This Silver Yachts 26-Meter Catamaran Is for Fast, Far-Flung Voyaging

Metal plate cutting and therefore the first stages of construction are a few weeks away for a fascinating custom superyacht. Her name is confidential for now, but the details behind the Silver Yachts 26-meter catamaran will turn heads before she ever hits the water.

Silver Yachts itself has established an unusual reputation. It’s earned renown for all-aluminum superyachts like Silver Edge, Bold (below), and Silver Fast, each long, lean, and swift. Silver Yachts additionally established the SilverCat catamaran series several years ago. Between their aluminum construction and sizes into the mid-superyacht realm, the catamarans addressed a niche that other builders weren’t. This experience attracted the attention of clients seeking a multihull for extended voyages. “This is a genuine explorer,” according to Jason Ker, the founder of Ker Yacht Design and responsible for the 85-footer’s (26-meter’s) concept and naval architecture. He notes that they’re “experienced owners intending to cruise extensively and spend long periods away from normal support.”

Further taking care of styling, the general arrangement, and structural engineering, Ker has penned some highly specialized features. For instance, the twin hulls are wave-piercers. Briefly, a wave-piercer incorporates an extended, tapered section at the bow. It gradually widens as it flows back toward the yacht’s mid-section. It’s called a wave-piercer because it penetrates—basically, pierces—the water, sitting on it versus in it. The benefits include a more comfortable ride, helping reduce pitching especially in rougher seas, and better fuel consumption. Furthermore, the Silver Yachts 26-meter catamaran incorporates a lifting foil. A lifting foil is similar to a lifting wing, raising the yacht from the water. This in turn reduces drag and boosts higher-speed efficiency.

Bold is among the megayachts making their American debuts at Superyacht Miami 2020 — PHOTO: Guillaume Plisson

Higher speeds are certainly on the owners’ minds. The Silver Yachts 26-meter catamaran should be capable of 25 knots, seeing a 2,000-nautical-mile range at that speed, too. When the owners aren’t focused on covering distances so swiftly, they should still see significant range. Silver Yachts expects 4,000 nautical miles at 11 knots.

Because this small but beamy superyacht will support family travels around the world, she’ll be a home away from home. Mark Tucker, Design Unlimited’s creative director, has been planning everything with the owners and Ker. Other than the saloon and galley image below, specifics on the general arrangement and décor aren’t yet available. Regardless, Tucker says that the ultimate goal is “supporting both everyday life onboard and the freedom to explore some of the world’s most remarkable destinations.” Ker agrees, adding that with a drive-in and lifting tender dock, the yacht has “an unusual combination of range, speed and practical capability.”

Construction is taking place at Silver Yachts’ Jiangmen shipyard in China. The owners should take delivery in 2028.

Design Unlimited designunlimited.net

Ker Yacht Design kerdesign.com

Silver Yachts silveryachts.com