Solar catamaran builder SILENT-YACHTS is marking the logical evolution of boating and global explorer yachting with its new superyacht, the SILENT 120 Explorer. The new project, which features powerful styling and interior design by Marco Casali, also offers owners the chance to make the most of their adventure cruising itineraries with space for two of the latest must-have toys for remote voyaging – an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for heli-cruising and a NEMO submarine for underwater discovery.
For a yacht of less than 37 metres to offer such extraordinary interior comfort and also space for such an impressive array of tenders is in itself remarkable, but the fact that the SILENT 120 Explorer offers this powered largely by harvesting solar energy makes the 120 truly groundbreaking in superyachting.
The 36.74-metre SILENT 120, the first of which is currently in build and due for launch in 2024, features a 13.85-metre beam and an astonishing volume of 499 gross tonnes to offer extended cruising at 6-8 knots in economical mode, or up to 16 knots at full power. The supercat also heralds the next step in solar-powered cruising, with 40kWp (kilowatt-peak) panels providing enough energy to cover the yacht’s hotel loads (thanks in part to detailed and highly efficient systems design) as well as offering significant fossil-free cruising autonomy, with carefully selected range-extender generators in addition to the 800kW lithium-ion batteries driving highly efficient 340kW e-motors, giving unlimited-miles cruising potential.
The U-Boat Worx NEMO submarine offers diving to 100 metre depths for two people in an all-electric package whose footprint is smaller than two jet-skis. The NEMO features the trademark acrylic pressure globe that gives pilot and passenger a breathtaking view of the depths, while the Manta control interface is both easy to learn and easy to operate.
Offering up to eight hours of autonomy, speeds underwater of up to 3 knots and positive buoyancy for automatic resurfacing in the unlikely event of an issue, the NEMO really does open up new frontiers for exploration, further made possible by the capabilities of the mother ship. The SILENT 120’s exceptional volume and deck space means owners will have two options for carrying their submarine – either in the port hull’s tender garage or on the main deck next to the pool.