Silent Yachts is a pioneer in incorporating kite sail systems into their yachts. Their Silent 60 model is the world’s first production yacht designed specifically to integrate a kite sail system.
Here’s a breakdown of how the Silent Yachts kite sail system works:
Increased Wind Power: A kite is deployed from the yacht, reaching high altitudes where winds are stronger and more consistent. This translates to significantly more pulling power compared to traditional sails. Silent Yachts claims the kite can generate up to 10 times more power than a conventional sail.
Doesn’t Compete with Solar Panels: Unlike conventional sails, the kite flies high above the deck, avoiding shade on the solar panels – a crucial aspect of Silent Yachts’ solar-powered philosophy .
Easy Storage: When not in use, the kite and its electrical winch can be collapsed and stored in a dedicated locker on the foredeck, ensuring it doesn’t take up valuable deck space .
Benefits of the Silent Yachts Kite Sail System
Enhanced Efficiency: The kite system can significantly improve a yacht’s fuel efficiency or, in the case of Silent Yachts, solar power consumption. During testing, the Silent 60 achieved speeds of 4-5 knots with the kite and electric motors turned off . When minimal electric motor power was used to optimize propeller efficiency, speeds increased to nearly 7 knots – a substantial improvement.
Silent Operation: The kite system is completely silent, aligning perfectly with Silent Yachts’ commitment to noise-free cruising.
While Silent Yachts seems to be at the forefront of integrating kite systems into production yachts, there may be some limitations to consider:
Wind Dependency: Kite sails are effective primarily in downwind or broad reach conditions. Sailing directly against the wind may not be possible.
Technical Expertise: Operating a kite sail system may require some additional training or experience compared to traditional sails.
Overall, Silent Yachts’ kite sail system represents an exciting innovation in the world of yachting, offering the potential for increased efficiency and silent, wind-powered cruising.
Suhas is the founder and chief editor of vecharged.com, a leading US-based publication focused on the future of energy and mobility. With a deep passion for the technology that is shaping our world, his work focuses on providing clear-eyed analysis and rigorous, hands-on reviews of the latest electric vehicles, home solar systems, and portable power solutions. He founded vecharged to cut through the industry jargon and provide consumers with the data-driven, unbiased information necessary to navigate the clean energy transition with confidence. His insights have helped thousands of readers make smarter, more informed decisions about their energy use.
It’s the most hyped electric dirt bike in history. We’re cutting through the noise with a complete technical breakdown, answering every question from top speed and weight to voltage and cost. Every so often, a product arrives that doesn’t just enter a market—it fundamentally redefines it. The Stark Varg is one of those products. When
The legendary Light Bee X gets key upgrades for 2025, including a more powerful battery. But in a more crowded market, is it still the best, and is it the right bike for you? We break it down. For years, the Sur-Ron Light Bee X has existed in a class of its own. It’s not
It’s the biggest debate in the off-road world: the visceral roar of a two-stroke versus the silent surge of a lithium-ion battery. We’re cutting through the tribalism to give you the real, data-driven expert breakdown. In the world of off-road riding, no debate is more passionate, more tribal, than gas versus electric. To the traditionalist,
It’s the most important EV innovation you’ve probably never heard of. We break down the science of 800-volt architecture, why it’s a game-changer for charging speed, and which cars have it. We’ve all been there: standing at a public charger, watching the minutes tick by. While everyone focuses on building bigger batteries, the real secret
