Silent-Yachts' Silent 60 catamaran launched in Italy
The first unit of the new 60 series, which guarantees over 100 miles of autonomy per day in zero-emission cruising thanks to solar energy, landed in the waters of Fano.
Silent-Yachts, founded by Michael Köhler, launched a solar-electric catamaran for the first time at the Fano shipyard it acquired in spring 2022.
The first vessel launched at the Marche site – the shipyard informs – is a model from the Silent 60 series and is equipped with 42 solar panels for 16 kWp of solar energy that power two 2 x 250 kW electric motors. Thanks to a battery with a capacity of up to 210 kWh, it will be able to sail efficiently and with zero emissions using solar power alone, up to 100 nautical miles a day for weeks.
"We're delighted that our Italian shipyard is performing so well. Acquiring it and developing it in line with our long-term corporate strategy was the right decision," said Michael Köhler, CEO of Silent-Yachts.
The Silent 60 catamaran features four bright guest cabins on the lower deck (different layouts allow for up to six cabins plus a crew cabin), including a spacious owner's suite forward. The onboard social spaces are numerous, including a spacious main salon, the aft cockpit, the inviting bow area, and the flybridge. The headroom is impressive, reaching 2,32 meters in the main salon.
With a draft of less than 1 meter, the Silent 60 can access shallow bays: a crucial aspect for cruising in the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. Two aft platforms can be extended, at the owner's request, to carry two electric jet skis. The hydraulic lifting platform between the two platforms can carry a 4-meter tender.
Designed to go anywhere, the catamaran is a true long-range cruising yacht – the shipyard informs – and has a solar-electric system configured to power all onboard systems without the need for fossil fuels.
"Silent-Yachts catamarans are built to last and are reliable ocean-going models," emphasizes Michael Köhler. "They require virtually no maintenance, especially compared to yachts with traditional combustion engines. Furthermore, the battery and solar panel warranties are 8 and 25 years, respectively."
The Silent 60 has a high-performance hull shape, with a long waterline and a reverse bow; it has a cruising speed of 6-8 knots, but can reach up to 18 knots if necessary with the most powerful engine available (2 x 340 kW); the newly launched Silent 60 is equipped with 2 x 250 kW engines for a top speed of 14 knots.
In 2023, the statement states, several more models in the Silent 60 series will be delivered, including the first three-deck Silent 62. "In Fano, we have five additional production sites covering 22.000 square meters, fully equipped for the construction and outfitting of our boats," Köhler explained. "After an initial start-up and restructuring phase, growth has been exponential. In 2022, we tripled our workforce and invested heavily in infrastructure and machinery."
Also in Fano, Silent-Yachts has established a Research & Development Center for the development of new technologies, with the aim of attracting highly qualified talent to the nautical industry and strengthening its leadership position as a manufacturer of uncompromisingly eco-sustainable luxury yachts. The shipyard has developed a strong network of suppliers and contractors, with a particular focus on collaborations with local companies. Since December 2022, it has also been affiliated with Confindustria.
Silent-Yachts also informs that from this month it has also started production of the new Silent Tender series in Fano.
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