SY80 Yacht, Silent Yachts’ Flagship Electric Catamaran, Coming Soon

The largest build so far from Silent Yachts is nearing launch. Hull number one in the SY80 yacht series, a solar electric catamaran, pledges nearly zero-emission cruising.

Silent Yachts initially announced the series as its flagship in 2019. The 80-footer (24.38-meter) attracted a few buyers for several reasons. Firstly, the styling, from Marco Casali, is sporty and modern without being too trendy. There’s also a good mix of enclosed and fully alfresco areas, plus walkaround side decks. The catamaran’s beamy stance is a big benefit, too, just shy of 36 feet (11 meters). Catamarans have been catching on due to their better seakeeping and comfort as well.

Silent Yachts SY80 yacht 3 decks fly bridge

What Silent Yachts does differently, of course, is build all of its models as electric-powered craft. In conjunction with solar panels across the hardtop feeding a 522-kWh lithium battery bank, twin 180-kWh electric motors should permit a top speed of 12 knots. Cruising speed, meanwhile, is around 7 to 8 knots. Optional engine choices include ones to 340 kWh. Similarly, a 696-kWh battery bank is available. Although Silent Yachts hasn’t revealed the best range for the SY80 yacht series, it does offer twin 145-kWh diesel range extenders.

Constructed at Silent Yachts’ shipyard in Fano, Italy, the SY80 yacht series is semi-custom. “We can accommodate a very high number of different configurations,” notes Fabrizio Iarrera, the CEO. The configurations extend throughout each deck as well, down to capacity for watertoys and other accessories in the aft hulls. For example, some buyers may want space for kayaks or Seabobs, while another may want to take along dive gear and bicycles. As for staterooms, the SY80 yacht series’ standard layout features four for owners and guests, along with two crew cabins. However, the builder says up to six staterooms can be aboard. This includes a main-deck master suite, rather than an entire main deck devoted to an open-plan saloon, including the helm. Whatever the choice, Marco Casali collaborates with customers.

Under new ownership for stronger financial footing since last year, Silent Yachts intends to exhibit the yacht at the upcoming Cannes Yachting Festival. In the meantime, the shipyard continues construction on different versions of the SY80. In fact, a few under contract feature three decks (below), with the top deck further open, as a flying bridge, or enclosed, as an extra lounge.

Marco Casali – Too Design marcocasali.com

Silent Yachts silent-yachts.com