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.

The Sunreef Eco – The Greenest Luxury Charter Catamaran Yet?

The stunning, sustainable and green Sunreef E Supercat
The stunning Sunreef E Supercat

At Boatbookings, we are continually striving to get more of our charter guests on greener crewed catamaran charters – because many guests are finding that luxury with less impact on the earth is the best type of luxury. We partner closely with pioneering sustainable boatbuilding companies such as Sunreef. to assure that we can find you the greenest alternatives.

The innovative Sunreef Eco 

Sunreef showcases a bold vision for sustainability in their Sunreef Eco line of catamarans. One of our favorites and most popular is the E Supercat, Sunreef 60 now available for charter in the Virgin Islands in Winter and Sardinia in Summer. So, what innovations make them greener (and essentially silent!)?

Solar Energy combined with battery storage and electric propulsion 

Firstly, Sunreef is at the forefront of electric energy with its all-electric Sunreef Eco models. The models generate renewable energy through a combination of electric propulsion, battery storage, and solar energy while utilizing smart energy management throughout the catamarans. This offers the most relaxing charter onboard with silent, vibration, and fume-free cruising, as well as less maintenance required and huge fuel-saving benefits. Imagine not having to pay for fuel for your charter!

Sunreed Eco 60 integrated Solar Panels
Sunreed Eco 60 “Solar Skin” integrated Solar Panels (photo courtesy of Sunreef)

New Composite Solar Technology 

Powered by renewable energy, the Sunreef Eco models also feature an advanced solar skin system that consists of ultralight solar cells. It is the world’s first composite integrated solar panel system. So while sunbathing on the deck of your crewed catamaran, the boat is also soaking up the rays for cleaner and greener catamaran energy to power your trip.

Naturally-sourced, recyclable materials 

Sunreef provides access to a wide selection of ethically-sourced and eco-responsible materials. The decor uses these greener materials without any compromise on luxury. Both the exterior and interior materials are sourced ethically, including sustainable decking solutions such as their fully-recyclable alternative to traditional teak. For their sailing catamarans, they also ensure the sails are fully-recyclable. Each model showcases not only greener choices but maintains that luxurious element of a crewed charter for your ultimate comfort.

We love Sunreef’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, and we already feature a range of Sunreef crewed catamarans for greener chartering. Many more are coming – watch this space! For more information on chartering a crewed Sunreef catamaran this year, please get in touch with the unequaled and sustainability-obsessed Boatbookings team.

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. 

The New 110 Sunreef Power Multihull Superyacht

Sunreef yachts continue to go from strength to strength. Since the commission of Rafael Nadal’s 80 Sunreef Power earlier in the year, the Polish superyacht manufacturers have just announced they will launch a larger model. The 100 Sunreef Power is due accommodate 8 guests in 4 suites and scheduled for delivery in 2021.

© Sunreef Yachts

The 110 Power will span four decks weighing in just under 500GT. She will feature distinctive automobile design with sweeping lines, lots of glass and expansive volumes throughout. We cannot think of a better yacht charter destination than island hopping in Croatia or the Balearics to really make the most of her design. You would love it!

© Sunreef Yachts

The 110 Power will continue to accommodate the growing trends of an extensive beach club on the aft deck and large tender garage to house your favourite water sports. The socialising spaces continue to impress with easy access to the bow through the main saloon giving you easy access to the bow. The Sunreef 110 Power will host up to 9 crew members to take care of your every wish. Watch this space!