Category Archives: Green Charter

Is the Electric Yachting Era Finally here?

While car manufacturers unveil new electric car models on what seems like a daily basis, the yachting industry has been slower to adopt this trend and remains nearly 100% diesel-based. Thankfully, this is rapidly changing. If you attend any boat show, you will feel a palpable buzz about all the new models and technologies being announced as the yachting industry strives to electrify.

What are the benefits of electrification?

Electric propulsion systems are highly energy efficient, utilizing power more effectively than traditional engines. With the ongoing advancements and development in battery technology, electrification is now becoming viable. Yachts are implementing electric systems with larger batteries that minimize range anxiety.

Not only does electrification result in greener chartering through lower carbon emissions, it also offers a better charter experience that includes:

  • Silent cruising from the use of electric motors
  • Reduced vibrations throughout the yacht
  • The ability to run aircon at night without the use of a generator, which often is loud and impedes upon the tranquility of a night in a beautiful anchorage
  • No diesel fumes from engines that often belch smoke out of the aft while you are enjoying water sports
  • Greatly reduced fuel cost. If you’re powered by the sun, you will feel the savings in your wallet! Might as well spend that money on great dining and activities.

A sparked interest from innovative yacht builders 

When it comes to embracing electrification, several boat builders have emerged as pioneers showcasing both the benefits to customers (virtually no noise or fumes and much cheaper cruising) as well as their commitment to sustainability. Here are a few of our favorite examples: 

The Silent 64 from Silent Yachts

Silent Yachts: Based in Austria, they specialize in designing and building solar-powered catamarans that operate solely on electric propulsion systems. We have a range of crewed catamaran charters from Silent ready to charter.

Sunreef: We also have a wide selection of crewed catamaran charters from the renowned Polish catamaran manufacturer. Sunreef has made waves with its electric range, powered by advanced electric propulsion systems that include solar panels and high-capacity batteries.

Voyage: All systems onboard these crewed catamaran charters are quietly powered by large-capacity batteries and recharged by solar, hydro generation, and a high-efficiency generator.

What else needs to happen?

The development of sustainable technology has been evident. However, there still needs to be increased investment in the infrastructure and onshore support. One obstacle is the current limited infrastructure of charging, establishing a network of charging stations, marina infrastructure and reliable power supply is crucial for the integration of a fully electric fleet. 

Transitions take time, but we are excited to see what has happened so far and what is on the horizon. This transition offers enhanced efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and improved onboard experience. 

Book and Electric Yacht today with us

At Boatbookings, we have long been leading the charge on this electric yacht revolution and are excited that we can now offer you a range of clean and silent yachts that are all-electric. To charter some of our best sustainable electric charter catamarans, contact the Boatbookings team today. We can also arrange to offset your carbon emissions so that you can charter net zero with any boat from our fleet.

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Green Energy Spotlight: Solar-Powered Catamarans 

Solar power is fundamental in today’s quest for green energy. This drive towards responsible energy can especially be seen onboard crewed catamarans. Yacht builders are increasingly harnessing solar power onboard – especially within the catamaran market. 

It is easy to see why – solar power is a cleaner and more efficient source of energy for yachts to operate enabling reduced emissions and fuel consumption, and catamarans provide ample space to place the panels!

How does solar power work?

Simply put, solar panels convert sunlight into electricity through solar panels, batteries and inverters. 

To maximise this green energy generation onboard, they can be integrated into the hull sides, mast, superstructure, bimini roof, hardtop canopies or even the decks. Where there is space, there is an opportunity to create cleaner energy with solar panels. We are even seeing solar cells embedded in the boat’s composite structure. 

The Benefits

But why solar? Firstly, most crewed catamarans cruise in sunny places, from the lemon-drenched picturesque Amalfi Coast to the sandbanks and sunshine of the Bahamas, so harnessing this green energy from the sun makes perfect sense. 

With fewer emissions and pollutants than traditional fuel-powered generators, solar power minimizes the overall environmental impact. Aside from the substantial environmental gains, it is also cost-efficient and, after the initial outlay, reduces longer-term fuel costs. This green energy generation also provides a quieter charter, running the catamaran systems from electricity rather than noisy (and stinky) fuel-burning generators. 

Why catamarans?

From cargo ships and small Atlantic crossing rowing boats to narrow boats, there are now various types utilising solar power. However, the multihull market was an early adopter for a good reason. 

A lightweight catamaran provides lower drag and a bigger surface area for integrating solar panels. Because when sunny days on a crewed catamaran itinerary in the BVI outweigh those suitable for sailing, why not be on a yacht that creates fuel-free energy, powering your charter from the sun? 

At Boatbookings, we pride ourselves in offering these crewed catamaran charters from builds such as Silent and Sunreef. These options are perfect for any group that wishes to have less impact on our oceans through a yacht charter.

Contact the Boatbookings team today to discuss our greener energy options. 

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Green Yacht Charters: Top Five Tips 

The demand for a green, sustainable yacht charter has risen significantly over the past decade. At Boatbookings, have been leading this trend for 17 years and are thrilled to see it gaining momentum. While yacht designers embrace greener technology and innovative solutions to help the industry transition toward a more sustainable fleet, there are various other ways to ensure you leave a lighter footprint when chartering.

Whether you choose to charter a crewed motor yacht or crewed catamaran, from selecting a yacht that minimizes your carbon emissions to reducing single-use plastics and waste, take a look at our five top tips for you to have a greener yacht charter.

1. Choose a greener yacht 

The first step is to choose a yacht that has been built or retrofitted with sustainability in mind. Today there are more and more yachts out there that boast greener credentials regarding the materials they were built with, how they are run, and their features to enhance energy efficiencies, such as solar panels and hybrid and electric technology. Another way to reduce your impact is to focus on the yachts that use limitless resources, such as the wind. Crewed catamaran charters are an easy way to ensure you have a lower footprint.

2. Minimize your waste 

The first step of waste management is to start by reducing the amount of waste you produce. Eliminating single-use plastic is fundamental to this – request and update your charter preference list to reflect that you want to use reusables. Correct waste management is essential throughout a yacht charter. On crewed catamarans, they take additional steps to ensure the yacht’s waste is disposed of correctly in each marina. On a bareboat charter, you can take these steps yourself to recycle onboard and then appropriately discard waste when ashore.

3. Lower impact activities 

Rather than zooming about the ocean on fossil fuel-powered water toys, why not take your yacht charter a little slower and enjoy the activities that are better for our oceans? There are lots of lower-impact activities. For example, kayaking around picturesque BVI bays, snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of Tahiti, or standup paddleboarding in the calm, shallow waters of the Bahamas. Today, there are also a whole host of environmentally-minded toys. For that adrenaline rush, request water toys onboard such as hydrofoils and electric-powered ones.

4. Greener charter menus

Whether on a crewed or bareboat charter, you can easily lessen your environmental impact through what you eat. Firstly, buying and sourcing local produce supports the local economy and significantly reduces your food miles. Eating locally and seasonally is better for your carbon footprint due to the lower transportation emissions. Not only is it better for our planet, but the food will be fresher, and you will get to try different countries’ produce, whether that be fresh fish from a local fisherman or an exotic fruit from the market.

5. Ocean-friendly products

Products onboard are literally poured into our oceans. To ensure that you reduce harm to the marine ecosystem, be mindful of what you use. For a crewed charter, you can request the use of guest toiletries and products, such as reef-safe suncream and other products, such as organic shampoo, not to include toxic ingredients.

We have ever-increasing options for greener charter yachts. Choices that can help move our industry toward a lower-carbon future. To find out more, contact the Boatbookings team today to explore the green credentials of our huge fleet. 

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