A catamaran of series which combines solar and kite wing
The Austrian solar catamaran manufacturer Silent Yachts has announced the launch of its first boat incorporating a kite propulsion system. The kite wing traction system, developed by Sky Sails, will be offered on the new Silent 75, 22 m long. If they are not at the delivery, all the boats of this model will be able to be equipped with a kite thereafter.
Choosing a professional system
"There are many kite propulsion systems on the market. We chose Sky Sails because it is the only one that is truly fully automatic and professional. When certain models, which must always be launched by hand, cost between ?7,000 and 10 000 €, the Sky Sails system represents an investment of 300 000 €, but offers real performance," explains Michael Kohler, Managing Director of Solar Wave.
First tests of Sky Sails kites on a small boat on the catamaran Race For Water (Rights: Race for Water / Peter Charaf)
Altitude kite
Based on Sky Sails experience with merchant ships, the kite will seek strong winds aloft, thanks to 300 m lines. More efficient in propulsion, the transmitted forces require careful mechanical integration of the winch on the boat. The equipment used for the Silent 75 has been designed in carbon to limit weight.
Fully renewable energy
"The use of the kite is really clean," says Michael Kohler. "Unlike other boats that need to start a generator to cope with peak kite winch consumption, our battery fleet is sized accordingly. It is constantly recharged by our solar panels and the use of thrusters as hydrogen generators."
Another advantage, the kite does not create shade on the solar panels, unlike a mast and traditional sails.
Delivery in 2019
The first Silent 75 with a kite should hit the water in spring 2019. A reflection is in progress for Silent 55 and 64. The yard benefits from an exclusivity with Sky Sails for the use of its technology in the field of solar boats.
