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The Revolutionary Electric Catamarans Introduce Zero Emission Cruising

An electric catamaran sailing in the ocean.

With greater awareness about pollution, sustainable and emission reduction practices have become increasingly salient in the maritime industry. The International Maritime Organization envisions a reduction in CO2 emissions by 40 percent by 2030 across international shipping to combat climate change.

The nautical sector has found a promising solution with the invention of electric catamarans. These vessels are powered by electrical energy, offering a more ecological, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cruising.

Making The Switch to Electric Catamarans

Electric catamarans are propelled by electric motors that draw power stored in lithium-ion batteries. These massive batteries are replenished by solar panels, wind turbines, hydrogenators, or a combination of all, allowing electric catamarans to ply oceans with an extended range.

Sunreef Yachts Eco remains at the forefront of eco-friendly responsible yachting with their electric sailing and power catamarans . The shipyard has made impressive strides in pursuing green energy generation for sailing the blue waters, including the installation of battery banks of the future and utilization of renewable energies.

What Makes Electric Catamarans Convenient?

1. questing for unpolluted waters.

Did you know that one litre of oil is capable of polluting one million litres of water ? What is more is that catastrophic oil spills only account for five percent of the total water pollution, the rest of the major chunk is avowed against engine emissions, oil leaks, and refueling from waterborne vessels. This oil contains hydrocarbons and heavy metals that damage the aquatic environment and adversely affects human health.

To avoid contamination, eco-conscious yacht builders and manufacturers, like Sunreef Yachts Eco, have launched electric catamarans that are less likely to harm wildlife or water users. With electric catamarans, there are no risks associated with spilling fuel as they need not make their way to an oil pump for replenishing.

Apart from rising concerns of water pollution, the traditional marine outboard engines are also known to have detrimental effects on marine wildlife due to the noises generated. This noise impacts breeding cycles, hinders navigation of partially sighted animals, and prevents fishes from hearing their predators. As counterparts, electric engines boast quieter operations, thus minimizing adverse effects on wildlife and making the voyages more pleasurable for yachting enthusiasts.

2. Greater Environmental Sustainability

An electric catamaran’s engine contributes significantly to a reduced carbon footprint that combats climate change effectively without releasing exorbitant levels of toxic pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides, which deteriorate air quality.

3. Energy Efficiency

Electric propulsion systems tend to be more energy efficient than the traditional internal combustion engines. This is because the extraction of fossil fuels from deep within the Earth, refinement, transportation via great distances, and distribution to oil pumps, accounts for a staggeringly high consumption of energy.

Additionally, the overall energy efficiency of a diesel engine is often capped at 40 percent; the rest of the 60 percent is lost in the name of heat and friction. On the other hand, electric catamarans can be charged directly from the grid, providing renewable electricity, to be more environmentally friendly. This accounts for lower operating costs overall.

Sunreef Yachts Eco employs the latest in yacht building technology to ensure efficient power distribution and hull form. The lightweight hull of our electric catamarans guarantees instant power with little to no drag, resulting in least possible wasted energy.

4. Lower Maintenance Cost

Electric catamarans require relatively lesser maintenance as they boast fewer moving parts that use low friction magnetic field for operations and experience close to zero vibrations compared to internal combustion engines. They eliminate the need for winterization maintenance, oil changes, and filter, gaskets, or impeller replacements.

Alongside this, replacing greenhouse gas emitters, such as petrol and diesel, is certainly more economical. This also accounts for electric catamarans having a greater resale value on the market.

Understanding The Role of Marine Batteries

The primary reason why consumers avoided plowing waters with electric catamarans back in the day was the limited range that made variable sea states hazardous. What made the situation worse was their slow charging abilities at limited marinas around the world.

However, the electric catamarans of today offer smooth and silent operations, excellent maneuverability, and emission-free functioning. Additionally, they have torque from the second their shaft is engaged, enabling them to accelerate faster than conventional internal combustion engines.

Sunreef Yachts Eco envisions a more carbon neutral future for its catamarans. But apart from reducing emissions, the shipyard is also determined to find ways to significantly improve performance, range, and comfort onboard.

The Batteries on Sunreef’s Electric Catamarans

Sunreef Yachts Eco fully electric catamarans are equipped with custom engineered marine battery banks that offer prolonged battery life and more power despite compact size and optimized weight. With a density below 5.2kgs per kWh, these lithium-ion battery packs are recognized as 30 percent lighter than standard battery systems used worldwide. The reduced weight of the battery accounts for lesser drag, which translates to reduced energy being consumed by propulsion.

Additionally, the battery size is also smaller, leaving more room in the hulls to expand on living space. The ability to charge the batteries of this electric catamaran in harbors across the world, regardless of the voltage, adds a unique level of versatility and convenience for cruising.

It is important to note that Sunreef Yachts Eco equips each model within its range with custom marine lithium battery banks, scaling between 400 to 700V with pack sizes extending up to 1MW. Their capacity allows for nearly two days of air conditioning and house appliances use. These are fast charging, long-lasting batteries with a lifespan of up to 10 years; but even after years of service, 80 percent of the original capacity is maintained.

The Utilization of Renewable Energy on Yachts

Energy regeneration onboard an electric catamaran allows them to have an unlimited range without relying on external fuel sources, making them fully self-sustaining. Installing a clean green energy production to the catamaran’s existing battery pack makes it far easier to run the essential electric components onboard.

Renewable energy produces no GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions despite powering the world’s growing fleet of electric catamarans. To protect the oceans, here are the three major renewable energy types that can be harnessed onboard an electric catamaran:

1. Solar Power

The utilization of solar energy on electric catamarans has proven to be a significant step in decreasing the consumption of environmentally damaging fossil fuels such as gasoline. Sunreef Yachts Eco has successfully produced its in-house engineered, patent pending technology, solar panels that can be fully integrated into the composite bodywork of the electric catamaran. The energy produced is stored in lithium-ion batteries.

These are the industry’s lightest solar panels, that can be mounted on the superstructure, hull, or mast, for maximum power generation. In general, multihulls offer a more stable platform for accommodating a large solar array in comparison to monohulls.

2. Marine Wind Turbines

Marine wind turbines (also known as wind generators or wind chargers) are mounted atop catamarans to maximize the conversion of kinetic energy of air in motion to electricity. This in turn keeps the battery banks charged in the absence of solar power; hence playing a vital role in the energy mix of electric catamarans.

It is generally a stable source of power throughout the day, regardless of whether the vessel is docked or under navigation. That being the case, the more wind pressure the catamaran encounters, the more power the turbines produce. Overall, wind turbines significantly reduce operational costs by minimizing fuel consumption.

3. Hydro Generation

Hydro generation allows you to create power whilst sailing in an electric catamaran. Simply put, harvesting the momentum of waves converts kinetic energy into electrical energy, which can later be fed into batteries to supply electricity to the ship.

Sunreef Yachts Eco redesigned their sailing catamarans to draw power from the energy of waves rather than fossil fuels. Because regeneration can even come from the free spinning of propellers when the boat is under sail, it proves to be a viable method for procuring clean, green energy. Additionally, it has proven to be highly efficient on electric catamarans produced by the shipyard as the electric power can be recovered from two engines.

How Innovative is Sunreef Yachts Eco?

During recent years, the Polish shipyard , Sunreef Yachts Eco has grown increasingly aware of the urgency of protecting the environment. Our research and development team has launched ground-breaking inventions in the yachting industry with greener tech, efficient design, and cleaner manufacturing processes.

Air Conditioning

For starters, electric catamarans from Sunreef Yachts Eco are the only ones to boast an energy-saving, gas-based air conditioning system, providing notable energy efficiency for a sustainable yachting experience.

This system consumes 70 percent less energy than the standard air conditioning system. Not only is it capable of running on batteries throughout the night to guarantee a peaceful sleep onboard, but also provides top-notch humidity control in tropical regions.

Smart Water Management

Because freshwater generation is crucial for sustainable cruising, Sunreef Yachts Eco installs advanced water purification systems and highly efficient watermakers onboard electric catamarans. This guarantees unlimited access to clean water which reduces the need for plastic bottles onboard.

Another ongoing project by the research and development team at Sunreef Yachts Eco is the Zero Cat , a 90 feet catamaran with unique clean, green power generation capabilities. This superyacht ’s fuel cell system will convert methanol to hydrogen onboard for zero-emissions cruising.

Sunreef Yachts Eco also aims to be the first shipyard to incorporate hydrogen on its electric catamarans as a substitute to conventional energy. Combining hydrogen power with electric propulsion would enable the 80 feet sailing catamaran to achieve unrivalled autonomy for eco-conscious cruising as it powers both onboard appliances and engines.

Future Plans

The idea encapsulated here is to continue making sailing more accessible for people around the world, but with minimal impact on seas and oceans. Sunreef Yachts Eco aims to commission 40 electric catamarans in 2024 that embrace latest propulsion technologies such as electric motors, advanced lithium-ion battery chemistries, and regeneration capabilities that rely heavily on renewable sources of energy to help protect the planet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes electric catamarans.

Sunreef Yachts Eco is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of electric catamarans, including both sailing and power multihulls. The shipyard is largely known for its production of bespoke luxury catamarans, stretching between 30 to 164 feet.

What is the range of the electric catamaran?

Sunreef Yachts Eco electric catamarans boast an unlimited range under favorable and sunny weather conditions. They are easily maneuvered, seaworthy vessels, with impeccable buoyancy even in rough seas. Featuring a mix of eco-energies, our electric catamarans also prove to be self-sustaining for extended periods of time.

Are there any electric powered catamarans?

In recent years, Sunreef Yachts Eco has launched several electric catamarans, powered by renewable energies for minimum ecological footprint. Furthermore, the shipyard has committed to 40 additional electric catamarans which will be launched in 2024, which includes multihulls from the newest range, the Sunreef ULTIMA .

EXPLORE OUR ELECTRIC CATAMARANS

Ultima range, previous post sunreef yachts and rosberg x racing renewed partnership, next post recharge at sea: solar catamarans harness sun-powered serenity.

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Silent Yachts

Creators of the world’s first series produced, solar-powered electric yachts.

Unlimited Range

Noiseless cruising, zero emission, minimal maintenance, pioneering solar powered yachting since 2009.

Silent yacht with solar panels on the roof in crystal clear water

The Original Solar Yacht

As the original inventors of series produced solar-electric yachts, we pioneered this innovative approach. Our first model, the Silent 64, was launched to the market in 2016, several years before any other shipyard considered the possibility of going electric.

Silent yacht with solar panels on the roof sailing at high speed

Leading Technology

Our founders began to research alternative energy sources to power yachts during the mid 1990s. Today, the technology of our in-house developed solar-electric drivetrain has been perfected and is multiple generations ahead in terms of reliability, performance and efficiency.

historic yacht with solar panels on the roof

Historical Track-Record

In 2009, the Solarwave 46 was launched as our first prototype of a fully solar-electric, self-sufficient ocean-going catamaran. Since then, our electric yachts have cruised many 10.000s of nautical miles, performing flawlessly during a variety of weather conditions.

self-sufficient yacht with solar panels on the roof

Enabling Self-Sufficiency

What differentiates a Silent is the unprecedented level of autonomy provided by our yachts. Being able to produce your own energy enables a fully self-sufficient lifestyle on board. Travel the oceans sustainably while making them your infinite playground.

silent-yachts-SY62_3Deck_Navigation_05-2hr

The award-winning entry to solar-electric yachts.

80 feet yacht with solar panels on the roof

Timeless design meets state-of-the-art technology.

120 feet luxury yacht with solar panels on the roof

120 Explorer

The boldest expression of solar powered yachting yet.

What Makes Us Unique

yacht with solar panels on the roof anchored in a bay of tuquoise water

The tranquility on board of our yachts is unique. A lack of noise, fumes and vibrations create a deep connection with the sea. Luxury and sustainability finally merged into a holistic experience, working hand in hand with nature by minimizing the impact on the marine environment without compromising comfort.

graphic of the connections between solar panels, batteries and motors of an electric yacht

For optimal performance and efficiency, our solar-electric drivetrain integrates seamlessly with all onboard systems. Compared to fossil fuelled powertrains of motoryachts, electric powertrains have very few moving parts, resulting in minimal maintenance, maximum reliability and significantly lower running costs.

Electric yacht sailing across the open waters with solar energy

The ability to recharge your own batteries with the sun marks a new era of freedom. Depending on cruising speeds and weather conditions, a Silent has virtually unlimited range, enabling you to live a fully self-sufficient lifestyle on board. Unbound by the limitations of fossil fuels, you are free to explore the horizons.

Website_Sketches-motors-batteries-solar_panels-1-edited

The technology powering our yachts today has been pioneered by our founders almost three decades ago. Continuous upgrading and steady optimization of the entire system are some of the key reasons our in-house developed solar-electric drivetrain offers a comprehensive portfolio of assurances and warranties.

Why Silent Yachts

A sensible approach to yachting which works in self-sufficient harmony with nature and creates a completely new experience on board.

Tech Corner

Why a Solar Powered Yacht?

Let’s break down the advantages of harnessing the sun’s energy for yacht propulsion: solar power offers remarkable efficiency, significant environmental benefits, and an unmatched synergy with the yachting experience. Join us as we dive into the future of sustainable yachting and discover how solar-powered yachts are revolutionizing the seas.

Living on a Silent 62 Solar Electric yacht

Silent Yachts’ range is designed to harness the power of the sun, providing green energy and silent cruising. But what can owners truly expect? How much power does the Silent 62 use while cruising? In this article, we evaluate a typical day onboard the Silent 62, based on actual data from our yachts.

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“The Tesla of the seas! An amazing founding couple, a highly innovative product as well as a really cool story behind it. Furthermore, a lot of love and attention has been invested into every single detail – truly impressive!” Frank Thelen / TV Personality, Founder, Angel Investor & Disruption Expert

While the present has brought us the dawn of smart cars, I strongly believe the future will bring us solar powered smart boats – and I definitely want to be at the frontline of that journey. Michael Jost / Former Head of Group Strategy of Volkswagen Group

The idea of sailing while charging your own battery is super powerful to me – solar powered sailing is the perfect love story! Jochen Rudat / Former Tesla Central Europa Director, Advisory Board Silent Group

Elon Musk single handedly forced an entire industry to go electric, as a matter of fact if they don’t all go electric now they will soon die. I would like to see the same thing happening for boating. You are not just selling boats – you are the actual leading edge of a crucial and much overdue revolution to sustainable transport!” Klaus Obermeyer / Emmy Award Winner

I am completely excited about solar catamarans. I knew before they are great but now I truly believe this is the future. After so many boats I’ve seen in over 18 years with Boote Exclusiv, this yacht truly blew my mind. Such a silent and peaceful cruising experience – just the way it should be. Martin Hager / Editor in Chief for Boote Exclusiv - Yachts

CAT 12.0 Cruise

up to 12 knots
up to 4 hours
up to 14 hours
up to 25 Kw
up to 160 kWh
WC and shower
layout cruise
50 -70 lt / h
31P + (Charts)

A truly sustainable cruiser catamaran with unlimited autonomy

A sustainable cruiser catamaran for an even more comfortable ride, cat 12.0 cruise specifications, energy & range, base equipment, gallery of cat 12.0 cruise.

The elegant exterior of the Cat12.0 cruise ship gliding across clear blue seas.

Uniqueness of

Sustainable cruising and maneuverability.

With an unlimited range at low speeds and a maximum speed of 15 knots, the Sun Concept CAT 12.0 Cruise offers no compromise at sea. One of the very few compact electric catamarans, this 40-foot boat features exceptional torque at low revs, low drag and light weight, providing for excellent manoeuvrability and ease of use.

A Luxurious Floating Living Lifestyle

An energy-wise self-sufficient boat, the Sun Concept CAT 12.0 Cruise makes a luxurious floating living platform with sleeping spaces up to 7 persons. While the double cabins with private bathrooms are not overtly spacious making a perfect living space for 1-2 persons each, the helm is a truly transformable space where the dining table can give way to a double bed in moments and the transformable sofas are there if you need another sleeping place above deck.

View video reviews, onboard virtual tours and walkthroughs, sea trials and test drives of CAT 12.0 Cruise from the manufacturer and independent yachting experts.

Download PDF documents for the CAT 12.0 Cruise model including brochures with standard specifications, price lists featuring optional upgrades, performance charts and test drive data.

Request more information

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Leading europe's electric boat revolution since 2016.

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Rossinavi Launches 140′ Hybrid-Electric Catamaran

By Caleb Revill
May 30, 2024

Italian yacht builder Rossinavi announced the launch of the M/Y Seawolf X , a hybrid-electric power catamaran capable of cruising in full electric mode for 100 percent of the time on one-day trips.

In a press release from the company, Rossinavi announced the innovative yacht carries the BluE label designating the shipyard’s new sustainable philosophy. Seawolf X has a 140-foot length overall, 45-foot beam and is an all-aluminum vessel that combines sleek design with environmentally friendly solutions.

The press release notes that the catamaran can cruise in full-electric mode for 100 percent of the time on day trips and 90 percent of the time on multi-day trips. Rossinavi also states that the vessel is capable of making transatlantic trips while in electric mode 80 percent of the time.

The Hibernation mode, kicking off when the power catamaran is moored, reduces consumption to a minimum and the energy generated can be given back to the dock or a private property. Rossinavi boasts that the Seawolf X supplies enough energy to charge up an entire villa. The ship’s two diesel generators can quickly recharge its batteries on shore power in five hours.

“After years of study and construction, it is now a source of satisfaction and pride for us to witness the launch of project Sea Cat, now Seawolf X , the first hybrid-electric multihull vessel,” said Rossinavi COO Federico Rossi in a press release. “This yacht showcases remarkable technological innovations in both power management and propulsion technologies, marking the beginning of a new chapter in next-generation vessels.”

Yacht of the future

Rossinavi’s BluE label hybrid-electric yachts are propelled by batteries and solar panels with the goal of reducing CO2 emissions. Energy collected by these solar panels during the day is stored in advanced batteries and released at night, creating a bioluminescent effect similar to glowing plankton.

On top of its environmental perks, Seawolf X also includes an onboard artificial intelligence system developed by Rossnavi. Rossinavi AI constantly analyzes the operation of the vessel and acts as a brain that can learn from observation and predict the needs of the guests on board. Rossinavi AI is able to talk with crew members and monitor the battery pack to keep it in a range of 20 to 80 percent –the ideal range to ensure better battery pack lifespan.

The boat’s exterior architecture is by Fulvio De Simoni Yacht Design , while New-York-based practice Meyer Davis Studio designed the interiors. The Fulvio De Simoni Yacht Design team came up with a sleek and low-profile silhouette, reminiscent of a sports car.

The yacht has three distinct spaces for outdoor living: a lively cockpit centered around a pool, a large sundeck with sunbathing and living spaces, and a bow area featuring a hidden pool and convertible home theater. The yacht design team accurately integrated solar panels into the vessel, ensuring plenty of surface space for energy recovery.

“We set out to envision the boat of the future, unbound by convention yet grounded in feasibility with cutting-edge technology for minimal environmental impact,” said Fulvio De Simoni, founder of Fulvio De Simoni Yacht Design, in a press release.

More: Catamarans , Electric , Hybrid , Rossinavi , Superyachts , Yachts
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Revolutionary All Electric Perfomance Catamaran

The most exciting performance-focused catamaran to hit the sailing world, the Open Waters 40 is an all-electric catamaran that leverages the latest in yacht construction technologies designed to maximize the thrill of sailing yet still provide the creature comforts of a multihull.

Great handling and speed

The ESC40 is a 40-ft catamaran designed to be two to three times faster than the typical cruising cat – using carbon fibre to reduce weight and provide increased hull strength.

The twin helm stations are covered by a solar cell-covered roof and come with a 59m2 main sail in addition to three headsails: Jib 26 m ² , FRO 65 m ² and Asail 121 m ² .

The hull is rated to handle boat speeds in excess of 20 knots. With curved retractable daggerboards providing better upwind handling and performance at speed.

The retractable rudders, together with the low draft of 2 ft, allow the boat to cruise in shallow waters and to be beached on the bow or stern.

Regenerative Energy

Thanks to the low weight, higher boat speed and the solar/hydro regeneration systems on-board. The boat is a 100% energy self-sufficient.

The twin electric drives and advanced battery technology allows for quiet, fossil fuel-free cruising.

Using 10 kW motors, the close-quarter power and handling is unrivalled. The folding propeller generates electricity while sailing together with the roof-mounted solar cells , recharging the battery while in operation.

The integrated drives, battery and battery management systems are intelligently inter-connected and provide real-time and predictive insights on power consumption, generation and operational range.

The boat comfortably accommodates four adults and two children, and is sure to bring you all modern comforts such as a 400L water reserve shower and an electric stove.

The hull interior boasts 6’4” of head room with the coach offering even more generous space with 6’8” of head room up to 7 at the aft dinette. The wet deck, spacious with 300 ft ² between hulls features the main stateroom.

Each hull features three deck hatches and six portlights for excellent ventilation while the trampoline across the beam is 305 ft ² of play, relaxation and dolphin viewing.

Our unique construction techniques allows us to manufacture the boat in Canada in a quarter of the time compared to traditional boat building.

We can also build and ship your boat in as early as four months, greatly surpassing the industry standard of 12+ months.

From order to build and delivery, our price compares very favourable to other fast cats.

Faster, cheaper delivery

The boat can be packed in a standard 40ft freight container and be shipped safely anywhere in the world at a much lower cost (up to $50,000 savings) and in a fraction of the time.

Boat owners can now also ship their boat one or both ways between North America, the South Pacific, Mediterranean or the Carribean for a one way cruise or an overwintering.

Electric Sailing Catamaran ESC40 fits in Shipping Container

Brand / Model	Open Waters ESC40 2021
Builder	Open Waters Design & Manufacturing Ltd
Naval Architects	Whitacre Yacht Design
Length	39’6″
Beam	23′
Draft	2′
Mast	55 ft
Boom	20 ft
Displacement	12000lb
Sails
Total Rigging	271 m² (sqft)
Mainsail	59 m² (635 sq ft)
Headsail	Jib 26m² Self Tacking
Genoa	FRO 65m²
Gennaker	Asail 121m²

Vacuum Resin Infusion

Vacuum resin infusion is the process at the heart of our technology and is used for all parts.

The vacuum resin process removes all of the air between the fibres of a part prior to the introduction of the resin.

After the process, our parts are meticulously sanded with variable grit — allowing for maximum paint adhesion on surfaces and smooth, stylish edges.

Core Materials

Core materials are introduced into the part to increase stiffness without increasing weight.

The core is a structural-grade foam with a high shear strength characteristic: if the part is of a complex shape, we cut the foam into sections, thermoforming it to the required shape.

We use five different sizes and densities of foam on the boat, optimized for local strength requirements.

We purchase carbon fiber by the roll and over 35 rolls are used in each boat. We have engineered the laminate schedule to be most efficient in the various areas of the boat maximising strength and reducing weight.

Each meant to be the most efficient for their respective areas. The fabrics are stitched, instead of weaved.

Stitched fabrics do not need to bend over or under other fibre and lay flat, making a stronger part.

At Open Waters, it is our mission to make catamaran cruising more exciting and environmentally sustainable. We’ve set out to create a performance cruising catamaran that will be a joy to sail and that will raise the bar in environmental sustainability.

We have developed a unique design and manufacturing process, selected high performance materials that enable us to build a boat that uses less materials and is 50% lighter. As a result it is a lot faster and as a result it is able to generate and store the energy needed to propel it electrically for hours and provide enough energy for on board equipment.

We use high performance carbon fibre and a vacuum infusion process to maximize strength and reduce the use of resin and eliminate resin vapour emissions. We use 100% recycled PET foam core wherever possible and we see the opportunity for incremental use of bio-based epoxy and natural fibres in our future.

As we continue to develop our sustainability roadmap for our boats we will perform a full lifecycle analysis to identify other opportunities to minimize our carbon footprint.

The unique processes and skills we have developed can be applied and licensed to other marine and recreational vehicles businesses.

Simon Angus

Simon Angus P.Eng is a professional mechanical engineer with a background in project management and a passion for sailing.

He spent his university summers travelling around Europe searching for the best combination of wind and waves in addition to teaching both sailing and windsurfing.

After moving to Canada in 2004, Simon bought a Catalina 27 in Kitimat, BC, and enjoyed sailing in the Douglas Channel with his young family. A career move to Alberta paused his sailing career until he discovered the joys of chartering sailboats in the Caribbean.

Following a 20-year career in industrial engineering and project management, Simon decided to make a change. He combined his passion and profession to launch Open Waters Design and Manufacturing in 2016.

He designed and manufactured an 18ft canoe, developing a plug and mold using his proprietary vacuum resin infusion process. After the successful build of the canoe, Simon went on to build a high-performance 18ft A-class foiling sailing catamaran out of carbon fibre, refining both the mold construction and the vacuum resin infusion process.

After researching the various build steps, Simon began with CNC shaping of a plug, hand-finishing, and building the hull molds. He also built the mast, Z foils, and Tee foil rudders. Following successful trials in Vancouver, BC, Simon embarked on his next ambitious project: designing and building the boat he had dreamt about for years.

A boat that could be shipped anywhere in the world, sailed on with his family, and returned to Vancouver for summer cruising — and would be electrically sustainable.

In 2019, Simon was introduced to Hal Whitacre, sparking a design partnership that culminated in the creation of the Open Waters ESC40. Since then Simon Angus has started Open Waters Solar . A marine solar company revolutionizing the marine world.

Hal Whitacre

Hal Whitacre, owner of Whitacre yacht design since 1984 and is responsible for some of the fastest and most luxurious boats ever built.

Hal is Open Waters Chief Naval Architect and has worked closely with Simon over the past 2 years to produce the detailed designs that make up the Open Waters ESC 40.

Hal has a distinguished career in Naval Architecture graduating from the University of Michigan with a degree in Naval architecture and Marine Engineering.

Throughout his career he has pushed the boundaries of naval architecture notably designing the Open Class 60 “Imagine”; breaking ground with the largest rig ever put on an Open 60.

Hal also owns and operates Bruce Roberts USA and in that capacity, he has designed over 100 steel and aluminium boat kits in addition to many fiberglass and wood sail and power boats. Most recently, Hal was the chief Naval Architect for Gunboat Catamarans when they were built in the USA.

Since their move to Europe, Hal has completed 2 gunboat 55’s along with a conversation of a gunboat 55 to a powercat ferry which has recently conducted successful sea trials.

Hal and his wife Tammy split their time between Annapolis, Md and Sister Bay, Wi. Hal continues to race Lasers during the winter and windsurfs/foilsurfs as much as possible.

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Sunreef’s New 140-Foot Electric Catamaran Promises Unlimited Range

You can cruise the high seas for as long as you please., rachel cormack.

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Sunreef Yachts wants to put an end to range anxiety once and for all.

The Polish shipyard today unveiled a new electric sailing catamaran with unlimited range that can sail the high seas endlessly without releasing any harmful emissions.

Billed as the “true expression of sustainable yachting,” the autonomous Sunreef 43M Eco is at the bleeding edge when it comes to green tech. Crafted from composite, the multihull will be equipped with Sunreef’s in-house photovoltaic system that will see solar panels seamlessly integrated into the hull, superstructure, bimini, boom and mast. According to the yard, the setup can generate up to 50 kWp of clean energy to power the onboard amenities.

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The boat of tomorrow

Imagine an eco-friendly boat that blends into its environment without causing distruption or harm, while also offering a remarkably luxurious and relaxing experience. Fountaine Pajot have designed and built this very boat, transforming this dream into reality.

Fountaine Pajot, pioneers in eco-sailing

With a desire to always remain a pioneer in its field, the Fountaine Pajot Group began thinking about energy transition in the cruising industry in 2011 with the Eco Cruising concept, aiming to integrate as many renewable energy sources as possible on board cruising boats , especially through the use of a hydro-generation system. Since then, with the construction and launch of the first hybrid electric cruising catamaran , the Aura 51 SMART Electric, and the design and construction of the world’s first hydrogen-powered sailing catamaran , the Samana 59 Smart Electric REXH2 prototype, the Fountaine Pajot Group has become a leader in the green yachting industry.

Aura 51 Smart Electric, the new eco-friendly catamaran

Smart Electric, an adaptable system

A viable and effective solution based on the Aura 51 production series, the Smart Electric system, designed by Fountaine Pajot, is designed to be installed on every boat in its catamaran sailboat range. By 2025, 50% of Fountaine Pajot catamarans will be fully electric and 100% will be fitted with solar panels . By 2030, the Group aims to make 100% of its fleet electric and to phase out diesel engines.

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Boats for a brighter future

Samana 59 Smart Electric REXH2 – The world’s first hydrogen-powered catamaran

The Samana 59 Smart Electric RexH2 features a revolutionary energy design comprising a REXH2 capable of delivering up to 70 kW of continuous power, a 63 kwh LiFePO4-EVEPOWER (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cell battery and 42 m2 of solar panels capable of delivering up to 6000 Wc. This energy mix means we can take advantage of all the renewable energies onboard the catamaran (solar, wind, and hydrogen). In port, the crew can fill up with hydrogen and recharge its batteries if necessary. All the technologies are managed by the Smart Cruising solution, an automated Power Management System for simple, intuitive control of this cutting-edge technology.

Aura 51 Smart Electric

Pioneering the Smart Electric system, the Aura 51 sets the course we are heading, as we will be integrating the system across the entire Fountaine Pajot range in the near future. The Fountaine Pajot design office, in collaboration with architects Olivier Racoupeau Design, has designed the Aura 51 Smart Electric to accommodate a large surface area of solar panels without affecting her appearance. Her large, user-friendly flybridge is fitted with 15.55 m2 of solar panels fully integrated into the catamaran’s line , capable of delivering 2000 Wc of energy to power two battery banks supplying up to 32 kwh each. An additional option produces 1.5 kw of energy by a hydro-generation system using the propulsion propellers’ reverse rotation when under sail.

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The Dufour “Unicorn” Project

The first monohull yacht to be built using recycled, recyclable composite, this Dufour prototype is designed to prove the effectiveness of new, low-impact construction materials. The aim is manifold:

To raise awareness of the lifecycle of boats and new ways of using them
To encourage the recycling of materials at the end of a boat’s life
To design the yachting monohull of the future, both inside and out, to respond to tomorrow’s expectations and lifestyles .

The ultimate aim is to deconstruct this eco-friendly yacht 100% in order to test its entire life cycle .

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ODSea People

Sailing towards carbon neutrality

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