The 143-foot (43.63-meter) Silver Wind may be part of the ISA 140 series from ISA Yachts, but as such, she’s no ordinary semi-custom megayacht. For one, the composite series was conceived to offer hybrid propulsion to fuel-minded buyers—five years ago, at that. Second, the owner of Silver Wind didn’t just have input into the decor and general arrangement. He was instrumental in ensuring the yacht has arguably one of the highest-tech helms around, employing augmented reality.
In customary diesel-propulsion mode, Silver Wind reportedly sees a 32-knot max speed and 26-knot cruise. Power comes from twin MTUs coupled to Rolls-Royce KaMeWa waterjets. While she has 132- and 302-kW gensets that can handle the hotel load when the diesels are engaged, instead the two 125-kW shaft gensets from the hybrid system do the trick. This preserves the more powerful gensets, reducing maintenance. Switched over to her electric motors, Silver Wind reportedly runs at 8 knots, consuming just shy of 24 gph (90 lph). That allows a 2,600-nautical-mile range, or a fuel burn of 2.9 gallons per nautical mile (11 liters per nautical mile).
While many semi-custom megayacht owners concentrate their efforts on the guest areas as part of their desire to heighten everyone’s experience, the owner of Silver Wind put a lot of effort into the wheelhouse. He tapped Team Italia, which outfits megayachts and maxi yachts, to collaborate with ISA Yachts’ technical office. Team Italia installed a version of I-Bridge, its touch-screen setup, further integrating the Transas T-Bridge, yet another helm application. T-Bridge pulls data from radar, sonar, digital charts, and the like into one of the five screens here at the helm. T-Bridge additionally enhances the data via augmented reality. In other words, computer-generated data regarding the conditions and surroundings supplements the real data. Silver Wind’s captain therefore has a far better understanding of the scenario in, say, a crowded harbor or poor visibility.
The owner, and guests aboard Silver Wind, can access the cruising data (though not the augmented information) via iPads throughout the yacht. Those same tablets let them adjust lighting, music or the television, and more. Because the owner is particularly sensitive to sound, small microphones mounted over the master bed are part of a sophisticated noise-cancelling arrangement. ISA Yachts says it reduces sounds by about seven to nine decibels. To put this into perspective, since decibels are measured on a logarithmic scale, even a five-decibel reduction is noticeable. Furthermore, 10 decibels equates to something being twice as loud.
For an even more soothing experience, the master suite has private access to this spa. A massage table and hidden hair-washing sink are in here. Look toward the right side of the photo, and you’ll see the corner of a teak-lined, fold-down platform. Imagine the experience in the spa when Silver Wind is at anchor and the platform is deployed.
The VIP stateroom features the same noise-cancelling system as the master, also above the bed. Given the gold leaf that flows from behind the bed and up over it, though, no one will notice the microphones. The gold leafing is painted with a birds and trees motif, too. The use of canaletto walnut complemented by high-gloss ebony accents, plus stingray leather and fabrics from Hermes and Armani Casa create a stylish, serene environment.
That same sense of serenity can be enjoyed by all guests at the formal dining area, aft on the main deck. When the doors to the outside are kept open, the room feels more airy.
Silver Wind is a good example of how ISA Yachts has stayed true to its performance roots, yet is sensitive to increasing concerns over fuel burn. The yacht also shows how together, owners and builders can simultaneously enhance the guests’ onboard experience and that of the crew.
EXTRA PHOTOS: see a 12-photo gallery of Silver Wind on the Megayacht News app, available in the App Store and Google Play
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