For luxury yacht owners, switching to solar power isn't about saving money on electricity costs. It's about silencing a noisy generator that threatens the tranquility of a cruise off the coast of Saint-Tropez.
That's why the Ned Ship Group and STR Europe have partnered on plans to build a pair of extremely luxurious multihulls that combine solar cells with either electric or hybrid powerplants. A 65-foot catamaran can be used as either a private yacht or well-appointed ferry, while a 131-foot trimaran will feature a pool and several entertainment areas.
The ships were designed to use as little energy necessary to power every creature comfort and safety feature that yacht owners have come to expect. That means its possible for the catamaran to cruise up to six hours a day at a top speed of ten knots using only electric propulsion. Outfitted as a hybrid, it can cruise at up to 18 knots. In hybrid form, the trimaran has an extended range of up to 4,000 nautical miles at 25 knots, while under electric power it's capable of six hours of travel a day at ten knots.
According to the company, the setup ensures that the yachts themselves are "free from vibrations, noises and engine smells."
"You can seriously imagine sitting at anchor in complete silence with no generator running, no noise, no diesel fumes or smell," the company said in a statement. "It is real, and it is now fully available to a distinguished owner."
The plans for both yachts call for extensive use of lightweight materials, though no expense will be spared in meeting owners' demands for plush interiors -- as long as all those demands don't require too much electricity to operate.
Outfitted as a yacht, the catamaran will feature a kitchen, large living area and owner's suite in addition to four luxury suites each with en-suite bathrooms. A flying bridge is hidden beneath the solar panels and can be hydraulically lifted when desired. As a shuttle, more room is dedicated to passenger space, like a first-class cabin on an airliner.
The trimaran is built on a unique wide beam design, and can feature several entertainment areas and a retractable pool on the aft deck. Sure, it seems decadent, but relax -- it's solar powered.
Images: Ned Ship Group
