Sunny outlook

Silent-Yachts, Austria-based producer of oceangoing solar-powered catamarans, is making a big leap in size introducing its largest model to date. The Silent 79 is now under construction at a shipyard in Marotta, near the Italian shipbuilding capital Ancona. Three units are under construction, two have already been sold, and the first unit is to be launched in 2020.

Michael Köhler, Silent-Yachts Founder and CEO, has created the Silent 79 concept, while Enrique Castilla of Insenaval is responsible for naval architecture. Marco Casali of Too Design was commissioned to design the exterior and interior of the new yacht.

“I think, solar-electric boats are the future that is why I immediately agreed to work with Michael Köhler on his exciting venture,” said designer Marco Casali.

“Solar power is about square metres, so we need to dedicate as much surface to the solar panels as possible, while keeping the overall balance in shape. In my opinion, we managed that with the Silent 79. What I tried to achieve is an interesting Italian design, sophisticated and refined. This is a nice-looking yacht that meets efficiency.”