Yacht Sundance Shows Off Silent Yachts’ Commitment to Solar-Electric Catamarans

Promising nearly emission-free cruising and quiet operations, the yacht Sundance splashed this week at Silent Yachts’ shipyard in Italy. She’s also 80 feet of ample accommodations for a large owner’s party, with far more space than comparable monohulls.

Sundance belongs to the SY80 series, which is the flagship of Silent Yachts’ electric catamaran range. Constructed on a semi-custom basis, this 80-footer (24.38-meter) benefits from the efficiency of twin-hulled performance. Solar panels cover the hardtop, with a peak output of 22.4 kWp. They charge a 522-kWh lithium battery bank, which in turn powers twin 180-kWh electric motors. According to Silent Yachts, this should permit a top speed of 12 knots and a cruising speed around 7 to 8 knots.

yacht Sundance SY 80 launch — PHOTO: Guerrieri Visuals

These benefits come wrapped in sporty styling from Marco Casali. Catamaran design is increasingly reflecting the trends long present in monohull design, so familiar features like plumb bows, large swaths of windows, and a sloping transom all catch the eye. Between the beamy nature of the catamaran and the inclusion of walkaround side decks, guests and crew should be able to move around with ease.

Speaking of decks, the owner of the yacht Sundance preferred the two-deck version of the SY80 over the three-deck options. (Both 3-Deck Open and 3-Deck Closed configurations are available.) Still, there’s abundant space for entertaining and enjoying cruising. The full party of eight people have an open-plan saloon occupying the majority of the main deck. Although the owner could have opted for his stateroom on the main deck, too, it’s below with the three VIP staterooms. In its place on the main deck is a helm, letting guests learn a little about navigation from the captain while en route to a destination if they so wish.

Since the upper deck is open to the fresh air, it’s the perfect spot for sunbeds. Extra lounging and relaxing areas are here as well, while yet another seating and dining area is on the foredeck.

Finally, the owner of the yacht Sundance can stow some fun watertoys in each of the two hulls. The aft portion of the port-side hull contains a garage, concealed by the stairs from the main deck. Any of the four crewmembers can simply lift the steps to access it. The opposite hull additionally can hold small watertoys or dive gear.

Sea trials for Sundance are coming soon. So is her global debut. She’ll introduce the SY80 series to showgoers at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September. Showgoers can further learn about the two trideck versions of the SY80 series under contract. Plus, interested customers can get details about the available higher-kilowatt-hour engines and more powerful battery bank, depending on their cruising needs.

Marco Casali – Too Design marcocasali.com

Silent Yachts silent-yachts.com