solar sails yachting

• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Review: Silent 55, the extraordinary solar powered yacht

• January 18, 2019

Silent Yachts is tapping into the solar zeitgeist and creating a new meaning for the term ‘powercat’.  Sam Fortescue reports

There is a slow, silent revolution under way in the yachting world. It is a revolution that is introducing tonnes of lithium and a sprinkling of silicon to the spec list of new boats. Holding out the promise of silent mobility, plus limitless domestic power on board, it made a big splash at the last Cannes Festival of Yachting – not least thanks to the new Silent 55 catamaran which debuted there.

From the pontoon side, the Silent 55 looks like a typical modern catamaran, with a big coachroof studded with windows and a flybridge helm. Except there’s no mast. Now, bear with me here. I realise that this is a sailing magazine, but we will shortly get back to more familiar territory. The unique qualities of this catamaran only become apparent from up top, where an expanse of solar panels stretches away fore and aft, embedded into the coachroof. The hard top itself carries yet more panels, and can be folded down flush to give an unshaded solar array of 49m2. During the heat of a summer day in the Med, this is capable of generating 10kW of power and up to around 60kWh in the course of the day.

But to make a solar system work in reality, Köhler had to go back to the drawing board on yacht design. The saloon and hulls have extra thermal insulation to keep air-con losses down, and the use of carbon and aramid in key areas helps reduce the overall weight to a decent 17 tonnes (a Lagoon 52 weighs 22.5 tonnes). He has tried to keep windows out of the direct sun with long overhangs and in contrast to the Lagoon’s 12 deck hatches, the Silent 55 has just two.

Holistic design

On the other hand, it has lots of opening windows, to allow a natural draught to do its job. “It’s a holistic approach – you can’t take the batteries and the drivetrain and drop it into another boat.”

Of course, using the propulsion system quickly takes its toll of the boat’s 140kW battery bank. The model on display at Cannes had two 135kW motors, giving you just half an hour of silent motoring flat-out, albeit at a top speed of over 20 knots. More reasonable 30kW engines and a single-digit speed give you greater range. Nonetheless, the electric drive alone isn’t going to allow you to outrun a storm, or race home after a day at anchor, so the boat is designed to work with a generator hidden in the heavily insulated transom of its starboard hull. At cruising speed of around 5-6 knots, Köhler says there is rarely any need to use the generator, citing an owner who has just emailed him triumphantly about a second year totally generator-free. “In the end, you have to compare it to the performance of a sailing boat,” Köhler says. “It is as fast as a sailing boat in similar conditions – after all, there is no wind without sun.” He went so far as to tell me during the sea trial in Palma, Mallorca, that he believed the majority of sailors would happily dispense with the hassle of sails and a rig if only they could enjoy silent motoring and anchoring. “As soon as people realise the incredible concept of this boat, they won’t understand why they ever did anything else.”

The market does not seem to agree with him – yet. Sales of the boat have been good – they have already sold six, five of which are already in the water. But of those, four customers have taken the sail option, which means planting a 19.7m tall mast complete with boom and rigging slap bang in the middle of the coachroof solar array. “I was a bit amazed,” Köhler admits. “The shade from the rig reduces the energy generated by the solar area, while it costs more and is heavier, so consumes more fuel. Maybe it is for optical reasons.” In fact, the shade of the rig slashes the average yield of the solar panels in half. In the Med, that means around 30kWh per day. But perhaps it figures. The typical profile of buyers is an environmentalist who has a Tesla electric car and is “an early adopter who likes to have things before others”. And at low speeds, with modest use of the air-con, the reduced energy generation should still cover daily consumption.

The performance under sail should be reasonable because of the lightweight build of the boat, its broad 8.47m beam and stub keels added to each hull. Control lines are led back via conduits in the coachroof to the flybridge helm station, to make single-handing under sail a possibility.

More interesting, I think, is a sort of halfway-house option using a kite rig. This optimises the performance of the solar panels and gives plenty of propulsion. On the smaller 55 and the 64, Silent Yachts currently recommends a 19m2 kite that costs around €25,000 – a fraction of the cost of a new mast, boom, shrouds and sails. “The sail automatically makes a figure of eight above the boat, and you can steer it with a joystick or an app on an android phone,” Köhler explains. “It can propel the 55 at up to 6 knots, even in light winds.” Perfect for an Atlantic crossing, then.

For the bigger Silent 79, which will hit the water in the summer, a commercial grade Sky Sail system needs to be used – a smaller version of the ones used on cargo ships. This kite can propel the boat at ten knots, but it costs more than ten times as much as its smaller cousin. Both are capable of pulling the boat upwind. So far, so new. But outside the novel energy and propulsion system, the Silent 55 aims to do what many other cruising catamarans are trying to achieve. “Most of our clients order for circumnavigation and long-term cruising,” Köhler says. So the boat is aimed to be as comfortable and capable as possible with watermakers, TVs and an induction hob that all capitalise on the boat’s abundant energy. A flexible configuration allows owners the choice 
of between three and six cabins – the latter designed for charter. The owner’s cabin lies forward of the saloon, under the windows of the coachroof, which provide magnificent views and abundant natural light. There’s a walk-around bed and steps down into the starboard hull give access to an en-suite shower room and heads.

In my view, the best cabin lies aft of this, accessed in the traditional manner down steps out of the saloon. The king-sized bed lies athwartships and the shower is larger than that of the master cabin. There’s more space down here, better headroom and still plenty of light courtesy of the many hull lights.

When I had the chance to sea trial the Silent 55, albeit in motorboat format, I jumped at it. It was a contrary autumn day on Mallorca with 15 knots breeze – just a shame, then, that this wasn’t one of the sailing configured versions.

To start with, getting on board is made really easy courtesy of deep boarding platforms on the skirts. She feels rather square because of that vast, glazed saloon with its deep overhang, and perhaps because of the utilitarian nature of the hard top, which is really about supporting more solar panels. Nevertheless, the side decks are broad and uncluttered. The space up top is designed to concertina down flat, hence the hydraulic rams, fold-down seat back and lowering console. It makes a great sailing position, though, with all round visibility, and is also perfect for sundowners at anchor. When the rain comes down, this feels quite exposed, but there is a fully sheltered helm at the front of the saloon, and it is also possible to drive the boat from anywhere using a tablet thanks to smart electronics. Under power, the handling is superb. The quietness of the motors is astonishing, and I gather they’ll be inaudible on the next boat, which will do away with the gearbox. Even in the aft cabins, directly above the motors, there is no more than a distant hum. The boat responds instantly to the power and the wind seemed to have no impact at all. As with any propulsion system, the power consumption jumps as you pile on the speed – it was sobering to see. At 6 knots, both motors drew 10kW but at 8 knots it was closer to 30kW. I liked the huge saloon with its raised table for 360º views. And the sliding door and window gives great access aft, connecting the saloon and cockpit in fine conditions. The finish was smart and in muted tones, feeling more Scandinavian than German.

Intriguingly, at least it seems to me, Köhler has tapped into something with the concept behind Silent Yachts – but not entirely for the reasons that he expected. Buyers are opting for the sail or kite versions of the boat because they want a comfortable wind-powered craft with abundant, quiet energy on tap. It brings a whole new meaning to the 
term ‘powercat’

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• Solar Sailing: The Future of Eco-Friendly Boating

The beauty of the open seas has always captivated the human spirit. From ancient voyages of discovery to modern leisure cruises, our connection with the water runs deep. Today, as environmental concerns grow, so does the need for sustainable solutions in the boating industry. Solar sailing, solar power boats, and yacht solar panels are revolutionizing the way we navigate the waters. In this article, we will explore the exciting world of solar-powered vessels, the cutting-edge technology that drives them, and the environmental benefits they bring to the table.

Harnessing the Power of the Sun

Solar panels for yachts.

Yachts have long been a symbol of luxury and opulence. However, they are also notorious for their environmental impact. Enter solar panels for yachts, which offer a clean and efficient way to power these floating palaces. These solar panels are designed to be lightweight and durable, making them a perfect fit for the maritime environment.

Sailboat Solar Panels

Sailboats, with their reliance on wind power, have always been considered a more eco-friendly option. By adding solar panels to a sailboat's arsenal, sailors can harness the energy of the sun to complement the power of the wind. This combination provides a sustainable and reliable source of energy for extended voyages.

Read more useful sailing tips:

Solar sails for boats.

Solar sails for boats represent a leap forward in marine technology. These sails are equipped with solar panels that capture the sun's energy, converting it into electricity to power the boat's propulsion systems. This innovation not only reduces the environmental footprint but also offers greater flexibility in navigation.

Solar-Powered Vessels

Solar-powered yachts.

The concept of solar-powered yachts is gaining momentum in the boating world. These luxurious vessels are fitted with state-of-the-art solar panel arrays that provide power for all onboard amenities, from lighting and appliances to propulsion. The idea of enjoying a yacht charter while leaving a minimal carbon footprint is now a reality.

Solar-Powered Sailboats

For those who crave the excitement of sailing without the guilt of fuel emissions, solar-powered sailboats are the answer. These vessels are equipped with solar panels and advanced energy storage systems that enable sailors to embark on extended journeys without relying on fossil fuels.

Read our top notch articles on topics such as sailing, sailing tips and destinations in our  Magazine.

The Future of Solar Boating

The rapid advancements in solar technology have paved the way for remarkable innovations in the marine industry. Solar panel boat mounts, solar sailboat sails, and solar panel marine installations are just a few examples of the impressive developments that allow boaters to tap into the power of the sun.

Off the Grid Yachting

As more boat owners seek to reduce their reliance on conventional energy sources, "off the grid" yachting is on the rise. Solar-powered boats, equipped with advanced energy storage systems, enable sailors to disconnect from traditional power sources and sail in harmony with nature.

The Solar Advantage

The advantages of solar-powered boating go beyond environmental concerns. Solar-powered vessels reduce operating costs, decrease noise pollution, and offer a more sustainable alternative for those who cherish the sea.

The future of boating is undoubtedly moving towards sustainable solutions. Solar sailing, solar power boats, and yacht solar panels are at the forefront of this transformation, offering not only eco-friendly options but also a thrilling and practical way to explore the world's waterways. As technology continues to advance, solar-powered vessels will become more accessible and commonplace in the maritime world, aligning with the global effort to reduce our carbon footprint and protect our oceans.

So what are you waiting for? Take a look at our  range of charter boats  and head to some of our favourite  sailing  destinations

Why a Solar Powered Yacht?

Solar power is the perfect energy source for a yacht. It brings us closer to the beauty and power of nature. It’s even better than sailing, as it combines the advantages of sailing and motor boating in an unprecedented way.

The Problem

A sailing boat uses clean energy only while sailing , which, in an average holiday destination, happens at most 50% of the time. The rest of the time, it relies on diesel for propulsion and power generation for all household appliances. Large motor yachts, and to a certain extent sailing yachts, burn high amounts of fossil fuels, creating harmful effects on the environment. Although their goal is to connect owners with the seas, they heavily pollute the waters they travel .

Moreover, diesel engines require time-consuming maintenance and generate fumes, vibrations, and noise during operation , disconnecting the onboard experience from the natural surroundings.

How to harness solar energy?

Capturing significant amounts of solar energy requires a large area of photovoltaic cells positioned effectively towards the sun . Modern motor and sailing boat designs often don’t allow for enough solar panels in an unobstructed area, free from shade and angled correctly.

Here’s a physics fact that may come as a surprise: partly shaded panels produce almost no power , while fully shaded ones produce at least some.

A large, unobstructed horizontal surface is ideal, but unfortunately not feasible on most modern sailing or motor boats.

The sun is more reliable than the wind. Sailors prefer fair weather and sunny destinations over windy ones.  Sails can only be used for propulsion when the wind is just right, and they can’t power household appliances. With a sail, you cannot cook spaghetti, grill a steak or cool down your beer!

Wind generators are also inefficient while sailing  due to turbulence and are rarely effective at anchor since sailors seek protected bays with no or little wind.

Consider a simple calculation:

• A wind generator that produces a maximum of 400W costs about €2,000 and generates approximately 2,000Wh per day in a windy area.
• A solar panel of the same capacity costs about €500 and also generates around 2,000Wh per day on a sunny day.

To generate about 200 watts, a wind generator requires 20 knots of wind, which is rare and unpleasant at anchor. A solar panel costs a quarter of the price of a wind generator, is quieter, and requires no maintenance. Plus, more solar panels can be fitted on a boat than wind generators.

Solar panels offer a higher average energy harvest than wind generators of the same size  and are safer, more cost-effective, and more reliable.

The solution: boats designed and built for solar energy

For an Atlantic crossing, sails might make sense, but for the average yacht owner or charterer, in typical holiday conditions, solar energy is far more efficient . Photovoltaic panels deliver clean, environmentally friendly energy, are cheap, safe, require no maintenance, and produce no noise, fumes, or vibrations. No other sustainable energy source can compete with properly installed solar panels.

The logical conclusion is to equip a boat with photovoltaic panels that transform solar radiation into energy, used for both propulsion and powering household appliances .

Unfortunately, many boats have poorly placed solar panels, often shaded by masts, booms, and antennas, or installed vertically on the sides, which is the worst location! Using sails alongside solar panels is also counterproductive as sails cast shade on the panels, reducing their efficiency.

Converting a sailing or motor boat to solar power by cutting the mast or simply adding panels is ineffective: a boat must be designed from scratch for this purpose .

Next up, we will explore “mild hybrid” and “autonomous solar-electric” propulsion, explaining the differences and what to consider when deciding on an electrically powered yacht. Stay tuned!

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Living on a Silent 62 Solar Electric yacht

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This yacht sets sail with solar

The 60 square meters of solar panels produces 30-50 kWh of energy per day, enough to power all of the onboard electronic equipment for around seven hours.

• Commercial & Industrial PV

Solar-powered Baltic yacht.

Image: Solbian Solar

Baltic Yachts began delivery in July of its Baltic 146 Path, which includes an 8,714 watt solar rooftop and energy storage system designed by Solbian Solar using the company’s walkable solar modules.

Recently, some of the yacht’s technical work has been shared online. Built from 1,742 monocrystalline solar cells, many of the 86 solar panels were custom cut to fit the deck’s shape by the Solibian team in Italy. The units were based on the company’s Super Rugged (SR) Series .

The SR series has solar cell busbar technology developed by Merlin Solar. In one video, the Merlin team drives over the solar panel, throws bags of cement on it, and even shoots it with a bow and arrow in an effort to prove the product’s resilience. The company said its busbar technology makes this kind of abuse possible.

The 60 square meters of solar panels produces 30-50 kWh of energy per day. The company said that’s enough to power all of the onboard electronic equipment–including navigation, autopilot, lighting, and entertainment–for around seven hours.

Once the sun goes down, a Mastervolt MLI 44kWh LiFePO4 battery pack allows the diesel generator mostly to stay off, providing generally silent operation for 14-18 hours.

Baltic Yacht’s solar system is roughly half the size of the Silent 60’s 16.8 kWdc solar plus storage system. The Silent 60 is a solar-propelled yacht less than half the lengthBaltic yacht and price, which reaches 6-8 knots on solar power alone. The Path does not feature electric propulsion and therefore relies on diesel engines when the wind dies down.

Since the Path uses a sail for propulsion, the team installed 154 bypass diodes and 12 solar panel strings and trackers – Mastervolt SCM-60 MPPTS – in an effort to maximize power output and minimize the effect of the sail’s shadows on the panels. The entire solar system, including wiring, controllers and small parts, weighs less than 300kg, the company said

The 146 Path has an overall length of 146 feet. The yacht can accommodate eight in addition to the ship’s owner, as well as eight crew members. Path carries two tenders, an 8hp Torqeedo electric outboard-powered RIB, and a 6.5m twin-engined RibEye. There are also two ultra-lightweight Reverso Match sailing dinghies.

When the front tender is deployed, its storage container can be turned into a pool.

The ship’s main diesel engine is a 405kW (550hp), six-cylinder Scania. The specific model isn’t listed, however the “ DI13 092M IMO Tier III, EU Stage IIIA ” lines up with all of the stats and looks like the unit in a video of the engine being installed.

The owner’s suite includes a sleeping cabin, and an en suite lounge with a glass divider doubling as a movie, tv, and sailing information screen. An upper lounge features a 2.7m-long video wall.

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Since it is E propulsion all they have to do to change while sailing is use the motor in regen it’ll generate power back into the pack at much larger amounts. And a small RE fueled generator just in case. As a sailor who does solar, not a chance it’ll get that much from the solar from all the shading from the rigging. More likely 10-30kwh/day. On mine, I made the sails small with 2 masts so I can lower them to not shade the panels.

Any photos of your boat you can share?

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Compass Articles

• May 13, 2024

Solar Sailing: Implementing Solar Power on Your Yacht

Today, the ocean calls for adventurers and dreamers alike, but it also calls for conservationists. As yacht owners, we’re uniquely positioned to lead the charge in sustainable boating practices. Implementing solar power on your yacht isn’t just about embracing technology; it’s about sailing towards a future where our oceans remain as pristine and welcoming as they’ve always been meant to be.

Why Solar Power Makes Sense for Your Yacht

The beauty of solar power lies in its simplicity and efficiency. Solar panels capture sunlight and turn it into electricity without moving parts, noise, or emissions. This clean energy can power everything on your yacht, from navigation systems and lighting to your refrigerator and entertainment systems. The sun is a reliable, abundant source of energy, especially out on the open water where it’s unobstructed and plentiful.

The Technicalities of Solar Power on Yachts

Modern solar panels are more efficient, durable, and versatile than ever before. They can be installed on nearly any surface of your yacht, including the roof, deck, or railings, and are designed to withstand the harsh marine environment. The electricity generated is stored in batteries, ensuring you have power whenever you need it, day or night.

Installation Insights

Going solar is easier than you might think. The key is planning and professional installation. You’ll need to consider your yacht’s energy usage and size to determine how many panels you need. A professional installer can help you find the perfect balance, ensuring your system is efficient, effective, and aesthetically pleasing. Plus, they’ll handle all the technical aspects, from wiring to mounting, so you can focus on enjoying the benefits.

Beyond the Green Benefits

Yes, solar power reduces your carbon footprint, but the benefits don’t stop there. Firstly, it can significantly cut down on fuel costs since you’ll be relying less on your yacht’s generator. Secondly, solar power systems are low maintenance, requiring little more than occasional cleaning and inspections. This means you can enjoy more time exploring and less time and money on upkeep. Furthermore, solar power enhances your autonomy at sea. With a reliable power source, you can stay off the grid longer, exploring those untouched corners of the ocean.

Making the Switch

If you’re considering making the switch to solar, there are a few things to consider. What are your energy needs? How much space do you have for panels? How often do you sail, and in what conditions? Answering these questions can help you and a professional determine the best system for your yacht.

The Future is Bright with Fly Yachts

At Fly Yachts, we’re more than just a yacht brokerage. We’re your partners in navigating the future of eco-friendly yachting. Our team is here to help you find, customize, or retrofit the perfect yacht with the latest in solar technology. Let’s set sail on a cleaner, greener journey together, with the sun guiding us every step of the way.

Fly Yachts offers a diverse range of  yachts for sale , ideal for anyone looking to invest in a luxury yacht. If you’re interested in a tailor-made yacht, their  Build a Yacht  service allows you to customize a vessel to your precise requirements. For those desiring to explore exotic locations,  Charter Destinations  features a variety of destinations, all bookable through  Yachts Charter  services. If you’re planning to sell your yacht,  Sell Your Yacht  provides professional guidance to aid the selling process. Stay informed with the latest yachting trends and updates by reading  Compass Articles  and keeping track of  Gulfstream News . Learn more about Fly Yachts by visiting the  About Us  page or start exploring from the  Homepage . For any inquiries or assistance, the  Contact  page is available to help. Additionally, if aviation is part of your interest, be sure to check out the  Aircraft for Sale  for more luxury transportation options.

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Recharge at Sea: Solar Catamarans Harness Sun-Powered Serenity

Just as a residential solar system makes a house independent of an electricity grid, a marine solar panel makes a yacht independent of a fossil fuel powered generator. Catamarans boosted by solar power systems are increasingly in demand in today’s day and age for their increased energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

Here is everything you should know about solar catamarans from Sunreef Yachts Eco :

An Introduction to Solar Catamarans

Derived from natural sources, renewable energy is replenished at a far higher rate than consumed. Of these, solar energy is the most abundant renewable energy resource on Earth that may even be harnessed during cloudy weathers. Additionally, because sunlight remains omnipresent, powering a watercraft with solar energy is a fitting concept.

Before we continue exploring the subject of solar catamarans, let us focus on the architecture. The twin hull structure of catamarans translates into a large beam, which provides ample space for solar panels installation. To top it off, catamarans have a fairly shallow draft that produces little to no drag, making them exceptionally energy efficient .

Marine solar panels are currently gaining substantial popularity amongst catamaran designers and manufacturers as a medium of supplying clean energy via a reliable source. Sunreef Yachts Eco is a pioneer in solar catamarans as we believe that the incorporation of a solar power system into yachts births an environmentally friendly yachting solution with a significantly reduced carbon footprint.

The Benefits of Solar Catamarans

The ocean is home to the largest continuous ecosystems; unfortunately, it also remains the most sensitive. Millions of people across the globe indulge in recreational marina and boating activities leaving behind pollution in their wake.

Here are three ways in which solar catamarans rectify commonly occurring hazards for the greater good of the environment:

1. Fuel (oil or gasoline) spills and the discharge of combusted fuels from engines readily contaminates water surrounding the marinas. This aggravates toxicity levels in water, resulting in increased pollutant concentrations in aquatic organisms and sediments.

For illustration, coral reefs, which are a vital source of nitrogen and nutrients for marine food chains and provide shelter for over one million aquatic species, are nearing extinction due to water pollution. Installing solar panels would, without a doubt, decrease the dependency of all types of watercrafts on non-renewable energy sources, i.e., fossil fuels, for operations and increase energy efficiency.

2. Noise from moving gas-powered ships cuts straight to the sea floor and back. These acoustic vibrations transmitting end-to-end affect marine animals to a great extent. Research suggests that human-caused noises result in disrupted behaviours, increased stress, and impaired feeding in marine life, leading to injury and death. Solar catamarans are far quieter than their combustion-driven counterparts; thus, they maintain the oceanic silence vital for the marine life as it enables communication and continuous growth.

3. The elimination of fuels also makes solar yachts more affordable to run and maintain in the long haul. In comparison to fuel powered generators, solar catamarans produce electricity at a lower cost since solar panels obtain power via the sunlight, a renewable source of energy that is present in abundance. But even if your catamaran utilizes both fuel and solar power, you are still to enjoy significant savings on fuel.   

Why Power A Boat with Solar Panels   

Apart from the obvious environmental factors, solar panels fulfil an important criterion for the oceangoing voyagers who do not wish to be left stranded far from land with a dead battery: unlimited backup power.   

On a typical sailing day, there is ample sunlight to ensure the backup battery restores enough power to generate electricity that keeps motors, electrical systems, and onboard appliances running. An added benefit of solar panels is that they continue to generate power even when the catamaran is at a standstill. This energy is stored in batteries for later use.   

Furthermore, unlike gas powered generators, solar catamarans do not produce excessive heat, are quieter, and experience little to no vibrations. This allows boat trips to remain pleasant for sailors and vacationers.   

Sunreef Yachts combines luxury with sustainability to offer noiseless, vibration-free, and fume-free cruising experiences. Launched under the Sunreef Yachts Eco flag, our sailing and motor yachts are powered using inhouse engineered solar panels that are fully integrated within their composite structure for optimal results. However, an additional asset for sailing solar catamarans remains the ability to combine eco motoring with wind propulsion with the use of high-performance kites.   

The Mechanism of the Solar Power System   

Classification of solar panels   .

There are various kinds of solar panels available for marine boats: adjustable panels, standard panels, and high-energy thin-film panels. While some may argue that having a portable solar panel makes it easier to relocate to where the sun shines the brightest, permanently mounted panels remain ready to go throughout the day.

Despite their long life, standard panels often fail to find a place in the marine industry as they compromise the space availability onboard. Hence, high-energy thin-film panels emerge as winners due to their ability of being permanently embedded on the solar catamaran’s bodywork without restricting living space.

The research and development team at Sunreef Yachts Eco developed the industry’s first composite integrated photovoltaic technology to produce highly efficient, shock resistant, flexible, and ultra-thin solar panels. This in-house engineered solar power system was recognized as a winner of the German Design Award 2022 in the category of Excellent Product Design: Eco Design .

Each solar panel consists of photovoltaic cells, compromising of a positive and negative layer for creating an electrical field. These are made of singly-crystal silicon, a semiconductor that absorbs the radiations of the sun to produce electrical power via the photovoltaic effect. For better understanding: the photovoltaic effect is the process of converting photons (a particle of light) to voltage.

Technical Specifications of Solar Panels

While the average solar panels’ weight lies between 8 to 15 kilograms per square meter, Sunreef Yachts Eco’s solar cells have a thickness below one millimetre and weigh only 1.8 kilograms per square meter. This makes Sunreef Yachts Eco the lightest marine solar power system producer in the solar catamaran market.

Each of the solar cells administered into the Sunreef solar catamarans are ISO 9001:2015 certified and offer a peak performance of ±24 percent, this is 25 to 30 percent more power compared to conventional cells. Despite this, these solar cells do not heat up excessively when receiving sunlight.

Integration Into the Solar Catamarans Structure

The orientation of the sun should be as such as that it hits the solar panels at a 90° angle for best performance. However, with the Earth rotating around its axis to produce a 24-hour day, it is non-viable to ensure the perfect angle throughout the day.

What is more is that the amount of energy produced may also differ depending on external factors, such as a building preventing direct sunlight from hitting the solar panels or light experiencing diffraction from the waterbody before contact. For this reason, it is best to invest in high-efficiency solar cells that generate maximum energy even from limited number of active panels.

Sunreef Yachts Eco makes the most of its solar catamarans’ space availability by spreading its “solar skin” across the hulls, mast, superstructure, bow terrace and bimini roof. Due to this arrangement, the solar panels receive ample sunlight at desired angles from early morning to late afternoon.

At the same time, light rays bouncing off the surface of water to the solar panels, in a process called reflection, also helps generate electricity. These superior performance solar panels possess great strength and durability to survive adverse conditions, year after year.

Generation of Electricity on Solar Catamarans

The crystals in marine solar cells are treated to enable the movement of electrons to generate an electric current. These silicon electrons activate only when in direct contact with sunrays. Instantaneously they start producing direct current (or DC) charges, which is captured by wires and stored in the batteries as energy.

At this point, a charge controller is employed as a regulator for the energy to transfer from the solar panels to the battery. It not only manages the energy load received by the battery, but also prolongs the battery life and performance by ensuring the battery is not overcharged or overloaded. Solar catamarans deploy multiple charge controllers depending on the energy produced.

While the current may be supplied directly to support the electrical demands of the catamaran, if the appliances demand alternating current (or AC), an inverter is added to the cycle to convert the DC to AC first.

Solar Catamarans in Action

But how much energy is enough energy? Working out a catamarans’ energy requirements requires summing up the energy consumed by each device onboard in watt-hours. For better understanding: energy is power accumulated over time, so if power is calculated in watts, energy is watt-hours.

Hence, the first step of installing solar panels dictates an extensive energy assessment of the watercraft. This requires checking the labels of every individual appliance onboard for its typical amp hours and volts used, be it the fridge, fan, or lightbulb. A battery monitor can also help measure energy consumed more accurately.

Depending on the size of the catamaran and the energy consumed, the solar panels size and wattage of power can be precisely determined. Multiple solar panels may be wired together to form a solar array for maximum energy generation. Aiming to fulfil the power needs of your catamaran with solar panels allows you to enjoy a quiet, peaceful anchorage.

Overcoming The Challenges of Solar Catamarans

While yacht solar panels resolve the problem for keeping the batteries topped up without running the generator, solar power systems are faced with challenges of their own. For starters, the harsh weather incurred at sea and saltwater splashing on or immersing the panels accounts for much damage.

However, technological advancements have enabled solar panels to withstand most of these environmental adversities. To illustrate, the installation and electronics linked with solar power systems have now become more resistant to short circuits and corrosion.

Sunreef Yachts Eco employs a unique photovoltaic integration technique in solar catamarans to give the panels extreme resistance to shock and abrasion. Even if the cell eventually cracks, the solid metal foundation remains intact to maintain a high-power output. Furthermore, these solar panels experience no light-induced degradation, no temperature coefficient, and favourable low-light and broad spectral response.

Likewise, the constrains of surface area for marine solar PVs have been addressed with the ability to manufacture customized solar panels. For instance, Sunreef Yachts Eco uses the lightest solar cells in the industry which offer unparalleled flexibility for placement on rounded surfaces of the solar catamaran while others break under pressure. Here solar panels are integrated vertically (on hull sides, flybridge sides, and mast) and horizontally (on front flybridge and bimini) to maximize energy generation.

While the Sunreef Yachts Eco’s solar panel system has a protracted life expectancy, any panels sustaining damage, due to adverse conditions at sea or other geographical circumstances, can easily be replaced. However, it is proven repeatedly that their performance remains unaltered over extended periods of time.

Efficiency of Solar Catamarans Vs. Diesel Yachts

Solar panels make for an ideal energy provider as they ensure the batteries always have power. This makes solar catamarans more self-sustainable and cost efficient to run in comparison to gas-powered ones. Additionally, fewer moving parts in solar catamarans call for significantly lesser maintenance in comparison to diesel yachts.

Boats of all shapes, sizes, and types (sail or motor) can be powered via solar energy to run all onboard appliances on battery. Apart from fulfilling the watercrafts’ day to day electrical usage, utilizing a renewable source of energy extends the durability and reliability of the catamaran.

But most importantly, a solar powered yacht compared to a standard diesel yacht has a significantly reduced carbon footprint. Ideally, with the use of solar power generation on catamarans, you would save 108.5kg of CO2 emissions per day or 39.6 metric tonnes annually.

Why Invest in A Solar Catamaran?

The wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the sweet smell of the sea are one of the many joys of sailing. However, as an ocean enthusiast, it is crucial to calculate your impact on the environment. On average, the Sunreef Yachts Eco’s solar catamarans account for substantial electricity generation of up to 30 kWh, promoting a positive green footprint.

Today, solar catamarans are trending among yacht owners and shipbuilders as a clean medium to increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, staying true to its legacy of yacht innovation and evolution, Sunreef Yachts Eco continues to work on advancements to its solar panels for improved performance, efficiency, and durability.

Evaluating the Sunreef Yachts Eco Solar Catamarans

Using advanced technology, Sunreef Yachts Eco has engineered ultra-thin, flexible solar panels with the best performance on the market. They are seven times lighter than the average solar power system, enabling them to be fully integrated into the composite structures, including curved surfaces.

The more surface area covered, the more electricity generated. The 80 Sunreef Power incorporates 200 square meters of solar panels (weighing about 360 kilograms) that deliver an astounding 40 kilowatts peak per hour. This setup alone produces solar energy equalling to two generators weighing 800 kilograms altogether.

Hence proven that Sunreef Yachts Eco optimized marine solar panel system outperforms a diesel generator both by weight and performance. Additionally, at reduced speeds, the Sunreef 80 Eco remains fully autonomous, running solely on solar power.

In light of sustainable yachting, Sunreef Yachts Eco has committed to launch over 40 models of its solar catamarans by the end of 2024; this includes a wide selection of sailing yachts, power yachts, and superyachts. Furthermore, Sunreef Yachts has begun commissioning a new range of technologically advanced hybrid ecospeeders, called the Sunreef ULTIMA , that would further extend their solar catamarans line up.

Future Innovations in Solar Catamarans

Despite the distinctive competency of Sunreef Yachts Eco in solar catamarans, the journey of innovation does not come to a halt. To further reduce our carbon footprint, we are undergoing ground-breaking research to redirect excess heat secured from direct sunlight on solar panels to the boilers of our solar catamarans.

Furthermore, Sunreef Yachts Eco is currently developing a concept of an all-new 90 feet sustainable sailing superyacht , called ‘The Zero Cat’ . Apart from sporting a solar power system, this catamaran will use a zero-emission generator to convert methanol to clean hydrogen for unlimited autonomy and greater self-sufficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why are solar catamarans favorable?  Because sunlight remains omnipresent, solar catamarans discern as a greener, cost efficient, and self-sustaining yachting solution . The environmentally friendly passenger conveyance from Sunreef Yachts Eco is consciously built to counter air, water, and sound pollution.
• What is a solar catamaran? A solar catamaran is a twin-hulled vessel powered by solar panels, harnessing sunlight to drive its propulsion and onboard systems, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered boats. Powered using inhouse engineered solar panels, solar catamarans designed and manufactured by Sunreef Yachts Eco encourage a positive green footprint at sea. 
• Do solar catamarans exist? Launched under the Sunreef Yachts Eco flag, our sailing and motor yachts are powered using inhouse engineered solar panels that are fully integrated within their composite structure for optimal results. The Polish designer and manufacturer has also committed to launch 40 additional models of its solar catamarans in 2024.
• Are there any solar powered yachts? With an increasing demand for solar catamarans with increased energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact, Sunreef Yachts Eco has put to sea several variants of its sailing and power catamarans such as the Sunreef 60 Eco , Sunreef 70 Eco , Sunreef 80 Eco , and 80 Sunreef Power Eco
• What are the advantages of solar catamarans? The installation of solar panels reduces a watercrafts sole dependency on non-renewable energy sources for operations. In comparison to their combustion-driven counterparts, solar catamarans offer noiseless, vibration-free, and fume-free cruising experiences.
• How much is a solar-powered catamaran? With Sunreef Yachts Eco’s philosophy of promoting clean green yachting, the company has released a new range of solar catamarans , the Sunreef ULTIMA , with prices starting as low as €2M* for the 44 ULTIMA ECO . *Please note that all prices listed are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

ULTIMA RANGE

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SDS 2019: The Rise of Solar Power in Superyachting

The idea that superyachts by their nature cannot be sustainable is outdated. Engineering has moved on in leaps and bounds in the past few years alone and pioneering yachts like Black Pearl and Volpini 2 are proof that sustainable design doesn’t mean having to compromise on function or style. Speaking at the 2019  Superyacht Design Symposium , CEO of Silent Yachts Michael Köhler and Solar Cloth System president Alain Janet discuss the enormous potential of solar technology in yachting.

Michael Köhler calls himself “a reformed sailor” and has spent the last ten years developing a fleet of oceangoing solar-powered catamarans. Silent Yachts now have three models in production, the Silent 55 , 64 and new 79 flagship. These eco-yachts are powered entirely by solar energy captured by extensive flybridge panelling, which is able to generate enough power to supply all the onboard hotel appliances as well as the propulsion.

Silent Yacht's 24 metre flagship has a top speed of 20 knots and is capable of travelling at 6-7 knots with unlimited range translating into more than 100 nautical miles per day (and zero emissions). Plus, with no engine room there is no noise, no vibrations, and much more usable space.

Köhler said, “What this represents to the yachtsman, among other features, is the ability to cruise for many hours at normal speed and throughout the entire day and evening at reduced speed. Silent Yachts sets the standard for an entirely new feeling in yachting: No fuel. No maintenance. Just pure solar-powered luxury.

“For 'normal average holiday usage' you'll have plenty of power without running the generator or with only running it one or two hours a day. If higher speeds are desired for a longer period of time the generator will supply the needed energy.”

Meanwhile, French sailmaker and Solar Cloth System founder Alain Janet is also paving the way for solar energy in yachting. His Solar Cloth is a lightweight film-like textile - as thin as a bank note and flexible enough to wrap round a pencil - which is able to generate electrical power.

“My aim was to have the lightest possible material in order to have the best ratio output vs weight. It’s been a long journey. It took us about three years to find the right recipe that meant longevity, output power and affordability.”

For sailing yachts the photovoltaic film can be laminated onto modern sail fabrics and is a smart solution to bulky panels. Alain Janet revealed the company is in the process of creating a Solar Cloth test sail for Oceanco ’s trailblazing 106 metre Black Pearl . It was always the intention for the yacht’s DynaRig to have solar-sails but the technology was still being refined at the time of her launch last year.

The idea of a solar textile isn’t just restricted to sails. It can also be applied to awnings, Biminis and even catamaran trampolines. “We’re working on a trampoline for the multihulls, for the Daedalus 80 . It’s a large and fairly unused surface which is horizontal on a boat and I believe it can produce some serious wattage,” explained Janet. Beyond yachting, the material is already being used in airships, greenhouses and even stratospheric balloons.

Janet and Köhler both agreed that, while solar energy is arguably the most reliable source of energy, a combination of power sources is the most realistic way of moving forward. "I do not believe there is one single solution" said Janet.

Michael Köhler believes a bigger generator should not be the default solution for more power. “I would like to ask the superyacht industry to review their current way of thinking to try to save energy. Don’t just go for the easy solution of installing a bigger generator. Think about how to reduce the overall power consumption in your boat, and then many other already existing solutions become viable."

Missed the Superyacht Design Symposium? Click here to catch up on the top talks with our SDS podcasts.

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What is solar sailing?

Solar sailing is a revolutionary way of propelling a spacecraft through space.

A solar sail spacecraft has large reflective sails that capture the momentum of light from the Sun and use that momentum to push the spacecraft forward. The Planetary Society’s LightSail 2 mission is one example of this technology in action.

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A new way to travel space - with Bill Nye Did you know there's a way for spacecraft to travel farther, faster, and maybe one day reach other stars? Bill Nye is here to teach you about the game-changing technology called solar sailing.

How does solar sailing work?

Light is made up of particles called photons. Photons don’t have any mass, but as they travel through space they do have momentum. When light hits a solar sail — which has a bright, mirror-like surface — the photons in that light bounce off the sail (i.e. they reflect off it, just like a mirror). As the photons hit the sail their momentum is transferred to it, giving it a small push. As they bounce off the sail, the photons give it another small push. Both pushes are very slight, but in the vacuum of space where there is nothing to slow down the sail, each push changes the sail’s speed.

How does a solar sail control its direction?

When a solar sail faces the Sun directly, photons push the spacecraft forward, away from the Sun. But a solar sail can move in other directions by tacking like a sailboat, changing the angle of the sail relative the Sun. It’s even possible to shift the spacecraft's orbit around the Sun, by angling the sail so that solar photons push against the direction it is traveling. Solar sails can also control their direction in other ways, such as changing their center of mass or using tip vanes.

What is the advantage of solar sailing?

Spacecraft gain most of their momentum when they are launched from Earth, and then most increase their speed or change course using chemical rockets that burn fuel that the spacecraft carries on board. But more rocket fuel means more weight, which limits how much can be carried. Most spacecraft reach their maximum speed and then coast through space or rely on gravity assists from other planets to reach their destinations.

With solar sails, a spacecraft can continue accelerating as long as there is light pushing on it. Within a solar system, sunlight can continuously push on the sail, accelerating the spacecraft throughout its entire voyage. This means that solar sail-propelled spacecraft can reach speeds that would be practically impossible for chemical rockets to achieve.

Solar sailing spacecraft are also advantageous because they can be placed in orbits that would otherwise be unstable by using the sail acceleration as a balancing force.  As an example, this could enable solar monitoring missions to sit between the Earth and Sun at a closer distance than otherwise possible to provide more warning of solar storms.

What is a solar sail made of?

Current solar sails are made of lightweight materials such as Mylar or polyimide coated with a metallic reflective coating. LightSail 2 uses 4 triangular Mylar sails that are just 4.5 microns (1/5000th of an inch) thick. They unfold using 4 cobalt alloy booms that unwind like tape measures. The sails have a combined area of 32 square meters (344 square feet), about the size of a boxing ring.

How big does a solar sail have to be?

There is theoretically no minimum size for a solar sail, but for the same mass spacecraft, bigger sails will capture more sunlight and accelerate the spacecraft more quickly. A NASA team in the 1970s, headed by Planetary Society co-founder Louis Friedman, proposed a solar sail with a surface area of 600,000 square meters (6.5 million square feet), that would be used to send a spacecraft to rendezvous with Halley’s comet . This is equivalent to a square of 800 meters (half-mile) by 800 meters – the size of 10 square blocks in New York City! Of course, the practicality of building and deploying such an enormous sail is questionable. But if such a sail could be successfully developed, amazing destinations could be reached.

How fast can a solar sail go?

A solar sail’s speed depends on its size and its mass. A bigger sail captures more sunlight, gaining more momentum and accelerating more quickly for the same mass. For a given sail size, a lower mass spacecraft will have a higher acceleration.  The acceleration also depends on its distance from a light source and strength of the light source. As a solar sail spacecraft gets farther away from the Sun, the amount of sunlight available to it decreases, meaning that it accelerates less quickly. Theoretically, powerful lasers could be aimed at a distant solar sail, providing some extra acceleration as the spacecraft gets further from the Sun.

To give a specific example of solar sail speed, LightSail 2’s 32-square-meter sails accelerate it at just 0.058 mm/s². In one month of constant sunlight, the spacecraft’s speed would increase by a total of 549 kilometers per hour, roughly the speed of a jet airliner at cruising speed.

Larger sails, or small sails accelerated by lasers, could theoretically go much faster. In 2016, the group Breakthrough Initiatives announced a plan to send a fleet of tiny, laser-powered solar sails to our nearest star, Alpha Centauri. The spacecraft would be targeted in space by Earth-based lasers, and accelerate to 20 percent the speed of light.

How expensive is solar sailing?

Building a solar sail, especially a very large one, is a feat that still needs development. And that research and development can be expensive. But once solar sails are better tested and understood, they could be a relatively inexpensive means of propulsion. Sunlight is free and unlimited, meaning that a solar sail-propelled spacecraft could travel greater distances without having to increase the amount of fuel it carries on board, and could potentially use smaller, cheaper launch rockets for the same trip. So to travel at great speeds to distant destinations, or to provide long term stability in an otherwise unstable orbit, solar sailing could be an affordable option.

The Planetary Society’s LightSail spacecraft were funded entirely by Society members, private donors, and backers of a crowdfunding campaign through Kickstarter . Together, these tens of thousands of people pooled their resources to build and launch solar sailing spacecraft. This is a historic demonstration of what is possible when people unite in support of space exploration.

Why do we want solar sails? Where will solar sails take us?

The most exciting thing about solar sails is that they could open up new avenues for space science and exploration. A solar sail-propelled spacecraft could reach distant planets and star systems much more quickly than a rocket-propelled spacecraft because of the continual acceleration that solar sailing provides. The technology for interplanetary or interstellar solar sailing is still far from being developed, however.

In the near-term, solar sailing can also be used effectively for other classes of missions including solar monitoring, multi-object flybys, and “pole-sitting” spacecraft for continuous observations of Earth’s or another object’s polar regions.

Solar sails can also provide propulsion for CubeSats—small, inexpensive satellites that are increasingly being used by emerging spacefaring nations, small companies, and even school groups—allowing them to maneuver in space without relying on rocket fuel. The Planetary Society’s LightSail mission is demonstrating the potential use of solar sails for CubeSats .

When was the solar sail invented?

Solar sailing is a concept with a long history , dating all the way back to an idea Johannes Kepler shared with his friend Galileo Galilei in 1608.

The Planetary Society is one of the pioneers of solar sailing technology. In the early 2000s, we built the Cosmos 1 solar sail spacecraft. On June 21, 2005, Cosmos 1 launched from the submarine Borisoglebsk in the Barents Sea. However, a rocket failure prevented the spacecraft from reaching orbit. Had the mission been successful, it would have been the first ever use of a solar sail spacecraft, as well as the first space mission by a space advocacy group.

Who has built solar sails? What solar sailing missions exist?

Since the failed Cosmos 1 mission, solar sails have been successfully built and launched by the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) with their IKAROS spacecraft that first demonstrated controlled solar sailing, by NASA with their NanoSail-D spacecraft, and by The Planetary Society with our LightSail 1 spacecraft.

Many more solar sailing missions are in development, including The Planetary Society’s LightSail 2 mission and NASA’s NEA Scout mission to a near-Earth asteroid. NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System , or ACS3, launching in 2022 will test out a larger sail in Earth orbit than previous missions. NASA’s  Solar Cruiser mission launching in 2025 will test an even larger solar sail the size of over six tennis courts.

What is the biggest solar sail?

The biggest solar sail built to date is the IKAROS spacecraft developed by JAXA. IKAROS’s sail’s size is 196 square meters, about half the size of a basketball court. This was the first interplanetary solar sailing mission, traveling to Venus and onward on a trajectory to the far side of the Sun.

But size isn’t everything. Even with a smaller sail (32 square meters), LightSail 2's acceleration will be about ten times that of IKAROS. This is because LightSail 2’s spacecraft body is much smaller and lighter than that of IKAROS, so the sail has less mass to propel.

Does a solar sail fly on the solar wind?

No. Solar sails fly on photons, whereas the solar wind is made up of different ionized particles ejected by the Sun. These particles move slower than light and create a force that is less than one percent as strong as light pressure.

Can I be a part of solar sailing?

The public is invited to witness the launch of The Planetary Society’s LightSail 2 spacecraft from Cape Canaveral, FL aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. The launch is scheduled to take place in June 2019.

You also might be able to see the LightSail 2 spacecraft with the naked eye or with telescopes throughout the duration of its mission, which will last for about a year. You can find more information about that at sail.planetary.org .

And to be a part of groundbreaking missions like this in the future, you can become a member of The Planetary Society .

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How to improve power management on a yacht

• August 21, 2024

Mike Morgan offers advice on how to improve power management on a yacht and preserve precious amps for those that like their home comforts

I confess, I’m not a marine electrician, and my understanding of boat electronics is at best rudimentary, but I’ve now been managing my boat’s power generation and consumption for three seasons and have developed an approach which seems to work well. Hopefully, you will find some of the following advice useful when it comes to managing your own yacht’s energy needs.

Every boat has its own particular balance of power generation and demand, so my system may not work perfectly for you, but it might help you start managing your precious amps a lot more effectively.

My wife Debbie and I sail up to nine months a year around the Med, predominantly lying at anchor. We avoid marinas and use our generator infrequently, to help save the planet and our budget.

I won’t address power needs whilst under sail here, as it’s not relevant to our cruising profile. Clearly, if you’re taking on an Atlantic crossing , then you’ll need to consider the power demands from your navigation equipment, lights and auto pilot.

We bought our pride and joy, Spirit, a Bavaria C57, brand new in 2021, and made several upgrades in an attempt to achieve the holy grail of self-sufficiency at anchor. We opted for 800 amp hours (Ah) hours provided by lithium batteries that weigh less than a single 150Ah lead acid battery.

Because lithium offers roughly twice the capacity of lead acid, that’s equivalent to 16 100Ah lead acid batteries with a combined weight of just over a third of a ton. Given Spirit’s generous beam, we’ve been able to accommodate four 420W solar panels, giving a potential maximum of 1,680W.

A few of the electrical galley appliances aboard Mike’s Bavaria C57 and the wattages that similar products might draw off your battery if you have an inverter

State of charge

The amount of electrical power you have available is all about batteries. Boat batteries are usually measured in amp hours (Ah) – the total number of amps devoured in one hour of use. So, a 120Ah battery will, theoretically, deliver 120A for one hour or 1A for 120 hours. But, of course, this is a little simplistic.

If you have lead acid batteries, you must never completely discharge them, unless you want to replace them regularly. Lead acid batteries should never be discharged below 50 per cent, so the practical Ah they really offer is half the theoretical Ah rating. In the above example, 60 hours at 1 amp would be the limit before you had to recharge the battery. Typically, the state of a battery’s charge is monitored by volts or a shunt battery monitor.

Knowing the state of charge of your batteries is critical to managing your power needs.

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I replaced our Bavaria’s standard 240Ah of domestic lead acid batteries with 800Ah of lithium batteries. The advantage of a lithium battery is its light weight. And, unlike a lead acid battery, it can be run down to a much lower charge. The downside is that lithium batteries have been known to explode.

To avoid this, they need to be paired with a battery management system, which is best left to a professional, who knows what they are doing, to install.

Oceanvolt lithium batteries aboard a Feeling 32

Charging sources

A standard ‘off the shelf’ mid-size production boat is likely to be fitted with a 60A battery charger which is used by the boat’s generator, if it has one, or when shore power is plugged in. The engine will also have an alternator which will typically produce between 35 and 60A of charge, depending on the size of the engine.

Assuming a 60A charge source, the batteries will receive 60A of charge in one hour. So, to put it very simplistically, if you have, as I do, 800Ah of lithium batteries and they are at 50 per cent, to charge them up to capacity would take 6.6 hours (400 amps divided by the charging source of 60 amps equals 6.6 hours).

Unfortunately, it’s not quite as simple as that. For example, there are various charging states – bulk, absorption and trickle (also known as maintenance or float) – and different types of batteries with different ratings, but I have kept it as simple as possible here for the purposes of explanation.

If you don’t have shore power (when at anchor, for instance), or don’t have a generator, the alternative is to run your engine for six hours under light load, which is not good for the engine and won’t win you many friends nearby who are trying to relax and enjoy a peaceful sundowner.

Mike’s customised electrical control panel

Battery charger

Increasing the size of your battery charger will speed up the process of charging from both a generator and shore power. I opted to fit a 120A charger and a 3kW inverter for my 240V appliances. There is always the option to beef up the engine alternator to feed a hungry family of batteries, but again, this means the boat engine needs to run for prolonged periods of time.

The 9kW Paguro 9000 generator I fitted produces a lot more power than we ever need. The generator powers both the 240V ‘ring main’ and the battery charger. However, the battery charging will be limited by the power rating of the charger, which in my case is 120A.

Four solar panels on Spirit’s stern arch produce a maximun 1,600W

Renewable energy

Renewable energy for boats is either wind, hydro or solar. I opted for solar on a custom-made stern arch. I fitted four 400W panels, which produce a theoretical maximum output of 1,600W at 12V or, in amp speak, 133A.

Like lithium batteries, the voltage and charge from solar panels needs to be managed, so each panel is equipped with an MPPT (maximum power point tracking) controller to ensure the batteries are getting the right amount of charge when the sun is shining. The next conundrum was to get all this in perfect balance based on the boat’s power consumption.

The stern arch was custom-built to support the solar panels

Background noise

I started by building a spreadsheet to calculate the various power ratings of my many onboard electrical appliances. However, this isn’t simple as you must calculate the power demand of each appliance, estimate how long you will run it for, and when you will run it.

You then need to map this over time to calculate a theoretical power demand and how much power you need to be generated. Estimating the power output from my solar panels alone became a headache: calculating the assumed number of ‘sunny’ daylight hours, the angle of the sun, solar panel efficiency, and when the next solar eclipse would be! So, like all people with limited brain capacity, I gave up.

I decided, instead, to take a more pragmatic approach. The first thing I did was to measure the ‘background noise’ of my boat; that is, the power being consumed whilst at anchor and not running any major appliances.

It turned out to be around 200A, which is very high; but then I do have three fridges, a deep freeze and more internal lighting than Blackpool Illuminations.

The time it takes to recharge my batteries once the sun has dragged itself up to the right angle differs dramatically based on which way the boat is lying. If my stern is exposed to the sunny side my batteries will fill to the brim in a few hours. However, if my bow is facing the sun, it takes a lot longer.

On an average day, we are at 100 per cent by midday or early afternoon, leaving a good four or five hours of surplus power generation for running more critical systems.

Air-con is a battery power ‘killer’

We have a lot of power consuming paraphernalia on board, for example the kettle, coffee maker, hair dryer, microwave oven, and so on, but I ignore these when it comes to power management as they are used randomly and are never on for long.

However, we do have several appliances that are critical to our power management, including a washing machine, water maker, ice maker and water heater. All of these have high demand and can run for long periods of time. I also have air-conditioning which can be run off the inverter, but I prefer to use fans and open hatches to keep the temperature tolerable when we are at anchor. Air-con is a battery power killer and is best left to when shore power is connected or the generator is running.

Our Bavaria came with a built-in utility room, so we decided to fit a full-sized washer-dryer, which has proven to be our favourite upgrade.

For this equipment I simply use a rota and allocate a specific day to run either water production, laundry, ice making or water heating. We do laundry once a week without using the drying function and relying instead on nature’s outside dryer, which does tend to lower the tone of an idyllic anchorage.

The water maker produces 60 litres an hour and I typically run it for around four hours, which will then keep us going for several days. I fit in ice-making and heating the water at other times.

Having guests on board who insist on having a shower every time they go for a dip off the swimming platform requires the water maker to be run most days. Inevitably under these circumstances I lose the battle of consumption versus generation and will need to resort to running the generator.

We chose a Schenker Smart 60-litre-per-hour, 12V water maker rated at 20A, which enables free freshwater production all day long thanks to Spirit’s cluster of four solar panels.

I always delay this until my battery charge is showing 30 per cent or less in the morning. At that point I will run the generator for three to four hours, which is enough to get my batteries back up to around 70-80 per cent, and then let the solar panels take over.

When I run the generator, I take advantage of the surplus power it produces by running as many devices as possible: I make water, run the air-con and heat water. Never waste any of those precious amps! I find that I run the generator, on average, every eight to 10 days when we’re on our own and every four to five days when we have guests.

Batteries can be easily distributed around a yacht

Before increasing the capacity of your service battery bank you need to calculate your total power requirement by multiplying the amperage of all the equipment by the period of time it will be run over a charge cycle (usually 24hrs).

Tally up the amp hours and then double the result (to allow for not going below 50 per cent of your charge capacity). Then add another 20 per cent to ensure you will always have enough to spare.

If you already have separate engine start and service batteries but want to add further service batteries, they should all be of the same age, type and capacity (Ah rating) to the first. It’s best to create your service bank from a number of smaller batteries and then link them together to achieve the total voltage and capacity you require.

If you’re planning to install a large bank (500Ah or more), it is often better to use 6V cells for this as these allow a large deep-cycling bank to be created, while still having the ability to move them around easily or distribute them evenly over a greater area.

Create an improved service bank by connecting a number of smaller batteries

Stay in charge

Once you’ve decided on the battery type, make sure you have enough charging power to fully charge them between cycles. As a rough guide you will need to be able to bulk-charge the bank at a minimum of 10 per cent of its rated capacity (ie. 20A for a 200Ah battery).

However, 20 per cent is a better figure to aim for if you’re looking to fully recharge over one night in a marina. Modern AGM (absorbent glass mat) style batteries can usually take a greater charge than wet lead-acid type, although gel cells require a more particular regime if they are not to be damaged.

Chargers (both mains and alternator regulators) should be of the multi-stage type, with bulk, absorb and float stages. This allows the batteries to be rapidly charged until they reach around 90 per cent charge, then the charge voltage drops to attain the final part of the charge more slowly, keeping temperature (and hence internal resistance) down, and eliminating gassing.

A smart battery monitor will allow you see your state of charge and remaining capacity

Temperature noticeably affects a battery’s ability to give out and absorb charge. The colder a battery gets, the greater the power required to charge it fully. For this reason, always fit a charger or regulator with a temperature sensor that will automatically compensate for these differences.

Most power devices produce a trickle charge, and are used to keep the engine battery topped up. However, if you’re planning to install a powerful (5A+) wind or water generator, or a large solar array, then you’ll need to install some sort of voltage regulator to prevent overcharging. This can vary, from a small solid-state switch for small solar panels, to a large dump resistor that dissipates excess charge from a wind generator through heating up a wire-wound resistor.

Monitoring your batteries

The easiest way to ensure your batteries are kept in tip-top condition is to observe their state of charge every day you’re on board, using a modern ‘smart’ battery monitor. This will give you a real-time display of the current going in and out, the state of charge (SOC), and the remaining capacity available. They also often have alarms to warn you when the voltage is dropping dangerously low, or if too high a charge is being applied.

A rough idea of the SOC can be attained using a voltmeter, but this is not particularly accurate and can indicate a false condition when recently charged or under a heavy load. It’s far better to install a monitor that has a shunt, which measures current flow over time and can calculate the available charge capacity remaining much more precisely.

Hydrogenerators, like this Remoran Wave 3, will quickly recharge a yacht’s batteries underway

Optimising solar power

The efficiency of solar panels can be compromised by saltwater and long-term exposure to UV and high temperatures. Good regular maintenance will improve a solar panel’s performance.

Clean your solar panels early in the morning, while they are at their coolest, as cleaning them when they are warm or exposed to direct sunlight can cause internal thermal stresses.

Use distilled or deionized water to avoid the formation of mineral stains or deposits on the surface of the panels, and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive solvents that could scratch the photovoltaic cells. Let the panels air-dry or use soft cloths, and make sure no water residue is left. Check regularly for cracks, breaks or loose connections.

Hydrogenerators

Hydrogeneration has become a great deal more efficient in recent years. It’s a very simple concept: the yacht’s motion through the water turns an alternator on the transom-mounted hydrogenerator which generates electricity to recharge the boat’s batteries. Achieving 300Ah each day is a realistic expectation when cruising at 7-8 knots.

Oceanvolt’s High Power ServoProp 25 electric saildrive

Main prop regeneration

You can also use your main propeller to ‘regenerate’ electricity whilst under sail by using a parallel hybrid propulsion system where an electric motor is installed alongside the engine. Lynch Motors in Devon has supplied its systems to Vendée Globe boats for years, purely as a re-generator, and now produces a Red Snapper electric motor for cruising yachts.

The only problem with a regeneration system is that the pitch required for the propeller to drive the boat efficiently through the water may not always be the same as the pitch for optimum regeneration. Manufacturers have tackled this in different ways.

Oceanvolt has developed its ServoProp for saildrives, which electronically adjusts its pitch depending on speed and function. The latest incarnation allows total 360° blade mobility and faces forwards, increasing efficiency: at six knots, it produces an eye-watering 1kW of power.

Bruntons has another solution with the cleverly engineered Autoprop, which automatically pitches up to match the boat speed. Its Ecostar version of the prop can generate 200W at five knots and up to 1kW at 10 knots when connected to an electric motor.

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New Silent Yachts For Sale

Silent yachts are the industry leader in ocean-going production yachts that are completely solar sustainable and powered by solar energy. seaworthy, luxurious, and built to impeccable standards, silent yachts are already desirable without its solar capabilities. with the abundance of solar panels on board each boat, every silent yachts model is able to cruise for 100 nautical miles in complete silence. even while at anchor, the solar-powered generators keep the yacht powered quietly for an unprecedented boating experience. enjoy all the benefits of a power catamaran with the addition of solar energy..

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Silent Yachts offer an environmentally conscious choice when it comes to owning a yacht. Silent Yachts currently offers three solar-powered power catamaran models including the Silent 55, Silent 64, and Silent 80. United Yacht Sales is proud to be the U.S. distributor for Silent Yachts and can assist you in your search for the world's first solar-powered yacht. For more information, please contact United Yacht broker Darren Sell at (561) 351-7333 or by email at [email protected] . 

Where are Silent Yachts built?

Silent Yachts are built through two different shipyards depending on the model. The Silent 55 is built at the world-class shipyard of Mazarin German Yachts which also has a production site located in China. For over 70 years, Mazarin has been a leader in quality yacht construction with over 400 yachts delivered. Mazarin are experts in innovative construction processes that are able to produce light weight yachts.

The Silent 64 and Silent 80 are produced at the Italian-based shipyard Consorzio Navale which is a prestigous consoritum of builders and sub-contractors in the industry. The group has serviced many of the major Italian yacht brands such as Ferretti Yachts and Riva Yachts . Additionally, the Silent Yachts 80 features styling and design by Marco Casali and naval architecture by Insenaval.

Are Silent Yachts really completely solar-powered?

The short answer is yes. Owners can choose to go 100% solar-powered or install diesel engines should higher speeds want to be achieved over longer distances. Silent Yachts can cruise up to 100 miles per day by power acquired through its solar panels. Every day the solar panels are able to generate more power than the total consumption needed for propulsion at cruising speeds plus powering all of the appliances on board. 

How does the solar power work? 

The Silent Yachts power system feeds the electric propulsion of the power cat and all of the energy it needs to run the A/C, refrigerators, and other household appliances. Light-weight lithium batteries provide an ample amount of energy for everything on board. The lithium batteries used in Silent Yachts are the most expensive ones on the market, but also the most reliable, safe, and have the longest life span.

Solar panels are integrated to the roof of the flybridge hardtop sections instead of just being bolted on top, resulting in no wind load or resistance againest them. Below is a video explaining how the system functions and operates back when Silent Yachts were originally called "Solar Wave":

Who is the team behind Silent Yachts?

Heike and Michael Kohler have sent almost their entire lives on a boat. After more than two decades of using various boats, cruisers, and sailboats on multiple oceans, they became dedicated to finding a better energy source for the propulsion of yachts. Between the years of 2005 and 2009, Heike and Michael tested a number of a multitude of various alternative energy sources. In 2009, SolarWave 46 was launched as a proof of concept for their design. While there are many boats and yachts built that use solar power in some fashion, the Solarwave 46 was the first ocean-going yacht to use solar energy to power everything on board from engines to appliances.

What else is different about how Silent Yachts are built?

Certainly the solar-powered engines and generators are the distinguishing characteristic, but there are a lot of other features that make each Silent Yacht unique. For example, the molds were created using a CNC-milling machine that is able to contruct particular shapes for an optimized design. The materials used in the hull include a carbon compositie that is then resin-infused for a light-weight, but very strong platform. Every hull is fully insulated and the long-term durability is exceptional thanks to the high-quality resin used in the infusion process.

What propulsion systems are recommended by Silent Yachts?

Silent Yachts recommends the 2 x 135 engines as the best solution. If the owner is making frequest trips from Point A to B (Say Miami to the Bahamas for example) the faster hybrid is recommended. The main differentiator here is cruising speed. If the owner is living on the yacht for an extended period of time, rarely pushes the engines to top speeds, and stays below 12 knots, then the E-Power is recommended.

When the generator is running, does the 100Kw go to charging the batteries (which run the 250 Kw e-Motors) or directly to the e-Motors?

All of the enery consumers and producers are connected to the bus bar. If there happens to be more power produced than consumed, the excess power goes to re-charge the batteries. If for some reason more power is required than what is produced, the needed power comes from the lithium batteries.

What is the sustained speed if both 100 Kw generators are running?

This answer really depends upon sea condition and the weight of the boat (for example components, additional equipment, water toys, etc.). The sustained speed on average though is between 12 and 14 knots, 10 knots with one generator running. It is possible to cruise at 10 knots without a generator running when using the Solar E-Power.

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Mayakoba, Mexico 

Set along Mexico’s Riviera Maya, Mayakoba is a gated 595-acre enclave, home to four hotels— Banyan Tree Mayakoba , Rosewood Mayakoba , Andaz Mayakoba , and Fairmont Mayakoba —each with access to private yacht charters on Mayakoba’s Van Dutch Yacht . The 55-foot vessel, kitted out with Hermes leather seats, two bedrooms, and a full kitchen and bathroom, can accommodate up to eight guests for a range of bespoke excursions. And en route to destinations like Cozumel or Playa del Carmen, sunseekers can take advantage of activities like scuba diving, jet skiing, and gliding through the Caribbean with an underwater scooter. (From $3,100 to $11,000, changing seasonally, for four- to eight-hour excursions)  

Borgo San Pietro, Italy 

The Mark Hotel, New York City 

In the heart of the Upper East Side, not far from Central Park’s famed Conservatory Water pond dotted with toy sailboats, The Mark Hotel is home to plush, Art Deco-inspired rooms, elegant restaurants, and access to a sailboat of its own. Guests embark from Tribeca’s North Cove Marina for a two-hour private charter aboard the 70-foot Herreshoff sailboat, which can accommodate up to 25 for cocktails, a custom menu from one of the property’s restaurants (including Caviar Kaspia or the eponymous fine dining spot helmed by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten) and spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty. (From $7,000 for a private excursion)

Six Senses Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza may be best known for its thrumming nightlife, but those after a little tranquility may find it at sea. On the hills overlooking the Balearic, Six Senses Ibiza offers access to such calm aboard one of several vessels in its portfolio, including a Monohull sailing yacht, a Scanner Envy 950, and a Solar Catamaran, powered by solar panels. A full- or half-day trip launches from Xarraca Bay to explore secluded coves and secret beaches where those-in-the-know go for a perfect combination of relaxation and stunning scenery. (From about $950)

Shangri-La London, England

The Charleston Place, South Carolina

With plenty of picturesque coastline to explore, it’s not hard to find a vessel to take you out on the water in Charleston. But in the charming South Carolina city, you’ll only find one Hinckley EP Picnic Boat available for charter. At The Charleston Place , guests of the elegant boutique property can board Moonrise , crafted by the iconic American shipbuilder, for a private sunset tour, or to spend the day off the coast of one of the city’s beautiful barrier islands. (From $1,100 for a two-hour excursion for up to six guests)

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai 

Towering over 1,000 feet, Burj Al Arab Jumeira has been a sailboat-inspired jewel on Dubai’s Arabian Gulf for 25 years. And now, thanks to a recently-launched partnership with Beno Luxury YachtRental , guests can add a sailing experience to their stay, too. Among the fleet of four yachts on offer, the 115-foot Santorini Superyacht can accommodate up to 80 guests for a  two-, three-, or four-hour jaunt that can include a butler, DJ, and custom catering from the property. (From $4,083 per hour)

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Trip duration, multiple days (less than 1 week), weekly trip show boats that have weekly prices. most weekly boats outside of the us are available only saturday to saturday., boat length: 5ft -, manufacturer, boat build year: -, weekly trip, price: $ - $, 55 boat rentals in st petersburg: yacht charters.

In addition to the best offers we have for boat and yacht charters in St. Petersburg, FL, see also options available for rent in these nearby locations:

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Rent a Boat in St Petersburg, Florida with Sailo!

Looking for a boat rental in St. Petersburg, Florida? A boating trip is always a great way to experience St. Petersburg. Choose your perfect St. Petersburg yacht charter with Sailo and set a course for adventure! When you rent a boat in St. Petersburg, you can choose your own itinerary and explore at your leisure. Want to relax on deck? Prefer to do some fishing? Or maybe you just want to escape the crowds? Find your ideal yacht rental in St. Petersburg with Sailo.

Private boat rentals in St. Petersburg

Explore the beauty of Florida state from St. Petersburg by a yacht charter. You’ll find 39 boats to rent in St. Petersburg with Sailo, for the best choice. Set sail on one of our sailboat rentals in St Pete . You can also choose from catamaran charters in St Pete , available to rent. What better way to discover the shores of Florida than from the deck of a luxury motor yacht? Browse the motor boat rentals in St Pete on Sailo for your ideal boating trip. You’ll also find a party boat in St Pete , perfect for groups of 13 or more available in Florida.

How to rent a yacht in St. Petersburg, Florida?

Wondering how to find the best boat charter in St. Petersburg for a memorable experience on the water in Florida? We have created a set of advanced filters to help you navigate easily our database of St. Petersburg yacht rentals and find the one for you. First pick a start date and then choose your trip duration. You can go for an extraordinary of 2, 4 hours or full day experience. Next, select the number of guests, the type of boat and the price range you are comfortable with. The crew filter helps you narrow down the results to the boats with the captain included in the price, or bareboats that you’ll captain yourself. Choose the boat you want in Florida, to view more pics, read description and reviews. Message the owner if you have any questions or continue with your booking request.

How much does it cost to rent a boat in St. Petersburg, FL?

St. Petersburg boat charters for daily trips are available at an average of €1100 per day in Florida. Cheaper boats (sometimes with no captain included) may be rented for €250. Our St. Petersburg premium charters may have price tags up to €6500, with crew, fuel, docking fees and other extras added to your budget.

Can I pay in installments for my Sailo boat rental?

A lot of our boat owners allow payment in installments, particularly for the weekly boat charters in St. Petersburg. First installment is always charged at the time the booking is confirmed. To find out if a boat has an installment plan, reach out to the boat representative and ask details via 'Message Owner' before you submit the booking or check out the Payment Schedule at top of the booking page.

Because we love the ocean

Sailing is a great way to experience nature. So we like to remind everyone that keeping nature as beautiful as possible involves a little effort from all of us. Some of our tips for responsible boating include:

• Don’t litter or throw waste overboard - take rubbish home and dispose of it responsibly
• Eco-friendly sunblock can help prevent damage to marine life
• buy local and sustainable food products

However long you’re sailing for, a little goes a long way. Read more about responsible boating.

Popular locations to rent a boat in Florida :

• Miami yacht rentals
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• boat rentals in Miami Beach
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• boat rental in Fort Myers
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• boat rentals in West Palm Beach
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• boat rentals in Miami, South Beach

Popular boat types in Florida among renters:

• party boat rental in Miami, FL
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Provisioned Charters for Discriminating Guests

Tell Us Where You Want To Go – We Will Plan The Rest.

Sailing Yacht Charters

Celebrate life with a journey on the water. We help you find a boat & Captain to fit your budget and needs. Plan a getaway.

Yacht Sales

We are licensed and bonded Yacht brokers specializing in the in catamarans by Bali. While our home port is Florida our boats travel From Florida to New England and Back each year to offer qualified buyers the “try before you buy” experience through a variety of charter programs

Captain Services

Buying or selling a boat? Let us help you coordinate your sea trial, survey, and delivery. Tell us what you need. We are here to help. 

About Sailicity Yacht Sales & Charter

Let your journey begin with Sailicity with all-inclusive sailing experiences. We foster the spirit of sailing and craft personalized and unique voyages tailored to discriminating guests. Tell us where you want to go, and we will plan the rest. We partner with an array of dynamic fleets designed to combine luxury lifestyle and the travel freedom of a memorable sailing experience. We have the privilege to provide guests with alternative social gatherings by hosting socially distant events on the sea, making all feel safe and exclusive.

Our Charter Concierge will craft private charters from half-day, weekend, or up to 14-day voyages. We have multiple types of charters; that sail anywhere in Florida along the Atlantic coast in the spring and fall with our Summer base in New England and our Winter Home in the Caribbean. Sailicity’s concierge service removes the headaches of planning and will take care of all the small details with industry-leading experts.

Our mission is to provide you the sailing experience of your dream. Make an appointment to speak to a Charter Concierge at no cost.

Contact a Charter Concierge to Learn More

Your Charter Concierge will help you create an experience you and your family will never forget. Celebrating a special occasion? Take the family on vacation? Explore incredible sights you can only see by water? We are here to help!

Celebrate Life with us on the Water

We amplified the concept of micro weddings with the creation of Weddings on the Water. Our venue focuses on personalized details for a brief ceremony at anchor for the bride and groom and up to 10 additional guests. 

We will provide wedding planning services, coordinating Florist, Videographer, Photographer, and Caterers to create a memorable experience. The Ceremony can be followed by cruises to resort destinations around Florida’s Gulf.

It took years of planning and effort to get to this point in your life.  There is no better way to celebrate and say thank you to the people who helped you get here. Your day has come, and we strive to meet all your expectations when planning your retirement holiday. 

Your celebration may be a catered dinner and sunset sail or a weeklong excursion, combining sailing, golf, dining, and tennis as we traverse Florida’s Gulf coast and visit some of our finest resorts.

Birthdays & more

Celebrate the time of your life with the people you love aboard a well-appointed crew yacht. Whether it is a milestone or not, let our special event planner help you celebrate in style. 

We will suggest menu options and provision for day cruises for up to 12 guests or overnight retreats for up to three couples. It can be the most memorable celebration of life.   Birthday yacht charters originate from the Vinoy Marina in St. Petersburg, FL, or Key Bight in Key West.

Why Sailicity Charters & Yacht Sales?

We remove the headaches of planning and will take care of the small details with industry-leading experts. We pride ourselves on taking the time to listen to your needs because WE CARE & have a passion for sailing.

We offer the chance to climb aboard the best boats from world-class manufacturers. Our boats combine maximum comfort blended with high performance.

It takes years of experience to know the different types of sailing vessels and how to determine which one is best for you. We are here to guide you to ensure you receive the best value on the type of boat you want.

We’re sailors. We are here to give you a sailing charter experience you will never forget. Start planning your sail today.

The possibilities are endless! Our beautiful Bali Catamarans are always based at ports during high season in the region. Our Concierge Service will help you plan your sailing adventure and build itineraries that are all about you.

A bareboat charter or demise charter is an arrangement for the chartering or hiring of a ship or boat, whereby no crew or provisions are included as part of the agreement; instead, the people who rent the vessel from the owner are responsible for taking care of such things. We are happy to arrange bareboat charters for qualified sailors who choose to go it alone. However, our specialty is to help you connect with knowledgeable captains and competent crew members to enhance your sailing experience by organizing your provisioning, planning your sailing itineraries, helping you manage meals and the galley and keeping you safe during your sailing adventure. Learn More .

Learn more about yacht ownership here . 

Sailing Lessons in St. Petersburg, FL

Get started:, call: (888) 454-7015.

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Florida Sailing Lessons in St. Petersburg, FL

St. petersburg, fl sailing school at the downtown hampton inn & suites.

Offshore Sailing School’s St. Petersburg, FL sailing school fleet is in St. Petersburg Municipal Marina across from the Downtown St. Petersburg Hampton Inn & Suites where most of our students stay. The picturesque city of St. Petersburg sits on Tampa Bay and the Vinoy Basin where good winds and sunny skies make our Florida sailing school in St. Petersburg great for sailing lessons and sailing vacations. Earn your bareboat cruising certification at this dynamic Florida destination, with quick access to interesting and picturesque anchorages. Click the course links below to learn more about sailing lessons in St. Petersburg, FL.

Learn to Sail in Three Glorious Days on Tampa Bay

If you are just starting out in sailing or looking for a brush up on your sailing skills, consider the 3-day Learn to Sail OSS 101 course. Combine your sailing course with a 5-night hotel stay (Sunday through Thursday) and explore beautiful St. Petersburg Beach, top-notch museums within walking distance of the hotel, chic shops and delectable dining.

Learn to Cruise and See the World Under Sail

If your ultimate goal is to own a cruising sailboat or charter a yacht with friends, the Fast Track to Cruising® Course OSS 101/103/104 is our most popular program and takes you from novice sailor to cruise-ready in 8 days. If you already know how to sail, then your next step is the 6-day Live Aboard Cruising Course OSS 103/104/114 on Tampa Bay. Your “home” while participating in these exciting sailboat cruising programs could be a 44′-47′ Jeanneau monohull, or a spacious 40′-45′ Leopard catamaran as you sail from point to point in Tampa Bay and along the Gulf Coast of Florida. During your sailing lessons, you cruise to beautiful harbors, anchorages and fun marinas where you can sample the laid back world Floridians love so much. Download Cruising Courses in St. Pete on the Gulf Coast of Florida to learn more about cruising destinations you might visit during your sailboat cruising week.

About the Downtown Hampton Inn & Suites

Hampton Inn & Suites Saint Petersburg, Florida – Florida Sailing School

Unwind after your Tampa Bay sailing lessons at the Downtown Hampton Inn & Suites! The AAA-rated Hampton Inn & Suites St. Petersburg (a member of the Hilton Hotel group) is located next to the St. Petersburg Yacht Club in the historic downtown district. This conveniently-located, comfortable hotel features an art deco motif, with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, a secluded roof-top swimming pool, and fitness room. All guests enjoy complimentary breakfast during their stay. Across the street from the hotel is the all-new St. Pete Pier, with 26 acres of walking/jogging paths, a variety of kids and family play areas (including a splash pad), fishing dock, several waterfront restaurants, a marketplace and picnic areas. Nearby is Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Vibrant Art Scene and Sun Coast Beaches

American Style magazine highlighted St. Petersburg’s “vibrant” arts scene. Stroll down the cobblestone streets of Central Avenue or along the waterfront on Beach Drive and duck into one of the many cafes for dinner or a cocktail. The Museum of Fine Arts, Dale Chihuly Collection, Mahaffey Theatre, and Salvador Dali Museum are all within walking distance. A short drive away is St. Petersburg Beach – luring beach lovers to the Sun Coast. There’s no better place to go for St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay sailing lessons, and extend your learning vacation with another day or two to visit Busch Gardens and Disney World.

• Activities and Amenities
• Courses Offered
• What's Included

At the Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown St. Petersburg:

• Flat screen TV and DVD player in each guest room
• Complimentary, deluxe hot breakfasts
• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout hotel
• Second-story terrace with heated swimming pool
• Guest laundry facility
• Fitness room
• On-site Suite Shop
• Coffeemaker, refrigerator and microwave in your room
• Valet parking
• Convenient downtown location directly across the street from marina and new Pier with many restaurants, bars, museums within walking distance

While other Florida sailing schools teach up to 6 people on a boat, Offshore Sailing School never teaches more than four per boat and instructor unless you opt for a Buy the Boat program. Private Couple or Family Courses are also available. Please check the individual courses for more details. Rates vary by season. Please see the “What’s Included” tab for more details. If you’d rather not book online, contact us: 888-454-7015 or 239-454-1700; email [email protected].

• Learn to Sail
• Fast Track to Cruising®
• Bareboat Charter Cruising Courses
• Live Aboard Cruising
• Catamaran Live Aboard Cruising
• Performance Sailing
• Monohull and Catamaran Refreshers

Here is an overview of what’s included when you take an Offshore Sailing School course in St. Petersburg at The Downtown Hampton Inn & Suites. Please check the individual course pages for more details.

An overview of what’s included when you book a package including accommodations at the Hampton Inn:

• Your course tuition
• Accommodations and taxes
• Complimentary daily breakfasts at hotel
• Your cabin aboard for Live Aboard Cruising Courses
• All breakfasts, lunches, snacks and three dinners aboard during live aboard courses (two dinners ashore are on you)
• Your course textbooks
• Diploma and logbook
• Course certifications when you pass the tests
• Other items specific to each course
• Exclusive one-year subscription to  Cruising World  or  Sailing World  magazine (mailed to U.S. address)

Call 888-454-7015 or 239-454-1700 Email  [email protected]

How to get to st. petersburg.

The Hampton Inn & Suites is a short drive or taxi ride from Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport.  Super Shuttle offers discounted one-stop direct service for Hampton guests and all the rental car services are available at the airports.

Address Information:

The Hampton Inn and Suites 80 Beach Drive NE St. Petersburg, FL 33701

6338 Presidential Court, #201  Fort Myers, Florida 33919

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