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Yachting is a luxurious and unforgettable experience that brings us closer to nature’s beauty. But it also comes with a responsibility to protect the oceans we love. Fortunately, yacht owners, charter companies, and shipyards are taking the lead in reducing the carbon footprint of yachting. As a result, some of the emerging yachts are significantly impacting the world around us. Here are some noteworthy examples of yachts creating a greener, more sustainable future.

Silent 55

The Sunreef 50 Eco is a 50ft charter catamaran that runs entirely on electrical power. With 130m² of sail area and two powerful 35kW electric motors, this yacht runs silently and smoothly over the Adriatic Sea. The best part? You could run the AC all night just on the batteries! The Sunreef 50 Eco sets a new standard for seamless yachting, making it an innovative option for a fantastic charter that leaves very little trace.

The Silent 55 is a true leap forward in solar-powered motor yacht design. These 100% solar-powered yachts are reliable, comfortable, and tread lightly on the planet. The entry-level model features two 50kW electric motors, with a top speed of 14 knots and a cruising speed of 8 knots, while the top-end model offers a pair of 250kW motors for a top speed of 20 knots. For extra green propulsion, all versions are available with a towing kite, which generates up to 10x more power per square meter than a conventional sail. Because the sun’s rays power them, they have a theoretically limitless cruising range, with eight years warranty on the battery banks and solar panels that lasts 25 years. This is the ultimate way to cruise noiselessly through the sparkling Mediterranean.

Sunreef 60 Eco, E (2019)

The Sunreef 60 Eco, E (2019) is another example of how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand. Powered solely by clean energy, a high-powered electric propulsion system drives this sleek and clever adaptation of Sunreef’s best-selling 60ft catamaran. E has recyclable performance sails and an intelligent energy management system and is even built from reclaimed and recycled materials. Her flybridge roof is a giant solar panel. E uses self-generated power from solar panels and hydrogen from the propeller rotations when sailing. A pair of 55kW electric engines generate energy from the wind while the yacht is sailing, charging the 140 kWh propulsion battery bank for up to 6 hours of cruising on the engine. A 16 kWh battery bank provides all the clean energy she could ever need to keep her systems running. As Sunreef says, their electric propulsion systems “combine fuel savings, low maintenance, and ultra-silent operation.” The Sunreef 60 Eco, E is available for crewed charters in the Mediterranean in summer and the Caribbean in the winter.

The Black Pearl is a stunning example of what a yacht can be capable of. This 106m ‘zero impact’ sailing yacht was built in 2016 and designed way ahead of its time. One of the world’s largest sailing yachts, she leads a step change in ecological yachting. Designed to conserve every last ounce of energy, Black Pearl features propellers that act as water turbines, along with black DynaRig sails that include solar panels. These sources are enough to power all interior needs, from lighting to AC and beyond. Reusable water bottles dramatically cut the amount of plastic waste on board.

These yachts are just a few examples of how the yachting industry is making strides towards sustainability. It’s encouraging to see yacht owners, charter companies, and shipyards.