Since superyachts and superyacht watertoys are going electric, why can’t more of their toys, too? The solar-powered Silent 120 Explorer yacht can have an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft instead of a traditional helicopter. It’s also offering an all-electric two-person submarine.
Silent Yachts, which acquired an Italian shipyard last year, already has hull number one of the Silent 120 Explorer series in build for launch next year. With styling and interior design by Marco Casali, it’s a catamaran series bearing a 45-foot (nearly 14-meter) beam and coming in at 400 gross tons. It’s remarkable volume for a yacht in the 120-foot (37-meter) size range. Silent Yachts says the solar panels are rated for 40 kWp (kilowatt peak power output), meaning the maximum power that they produce under ideal conditions on a sunny day. Silent Yachts adds that this is enough to cover the hotel loads, plus all-electric cruising at times. Range-extending gensets combine with the 800-kW batteries to drive the 349-kW e-motors for propulsion, too.
Since it’s prioritizing electric operations, Silent Yachts believes its customers will appreciate having electric toys. The significant deck and stowage space of the catamaran design allows both the eVTOL aircraft and sub to stay aboard. The aircraft, currently in development from British company VRCO, seats four. It will land on the yacht’s dedicated landing pad, visible when the solar panels slide apart and outboard. VRCO will customize it to complement the Silent 120 explorer yacht’s interiors, too. Additionally, the aircraft will be able to recharge directly onboard. Notably, it will be able to feed the yacht’s battery banks if needed as well.
The sub, meanwhile, is a U-Boat Worx NEMO model, taking two people 328 feet (100 meters) beneath the surface. It includes the hallmark features of the company’s subs, including the acrylic pressure globe for extraordinary views. It also offers eight hours of underwater exploration and travel up to 3 knots. As for stowing, the sub can go in either the tender garage or on the main deck, adjacent to the pool.
“The trend is for bigger yachts and more luxury, more comfort, more watertoys, and more possibilities,” says Michael Köhler, Silent Yachts’ founder and CEO. “In the SILENT 120 Explorer we designed a boat that is bigger in volume although not in length, and bigger gives the opportunity to store more of these toys.
Marco Casali Too Design marcocasali.com
Silent Yachts silent-yachts.com
More About the Silent 120 Explorer Yacht
LOA: 120’5” (36.74 meters)
Beam: 45’4” (13.85 meters)
Draft: 6’6” (2 meters)
Guests: 12 guests in 6 staterooms
Engines: 2/340-kW electric motors
Range: not available
Builder: Silent Yachts
Stylist: Marco Casali Too Design
Naval Architect: Builder
Interior Designer: Marco Casali Too Design
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