Silent-Yachts is proud to introduce the Silent 55 at her world debut at the 2018 Cannes
Yachting Festival (September 11-16, 2018). The Silent 55 is the first and only oceangoing solar-electric production catamaran in the world. The yacht uses silent electric propulsion for unlimited range with no noise or fumes and minimal vibration, she is self-sufficient and virtually maintenance-free. The Silent 55 is available in several power configurations to suit a variety of cruising applications. All of them stick to the Silent-Yachts philosophy of relying chiefly on solar power for propulsion and onboard power needs.
The Silent 55 that was on display in Cannes is an “E-Power” version with 2 x 135 kW motors and can reach up to 14 knots. The model can be equipped as a “Cruiser” version, with a pair of 30 kW motors or a “Hybrid Power” version with 2 x 220 hp diesel engines and two 14 kW electric motors. A “Sailor” version can be equipped with all the previously mentioned drivetrain configurations and is rigged with a mast and
sails to provide additional propulsion in fair winds.
With 30 high-efficiency solar panels rated for approximately 10 kilowatt-peak, the Silent 55 uses maximum power point tracking (MPPT) solar charge regulators and lithium batteries, which provide capacity for all-night cruising, while a 15-kVA inverter provides power for all household appliances. The systems require hardly any maintenance and produce no fumes or noise. Because of that, the operational costs of the vessels are substantially lower compared to power yachts using more traditional propulsion systems. Michael Köhler, Silent-Yachts' CEO, said “What this represents to the yachtsman, among other features, is the ability to cruise for many hours at normal speed and throughout the entire day and evening at reduced speed. Silent-Yachts sets the standard for an entirely new dynamic in yachting: No fuel. No maintenance. Pure solar-powered luxury.”
The Silent 55 is available in five different layouts ranging from three to six staterooms with three or four heads. A full-width central owner’s stateroom is the centerpiece in three of the layouts, with guest staterooms located in port and starboard hulls. All staterooms offer double or twin berths, and all heads include a separate shower. Other layouts are available on request. In all configurations, careful attention has been paid to onboard ergonomics. The staterooms, heads and saloon on the Silent 55 are all created to welcome every person into spaces that are adapted to human size and create a comfortable environment for living, even for extended cruising. Large portlights and flush deck hatches admit natural light.
On the Silent 55, the interior layout is centered on a shared onboard space, a huge 40m² combination of saloon, helm and galley, with enough space for the crew to gather. The skipper will never be lonely at the lower helm as plenty of companion seating and an aft galley will keep the crew around. Three of the layouts feature a forward owner stateroom that capitalizes on the 8.46-meter beam of the yacht for a spacious layout with a walkaround double berth. Other accommodation plans optimize the space with additional staterooms as Silent-Yachts uses a modular construction and efficient design methods that allow additional layouts at reasonable prices.
With wide side decks for safety moving fore and aft, the Silent 55 has a spacious cockpit sheltered by a large hardtop overhang, and enormous open foredeck space. In addition, the flying bridge promises to allow helmsman and guests to enjoy time together underway with superior lines of sight all around the boat. The Silent 55 is equipped with the company’s aeration system, which provides cool and fresh air to all accommodations, heads, and in the saloon. The air-flow in each space is individually adjustable and can be used when the weather conditions require the windows to be closed. In addition, a reverse-cycle heat-pump system can be used to heat the interior when necessary, ensuring all-season comfort. The insulated hull ensures efficient achievement of desired onboard temperatures.
The Silent 55 is built using vacuum-bagged resin infusion to create a lightweight glass-sandwich composite construction that has sound- and temperature-insulating qualities. The hull is reinforced with carbon fiber at stress points, and uses vinylester resin to prevent osmotic blistering.
The Silent 55 hull shape was designed using extensive tank testing for optimal efficiency. The molds were then created using CNC milling for true replication of the refined, enhanced shape in the tooling. The Silent 55 has a shape both above and below the waterline that is designed to slip through the wind and waves with minimal resistance. Designed with sealed deck sections and collision compartments for safety, the Silent 55 uses watertight bulkheads and integrated interior furniture to create a torsion-resistant hull structure.
The electrical system can allow such features as a powered aft swim platform, a 1,500-watt electric windlass, and other features yachtsmen have come to expect on world-class oceangoing cruising yachts. Because the Silent 55 is designed to range everywhere as a true ocean-going cruising yacht that is selfsufficient, she is equipped to keep her crew happy and comfortable for virtually any voyage.
It starts with the benefits of the propulsion system. The Silent 55 can cruise efficiently for up to 100 miles a day for weeks. At the same time, the arrangement of the components enables the system to power all onboard systems without need of fuel to power a generator. Because of her revolutionary design, the Silent 55 travels just with the sound of the wind, and the water streaming past the hull, with no smoke, noise, or vibration of engines.
“The generator is only used to recharge the batteries in the rare case when higher speed is required for longer periods of time or if the weather is bad for several days,” Köhler says. In addition to the ergonomics of the living spaces, the Silent 55 - thanks to her advanced conveniences -offers a comfort level that sparks peace of mind. A water-maker powered by the solar-electric system, produces enough water to supply a full six stateroom company with reasonable rate of consumption.
On the Silent 55, all onboard appliances operate on the 220/110-volt system, to which her crew might be used to from their homes. The galley has refrigerator and freezer space to sustain the crew and an efficient induction cooktop, precluding the need for carrying propane. “Under normal, average holiday conditions, the boat is self-sufficient with unlimited range without burning fuel,” Köhler says. But perhaps even more importantly, the time under way is spent enjoying the sounds of wind and water, with no fumes or vibration, with no noise but the laughter of friends and family.
Northrop & Johnson has listed the newly delivered 28.63-meter Sunreef Power catamaran Petite Belle for sale. Broker Gabriele Modica Ragusa represents the fifth hull in this series, which features numerous upgrades from standard specifications.The catamaran's 13.5-meter beam accommodates 10 guests across five ensuite cabins. The main saloon features panoramic glazing that opens to the aft cockpit, integrating interior and exterior social spaces. Outdoor areas include forward lounges, a beach club platform, and an expansive flybridge with hot tub, dining area, and bar.Petite Belle incorporates 13kWp of solar panels integrated into the superstructure and hardtop, supporting silent night operation through battery power. The yacht meets European and U.S. compliance standards including Malta Sea Area A1+A2+A3 certification (sCYC 2024).Additional features include a full AV system with DJ connectivity, 20 underwater lights, security cameras, and custom bar installations. The vessel carries a Williams SportJet 625 tender and two jet skis.Construction was supervised by independent surveyors at Sunreef's Gdansk facility. The catamaran enters the brokerage market immediately following delivery, offering availability without construction wait times. Northrop & Johnson will coordinate viewings and sea trials for prospective buyers.Sunreef Yachts was founded by Francis Lapp in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland. Since then, the shipyard has been designing and manufacturing luxury sailing and power multihulls. Credits: Sunreef Yachts
August 28, 2025
Italian yacht builder Lomac Milano has named fashion designer Alessandro Martorana as Creative Director of its Lomac Atelier division. The appointment coincides with the world premiere of the GranTurismo 12.5 AMare limited edition model at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival.Martorana's collaboration with Lomac represents the first product from the newly established Lomac Atelier, a service dedicated to fully customized yacht configurations. The GranTurismo 12.5 AMare features customized colors, bespoke upholstery, sartorial stitching, and matching engine livery. The design emphasizes individualized styling while maintaining the performance characteristics of the base model.The limited edition model is powered by twin Yamaha XTO 450hp outboard engines, maintaining the standard powertrain configuration of the production version. Lomac will display two additional models at Cannes: the GranTurismo 12.0 with triple 300hp Mercury engines and the flagship GranTurismo 14.0 X with triple Yamaha 450hp engines capable of 60-knot speeds.Alessandro Martorana stated: "The boat is the new 'must' for the elegant man. Together with Lomac, we aim to create unique pieces that reflect the personality of their owners, just like a bespoke suit."The Lomac Atelier service launched earlier this year at the Düsseldorf boat show, focusing on complete customization of the company's GranTurismo maxi-RIB series. The Cannes presentation marks the first physical realization of the program, with the AMare edition serving as demonstrator of the customization options available.Lomac's participation in the Cannes Yachting Festival includes three models from its production range, with the Martorana-designed limited edition representing the company's emphasis on personalized yacht design. Lomac was founded in the early 1960s in Milan. Today it is led by Paolo and Fabrizio Lo Manto, the third generation of the family, and offers a production that includes seven different series for 58 models, the result of the union of the highest technologies with careful craftsmanship. Lomac also produces and markets a wide range of original accessories to better customize your boat, and maintenance products created specifically for its models.Credits: Lomac
August 28, 2025
Italian yacht builder Benetti will showcase its complete fiberglass series at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 9-14, 2025. The display will include the world premiere of the Class 44M model Juno's 7 and an exclusive preview of an undisclosed new model.The Class 44M represents the flagship of Benetti's fiberglass range, measuring 44 meters with exterior and interior design by Cassetta Yacht Designers. The yacht incorporates antique elm wood flooring and mineral resin surfaces with stone powder accents. Design features include extensive glazing and a hull form optimized for long-range cruising.Alongside the Class 44M, Benetti will exhibit three additional fiberglass models:Motopanfilo 37M Angel featuring exterior design by Francesco Struglia with a "Bronze Ribbon" design element connecting hull and superstructureOasis 40M CADA Día with customized configuration including master cabin on upper deckOasis 34M A+ utilizing the Oasis Deck® design with 76 m² stern platformThe Oasis 40M display unit represents the twentieth hull in this series, with exterior design by RWD and interiors by Bonetti & Kozerski. The model emphasizes social spaces and connection to marine environments through its layout and design features.Benetti's participation demonstrates the shipyard's continued development of its fiberglass product lines, which range from 34 to 44 meters in length. The company emphasizes customizable interior configurations across all models while maintaining standardized hull forms and engineering systems.The Cannes presentation follows Benetti's strategy of introducing new models at major European boat shows. The company maintains production facilities in Viareggio and Livorno for its fiberglass and steel/aluminum yacht divisions respectively.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Benetti
August 28, 2025
Italian yacht builder Dolomia Yachts has introduced its inaugural power catamaran range, developed in partnership with design firm Centrostiledesign. The initial models include the 22-meter D100 and smaller D70, designed to provide monohull-equivalent volume with reduced hydrodynamic resistance.The D100 model offers approximately 300 square meters of interior space, comparable to 30-meter monohull yachts. Configurations include four-cabin layouts with full-beam master suite or five-cabin charter arrangements with crew accommodations. The design incorporates 66 square meters of solar panels generating 15kWp of power.Construction utilizes non-toxic resins, FSC-certified wood, and renewable cork materials. Propulsion options include Volvo diesel engines with IPS or straight-shaft transmission, alongside hybrid and fully electric system alternatives. The yacht features photovoltaic panels and semi-solid-state battery technology.Design elements comprise a flybridge with active spoiler, retractable tender garage for 5-meter watercraft, and 18-square-meter beach club area. The company emphasizes reduced fuel consumption and environmental impact through hull design and sustainable technologies.Dolomia Yachts founder Alessandro Righi stated the company is "very close to achieving the highest technological quality" while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Construction of the first D100 unit is underway with scheduled delivery for 2027, while development continues on the smaller D70 model.The company has established partnerships with four Italian marine suppliers and contracted NSS Charter for yacht management services, including luxury charter operations in Sardinia's Costa Smeralda region. The yachts will be constructed in facilities utilizing established Italian shipbuilding expertise.Credits: Dolomia Yachts
August 27, 2025
Italian marine engineering company West Navaltech has launched Forte Yachts, a new yacht brand focused on aluminum vessel construction. The debut model, the Forte 47, is currently in development at the company's Ameglia facility near La Spezia.West Navaltech operates from a 1,300-square-meter covered production area with 1,800 square meters of hard standing. The company has previously specialized in constructing steel and aluminum workboats ranging from 14 to 50 meters, including fire department vessels, electric catamarans, and tugboats. The company also supplies aluminum components to shipyards in the Miglio Blu district.Livio Franchini, Technical Manager and partner at West Navaltech, stated: "The creation of Forte Yachts marks a strategic expansion. We wanted to separate our workboat production from our leisure brand, keeping both worlds independent but complementary."The Forte 47 measures 14.3 meters in length with aluminum construction emphasizing interior volume. The design includes two full-height cabins and two bathrooms, with ceiling heights exceeding two meters below deck. Naval architecture was developed by Umberto Tagliavini of Marine Design.The vessel will be offered in both outboard and inboard engine configurations, with layout variations depending on propulsion choice. The design targets coastal cruising itineraries such as Monaco to Porto Cervo or Miami to the Bahamas.Fernando Moricca, co-founder of the new brand, described the venture as "a response to the desire to reinterpret the sea with respect, competence and style." The brand name references both strength (from Italian "forte") and the coastal town of Forte dei Marmi.Production continues at West Navaltech's existing facilities, with the Forte 47 representing the company's entry into the premium leisure boat market. The company's industrial capabilities provide the technical foundation for the new yacht brand.Credits: Forte Yachts
August 27, 2025