The £4m super yacht powered completely by solar power and that cruises in ‘pure silence’

A slick new super yacht completely powered by solar power has been unveiled – meaning its owner never needs to refuel ever again.

The Silent 80 travels in ‘pure silence’ as it cruises across the sea using the same batteries that power Tesla electric cars.

The £4 million vessel –  which can accommodate up to ten guests in five cabins – would be perfect for the eco-friendly millionaire who not only wants to travel in absolute comfort but also reduce their carbon footprint.

The Silent 80 travels in ‘pure silence’ as it cruises across the sea using the same batteries that power Tesla electric cars

The £4 million vessel - which can accommodate up to ten guests in five cabins - would be perfect for the eco-friendly millionaire who not only wants to travel in absolute comfort but also reduce their carbon footprint 

The £4 million vessel – which can accommodate up to ten guests in five cabins – would be perfect for the eco-friendly millionaire who not only wants to travel in absolute comfort but also reduce their carbon footprint 

With 70 solar panels powering the 80ft yacht, potential buyers face the happy prospect of saving hundreds of thousands of pounds a year in fuel costs

With 70 solar panels powering the 80ft yacht, potential buyers face the happy prospect of saving hundreds of thousands of pounds a year in fuel costs

And with 70 solar panels powering the 80ft yacht, potential buyers face the happy prospect of saving hundreds of thousands of pounds a year in fuel costs.

In addition, without the need for a diesel engine room and fuel tanks, the craft has enough space on board to hold an amphibious car and its own gyrocopter.

Designers of the Silent 80 claim it is so self sufficient, it could potentially travel an unlimited distance, only docking for food, drink and other supplies.

They say the electric propulsion system allows it to reach a top speed of 10 knots and this would be completely silent. 

Silent 80: How it works 

The 80ft-long Silent 80 catamaran can cruise continually without fuel and has an unlimited range.

Seventy solar panels installed on the roof power electric motors and lithium batteries, which run without any noise.

The yacht has an official cruising speed of 6 to 8 knots, although it can reach a top speed of 10 knots in short bursts. 

Light-weight Lithium-Batteries provide ample energy for the propulsion as well as for household appliances, such as televisions, air-conditioning units and water-makers. 

The solar-panels are integrated in the roof, so there is no wind-load on them, while the batteries and electric-motors are inside the boat in a dry and safe place.

In the scenario of prolonged dark weather, there is a backup diesel generator that can power the craft by itself.

It can also be used to charge the lithium batteries to keep fuel usage to a minimum.

The solar panels come with a 25 year warranty, while the battery banks come with a 10 year guarantee.

The cutting-edge vessel was created by Silent Yachts, an Austrian company that produces the only ocean-going solar-electric catamarans in the world. So far, they have so far sold four of the Silent 80s

The cutting-edge vessel was created by Silent Yachts, an Austrian company that produces the only ocean-going solar-electric catamarans in the world. So far, they have so far sold four of the Silent 80s

Neil Murray, the owner of the first ever Silent 80 produced, said: 'To me, this yacht is a great synthesis of form and function. 'My intent is to promote the concept of solar yachting and I want people to see elegance in the concept, not just practicality'

Neil Murray, the owner of the first ever Silent 80 produced, said: ‘To me, this yacht is a great synthesis of form and function. ‘My intent is to promote the concept of solar yachting and I want people to see elegance in the concept, not just practicality’

The cutting-edge vessel was created by Silent Yachts, an Austrian company that produces the only oceangoing solar-electric catamarans in the world. 

So far, they have sold four of the Silent 80s. These are currently under construction in Ancona, Italy, with the first model set to be delivered in early 2020.

Silent Yachts founder and CEO Michael Köhler, said: ‘Our solar-electric catamarans are completely new type of boats that open a new era in modern yachting.

‘These yachts use silent electric propulsion for unlimited range without noise or fumes and minimal vibration.

‘They are self-sufficient and virtually maintenance-free. 

A view of an outdoor bar area on the solar panel boat, complete with high chairs and a sofa seating

A view of an outdoor bar area on the solar panel boat, complete with high chairs and a sofa seating

The living space on the yacht is open plan, with the dining room leading through to a television area

The living space on the yacht is open plan, with the dining room leading through to a television area

The yacht includes a kitchen decked out with state-of-the-art appliances and slick storage cupboards 

The yacht includes a kitchen decked out with state-of-the-art appliances and slick storage cupboards 

‘An extensive use of solar power via special panels, li-ion batteries and electric motors by Silent Yachts sets a new trend in terms of ecologically oriented and careful yachting that respects nature and guarantees owners full comfort in total silence.’ 

The yacht’s designer Marco Casali added: ‘I think, solar-electric boats are the future and that is why I immediately agreed to work with Michael Köhler on his exciting venture.

‘Solar power is about square metres, so we needed to dedicate as much surface to the solar panels as possible, while keeping the overall balance in shape.

‘In my opinion, we managed that with the Silent 80. What I tried to achieve is an interesting Italian design, sophisticated and refined.

‘This is a nice-looking yacht that meets efficiency.’ 

So far, they have so far sold four of the Silent 80s. These are currently under construction in Ancona, Italy, with the first model set to be delivered in early 2020. Above, a view of one of the lounge areas on board the boat

So far, they have so far sold four of the Silent 80s. These are currently under construction in Ancona, Italy, with the first model set to be delivered in early 2020. Above, a view of one of the lounge areas on board the boat

One of the five cabin areas, complete with storage space,  a bookshelf and lights running into the ceiling

One of the five cabin areas, complete with storage space,  a bookshelf and lights running into the ceiling

A view of one of the bathrooms on the yacht, with a rain shower, large wash basin and mirrored storage cabinets 

A view of one of the bathrooms on the yacht, with a rain shower, large wash basin and mirrored storage cabinets 

Along with being more efficient, the solar powered yacht has more space and garage room as there is no need for an engine room. 

Commenting on this feature, Mr Köhler said: ‘There is enough space for a 4.5-meter long tender, an amphibious car and a gyrocopter on floats, which is quite impressive for a yacht under 24 meters long.’

Neil Murray will be the recipient of the first ever Silent 80 produced next year.

He said of his purchase: ‘To me, this yacht is a great synthesis of form and function.

‘My intent is to promote the concept of solar yachting and I want people to see elegance in the concept, not just practicality.’