First Silent 60 solar electric cat with kite wing launched

Silent-Yachts launched its new Silent 60 solar electric catamaran at its production facility in Thailand recently. This was the first unit of the model, with eight more hulls currently under construction and 17 ordered in total. The Silent 60 was built with a kite wing – a special system that, in contrast to conventional sailing yachts, does not require a big mast to hoist the kite. It also generates much more power per square meter than a conventional sail.

“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.”

The compact kite wing from Wingit generates up to 10 times more power per square meter than a conventional sail. A dedicated box in the bow area of the Silent 60 contains the kite (the sail is 13sq m) including all its components (winches, mast, ropes, etc). Here the entire system is also stored, when not in use. The Silent 60 also has a new high-performance hull form that is optimised 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.

Source: IBI News