• Fountaine Pajot MY44 : A family-oriented cat suitable for long-range cruising and aimed at owner-operators. 
• Silent Yachts 60 : This is a catamaran that can cruise comfortably for long distances using emissions-free solar-electric propulsion.
• Horizon PC74 : With interior and deck space like a much larger vessel, the PC74 is perfect for cruising the Bahamas and Caribbean.
• Aquila 36 : This beefy 36-footer is an outboard-powered, express-cruiser-style catamaran.
• Lagoon Seventy 8 Powercat : A spacious design, this vessel fits the volume of a 130-foot-long monohull into just 78 feet of length overall. 
• Horizon PC68 : This cat has a stable ride, long range, volume to spare and intriguing layout options.
• Two Oceans 555 : An elegantly simple yet luxurious 55-foot custom with the space and amenities of a much larger vessel.
• Lagoon 630 : From its open salon to its spacious decks, the Lagoon is a comfortable and luxurious platform.
• Fountaine Pajot MY5 : A midsize cruiser with serious big-boat space for family and friends. 
• Prestige Yachts M8 : The voluminous 65-footer lets owners customize onboard spaces.
• Aquila 47 Molokai : Calling all anglers: This cat has 60-plus-knot speed and is set up for serious bluewater adventure.

Fountaine Pajot MY44

The  Fountaine Pajot MY44 , a creation of Italian architect Pierangelo Andreani and French designer Daniel Andrieu, has a main deck that’s open from the aft-deck seating all the way forward to the starboard helm station. The sense of spaciousness is significant, for several reasons. First, four glass panels aft can all slide to port, creating an indoor-outdoor space with the aft deck and salon. In the salon, 32-inch-high windows extend for 12 feet down the sides of the yacht, with three sections per side, bringing in natural light along with the three forward panes that comprise the windshield. Finally, 6-foot-6-inch headroom provides vertical clearance, with a 21-foot-7-inch beam that adds interior roominess while keeping the yacht stable.

Quick Specifications

Silent Yachts 60

Solar panels, ocean-crossing range and self-sufficiency define the electric Silent-Yachts 60 power catamaran. 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.

Horizon PC74

As founder and director of The Powercat Company, a Horizon Power Catamarans distributor, Stuart Hegerstrom had long believed that catamaran builders needed to design their yachts to more stylish standards.

“The boats were very boxy,” he says, based on his years of experience with cats in the charter market. He and his partner, Richard Ford, asked Horizon to produce models that had high-end finishes and looked good inside and out.

The Horizon team brought in mega-yacht designer JC Espinosa to work with its own craftsmen. The result aboard the  Horizon PC74  is a catamaran with exterior styling, layout and functionality that should appeal to private and charter owners alike.

The Aquila 36  is a departure from her sisterships in that she is an outboard-powered, express-cruiser-style catamaran, but she also adheres to MarineMax’s philosophies.

With a single main living level from bow to stern and a beam of 14 feet 7 inches, the Aquila 36 is like a bowrider on steroids. She has seating that can handle 20 adults for outings and barbecues, and there are two staterooms below, one in each hull, for family weekending. The staterooms have nearly queen-size berths, en suite heads, stowage and 6-foot-6-inch headroom.

Lagoon Seventy 8 Powercat

Lagoon is a division of Groupe Beneteau, the world’s largest builder of sailing yachts, and the  Lagoon Seventy 8 Powercat  is a developmental sistership of its Seventy 7 super sailing cat. The Seventy series yachts are built at Construction Navale Bordeaux in France, which had to add a new yard to construct these catamarans because they require separate stern molds for the power and sail versions.

Horizon PC68

Multihull yachts ride differently than monohulls, often counteracting the sea’s motion for a smoother, more stable ride. On the Horizon PC68 , sharp hull entries make head seas seem gentle, and a Humphree stabilization system with blades reduces roll. Horizon uses SCRIMP construction for resin saturation that maximizes strength with an 111,112-pound displacement. And with a 5-foot-4-inch draft, the PC68 invites island cruising.

Two Oceans 555

With 27-knot speed, house-like volume, an on-deck master and top-tier tech, the Two Oceans 555 is a formidable power catamaran. Dave Jirikovic of HMY Yachts was on a quest. The sales broker was looking for the meanest, nastiest patch of Gulf Stream he could find to show a potential client what the Two Oceans 555 power cat could handle. And just as he had intended to show us, the broad-shouldered power cat didn’t even notice. He even dropped the single-lever throttles back to idle and left the 25-foot-wide Two Oceans 555 beam-on to another set of square-edged seas. The 55-footer brushed that off too. Jirikovic tried quartering into the seas—never a happy angle for catamarans—and the yacht drowsed through them.

Fitted with the optional twin 300-horsepower Volvo Penta D4 diesels, the  Lagoon 630 MY  burns only 1.64 gph total at 6 knots, giving a theoretical range of 2,952 nautical miles with standard tankage of 793 gallons. Hull No. 1 had an optional 502-gallon tank, giving it transatlantic range.

Luxury, stability and economy are all hallmarks of Lagoon’s return to luxury motor yachts. If you can take a ride, it will be worth your time.

Fountaine Pajot MY5

The flybridge deck on the Fountaine Pajot MY5 is a standout feature, offering virtually unobstructed 360-degree ocean views and an elevated beach club vibe. Aft of the off-center starboard helm is a spacious area perfect for entertaining, complete with a wet bar, refrigeration center, and ample seating. It’s the most popular space aboard according to the builder. And if the weather turns for the worse, a second helm station in the saloon allows the skipper to pilot the MY5 in climate-controlled comfort.

Prestige Yachts M8

How fitting it was that Prestige Yachts introduced its new M-Line flagship, the M8 , at Portopiccolo, a picturesque yachting village outside Trieste, Italy. Formerly a quarry, the cliff-side area had been chiseled into a clean site rife with eye-catching vistas, much like the French builder’s 65-foot power catamaran and its nearly 3,000 square feet of usable real estate.

Aquila 47 Molokai

With every boat, there’s an origin story. In the case of the Aquila 47 Molokai power catamaran, it starts with MarineMax, which saw people renting boats for bareboat charters. MarineMax Vacations was born. After experimenting with several production yachts, the company decided to build its own: the Aquila line, designed for charter as well as for sale to owner-operators.

• More: Aquila Boats , Fountaine Pajot , Horizon Power Catamarans , Lagoon , Lagoon Catamarans , Power Catamarans , Prestige Yachts , Silent-Yachts , Two Oceans , 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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• Multizone Fusion Apollo stereo system
• 50” smart TV in salon
• Full-size double door fridge/freezer
• Induction cooktop & extraction hood
• Vented washer/dryer
• 42 gallons/hour water maker
• Wine cellar

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• Completely single-handed sailing
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• Top lounge with shade
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• Large electric opening front windshield
• Foredeck lounging space with shade

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Hydraulic high/low platform (optional)

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Main dimensions, hull & appendages, deck & fittings, helm station, rigging & sails, interior layout – interior finishes, salon area in general, entertainment & fridge area, galley & pantry, navigation station, stbd hull forward guest cabin with en-suite bathroom, stbd hull aft guest cabin with en-suite bathroom, port hull owner’s cabin with en-suite bathroom, engines & engine rooms, electrical and electronics, safety and additional loose equipment.

Classic look hydrofoiling electric boat debuts in Moscow

A team in Russia has developed this sleek hydrofoiling electric boat with a retro-tech classic runabout look, both inside and out.

The boat is called the Molniya – Russian for ‘lightning’ – and uses fixed surface piercing (SP) foils rather than the retractable inverted-T fully submerged (FS) type on boats like the Candela 7 .

The Molniya prototype was built by Artem Markov and a small team he assembled in Moscow. Markov is a graduate of the Moscow Automobile and Road Construction Institute, where he was part of their Formula MADI electric car racing team that competed against other universities from around the world.

Hydrofoiling electric boat idea started in 2016

Like many other electric boat developers he is also a long time sailor and says “ I have never been able to understand what is the beauty of going on motor boats with a lot of vibration and noise. So, I decided I wanted to find a way to transfer the silence and comfort of a sailing yacht to a boat. The idea came to me in 2016, and from that moment I started working on the project .”

He is a big fan of the work that the team at Candela has been doing, and is well versed in their reasonings of why hydrofoiling is the way to reduce drag and increase efficiency and comfort. So he knew foiling was the way to go and began to design his dream boat.

It is one thing to know exactly what one wants, but b udget realities quite often make inventors adapt. So he found a classic fibreglass-and-aluminum hull and went to work redesigning and converting it. The team had to strengthen and reinforce the hull to handle the stresses from the front foils. At the stern of the boat they designed  protruding half-wings that would help lift the boat onto those front SP foils as it accelerated.

80kW motor mounted to stern drive unit 

That gives the 8.9 m • 29 ft boat a cruising speed of about 20 kts • 37 km/h and maximum speed of 36 kts • 66km/h. As for range, the Molniya can go for 135 Nautical miles at 5 kts, 17 Nm at 25 kts and 20 Nm at the top speed. 

For the battery, they have taken stock lithium-ion cells and developed the modules themselves. The size is 160kW and there are some creative and useful ideas incorporated into the charging and battery management systems. One is the ability to connect a warning system to a GPS route so if you are driving at a speed that is taking yo u beyond range of getting back to shore the motor will automatically slow down. When you do get back, a full 0-100% charge takes 3.5 hours and you can check status through SMS.

One of the intriguing things about the Molniya is that all of the electric boat technology has been incorporated into a striking overall retro look. The dashboard looks like it might have been taken from a 1950s luxury car catalogue, but of course the actual meters are all digital. The interior of the entire boat harkens back to an earlier day, appearing ready to whisk 6 passengers off to a swing era supper club.

From prototype to production

Having built and tested the prototype from an existing hull, the goal of Markov and the team is to move to production mode and use the materials he always envisioned in his dream boat. While the aluminum and fibreglass of the original have been useful for testing, speed and range will benefit from materials like much lighter carbon-kevlar.

The adapted stern drive was useful for proving the hydrofoiling electric boat concept, but all of the designers and engineers are keen to see the improved efficiency they will get from a motor, drive and battery system they have designed from scratch for the Molniya. As for the foils themselves, the production model will use lighter, thinner composites instead of stainless steel.

Obviously the spring and summer of 2020 has not provided the best opportunities to introduce the prototype at boat shows and stir up interest with consumers, the trade or investors. It seems, though that the Molniya is the type of boat that should appeal to peopl looking for the same thing Artem wanted for himself: a classic motor boat experience but one that is quiet, odour free…and smooth sailing.

You can find out more on the Molniya website, lightning-foil.com .

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ZEN Yachts sells its first ZEN50 electric catamaran featuring solar roof, automated wingsail, and plans for Starlink internet

Infant electric boat manufacturer, ZEN Yachts, has announced its first US order for its flagship ZEN50 solar electric catamaran . The zero-emission sailing yacht is currently under construction in Europe and will arrive with some pretty luxurious features including two kitchens, a high-tech fully-automated wingsail, and Starlink internet from SpaceX.

ZEN Yachts is short for “Zero Emission Nautic Ltd. – an ocean-friendly boat manufacturer founded in 2021 and incorporated in Malta. To help propel the popularity of zero-emission yachts both on and off the water, the company has combined wind sailing with electric propulsion.

That begins with the ZEN50, the company’s recently announced 50+ foot solar electric catamaran currently being built near Barcelona, Spain. The 12-passenger electric yacht features 2 x 40kW brushless DC motors, powered by a 160 kWh lithium battery pack.

The main pack is supported by an entire rooftop of solar panels, offering a peak power of 16 kW, allowing the ZEN50 to cruise at 4.5-5 knots using the power of the sun alone. The electric propulsion system is backed by an Oceanswings OWS 3.2 wingsail by Ayro , making the ZEN yacht the first series production leisure craft to feature this fully-automated wingsail technology.

With its first catamaran hull on the way, ZEN Yachts has announced its first customer, and they should be sailing in the US soon.

First ZEN Yachts customer should be sailing in early 2023

According to the press release announcing ZEN Yacht’s first sale, the ZEN50 was designed from scratch with a slew of unique technology. For instance, the full-carbon catamaran is lightweight enough that, combined with its 1:1 solar power versus displacement ratio (16 kW / 16 tons), it is completely energy self-sufficient.

Award-winning naval architect Julien Mélot, who designed the ZEN50, elaborated on what the company means when it describes the vessel as a no compromise zero-emission catamaran :

The majority of solar catamarans currently on the market are equipped with a large generator, making them de facto hybrid diesel-solar-electric boats. They offer great speeds in a variety of conditions but are less eco-friendly than true zero-emission vessels. We wanted the ZEN to be a true solar boat, that’s why the first unit in construction is not equipped with any generator and will not carry a single drop of fossil fuel onboard (indeed even the tender is electric and recharged by the mother vessel).

In addition to providing endless energy for at sea voyages, ZEN Yachts explains that the ZEN50 can also be equipped with other zero-emission tech such as a dive compressor, e-foil, electric jet board, or even an electric water maker.

Inside one of the boat’s multiple hulls, the captain and their passengers will be able to relax in two large day beds, three dining areas, multiple ensuite cabins, and a saloon. To stay in touch during long, energy self-reliant trips at sea, the electric yacht maker is also hoping to eventually include satellite internet from SpaceX’s Starlink … emphasis on eventually. Here’s an official statement from ZEN Yachts:

Our first Client wants Starlink installed on his yacht. Based on announcements by SpaceX, this tech will become available for RV and marine applications. Therefore, we will install it on the ZEN50 of our first client (and likely others) when it becomes available. As the first ZEN50 is only due for sea trials in Spring ’23 and Transatlantic crossing later that year or the following, there’s hope on ZEN Yachts’ side that Starlink for marine applications will be available by then.

Traveling on electric propulsion alone might be tough at sea, even with the solar backup. That’s where the OceanWing wingsail comes in. Combined with the e-motor, the ZEN50 can reach a max speed of 14 knots (~16 mph). For continuous cruising, the wingsail and solar panels combine to deliver 6-10 knots of speed (7-11.5 mph). All three technologies combine in the ZEN50 yacht to deliver over 180 nautical miles of range over a 24-hour span.

As you may have noticed from the images above, our only glimpse of the ZEN50 so far is company renderings. Zen Yachts said it expects to complete and deliver the first solar electric sailing yacht early next year. As soon as the first hull leaves the mold, the company is building a second one.

Additionally, Zen Yachts is opening a showroom in Barcelona’s Marina Vela, set to open in April of 2022. Perhaps we can get out there for a visit, although it might be easier to wait for the ZEN50 to arrive to that customer in the US… whoever that might be.

Lastly, the company said it is still calculating the overall carbon footprint of producing the ZEN50 and will make that information public when it’s totaled. Regardless, Zen Yachts has already committed to reaching a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030.

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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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Football Season Is Here: The 7 Best Stadiums for ‘Sailgating’ Around the U.S.

Who needs a crowded parking lot when you have a marina right beside your stadium here are seven great sailgating venues for your favorite nfl or college team., jaclyn trop, jaclyn trop's most recent stories.

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In 1962, University of Tennessee sportscaster George Mooney had an idea.

Tired of sitting in gridlock on game days, the Knoxville resident jumped on a ski boat, sailed the Tennessee River to Neyland Stadium, tied the boat to a tree, and walked to the stadium. Mooney’s problem-solving skills unwittingly birthed a beloved game-day tradition: sailgating.

As a close cousin of tailgating, the pre-game parking lot party where fans feast on barbecue and drink beer in fellowship, sailgating entails the same revelry but on a boat, boasting many conveniences.

Now the flotilla of boats on the Tennessee River has become a football season fixture. Named the Vol Navy–a nod to Tennessee’s sports teams’ mascot, the Volunteers, as well as to the “Volunteer State” nickname Tennessee picked up during the War of 1812, thanks to its volunteer soldiers.

“We make margaritas, grill, and watch the pre-game on TV,” says Michael Caudill, a fan from Gallatin, Tennessee, aboard his boat. “The fridge is fully stocked, so there is no running to the store or asking your fellow tailgate neighbor for mustard.”

Other advantages that are less obvious but equally “mission-critical” are having a bathroom on board—“You no longer have to use an outhouse or stadium bathroom,” Caudill adds—and one that Mooney surely appreciated: no post-game traffic.

Fortunately, the tradition is not limited to Tennessee. Plenty of other college and NFL teams play near marinas, too. Here is a roundup of seven stadiums where sailgate culture reigns supreme.

Burnham Harbor – Chicago Bears

Burnham Harbor, a five-minute walk from Soldier Field, welcomes Chicago Bears fans boating across Lake Michigan. As the largest harbor in the city’s network, Burnham boasts 1,126 slips that can accommodate boats ranging in length from 28 feet to 100-plus, as well as a gas dock. This season, the Chicago Bears’s home will enter its second century: Soldier Field, opened in 1924, is the oldest standing NFL stadium in the U.S.

Neyland Stadium – University of Tennessee Volunteers

The Vol Navy Boat Docks, a 12-minute walk from Neyland Stadium, welcome more than 200 boats on University of Tennessee home games. The Vols built a large walkway between the marina and the shoreline to accommodate the volume of fans streaming into the stadium from their boats. As the proud progenitor of the sailgating tradition, the Vol Navy online store sells boat bags, blankets, and floatable keychains.

Acrisure Stadium – Pittsburgh Steelers

Formerly known as Heinz Field, Acrisure Stadium—home to both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the University of Pittsburgh Panthers—sits at the confluence of the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers. Boaters line the North Shore wall outside the stadium to partake in gameday revelry. They can also dock at Washington’s Landing Marina about two miles up the Allegheny. The marina has 165 boat slips and shuttles to and from the games. Boatless fans who still want an experience on the water can take a Gateway Clipper from Station Square.

Inner Harbor Marina – Baltimore Ravens

M&T Bank Stadium sits less than a mile from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, making it easy for Ravens fans to rent out transient boat slips. Inner Harbor Marina has 135 slips for boats up to 300 feet and is adjacent to an entertainment district that includes Maryland Science Center’s planetarium and IMAX theater, as well as many bars and restaurants for post-game revelry.

McLane Stadium – Baylor Bears

Located on the Brazos River, Baylor University’s McLane Stadium provides extraordinary water access for Baylor Bears fans. The river runs through Baylor’s campus to feature a large lagoon just steps from the stadium. Spectators arriving by sailboat, motorboat, or pontoon can rent a boat slip for the season at the Baylor Basin boat dock, or drop anchor in the lagoon on a first-come, first-served basis.

Husky Stadium – University of Washington Huskies

Husky Stadium, home of the University of Washington Huskies, welcomes more than 3,000 fans arriving via Lake Washington on game day. The diehards brave the North Pacific’s late fall chill and sail even on the wet, gray ones. Boats of all sizes—from skiffs to yachts—pack Husky Harbor well before kickoff. Fans on vessels that can’t fit in the marina can drop anchor in the lake and travel to shore via a shuttle-boat service.

Oasis Marina at North Coast Harbor – Cleveland Browns

Oasis Marina, formerly known as the Rock and Dock Marina, on Lake Erie is an eight-minute walk to Huntington Bank Field—formerly known as FirstEnergy Stadium—where the Cleveland Browns play. Slips accommodate boats from 30 to 50 feet, and bookings are available by the hour, or overnight for the real revelers. The marina is also accessible by charter or shuttle boat from Lorain Port Authority. The Browns are mulling plans to decamp from downtown Cleveland, so hop in your boat and catch a game before it’s too late.

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