silent yachts kite sail

Silent Yachts: Harnessing the Wind with Innovative Kite Sail Systems

April 8, 2024

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.

The Ultimate Nissan Ariya FAQ & Owner’s Guide (2025): Price, Range, Charging, Where It’s Made & Everything Buyers Need to Know

The Ultimate Nissan Ariya FAQ & Owner’s Guide (2025): Price, Range, Charging, Where It’s Made & Everything Buyers Need to Know

August 17, 2025

The Nissan Ariya is one of the world’s most searched-for electric SUVs, but buyers online have dozens of practical, unanswered questions. If you want real-world, high-authority answers—including price, range, charging, “how to” tricks, where the Ariya is made, and pro buying tips—this definitive FAQ is for you. Nissan Ariya Interactive FAQ & Owner Guide 2025

The Ultimate Nissan Ariya Charging Guide (2025): Every Question Answered

The Ultimate Nissan Ariya Charging Guide (2025): Every Question Answered

August 17, 2025

You’ve fallen for the Nissan Ariya. You’ve admired its stunning “Japanese lounge” interior, its smooth ride, and its compelling new price. But now, as you get closer to ownership, the real, practical questions start to surface. The questions the brochure doesn’t always answer. How much will it really cost to charge? How long does it actually take? And what

Your E-Bike Could Be a Fire Hazard. Here’s the One Thing to Check Right Now.

Your E-Bike Could Be a Fire Hazard. Here’s the One Thing to Check Right Now.

August 15, 2025

The Startling Truth Behind E-Bike Battery Fires Videos showing e-bike batteries igniting into flames have shocked owners worldwide. While these incidents are rare, the consequences can be devastating. Almost every fire incident shares one common factor: the battery system involved lacked proper safety certification. As electric mobility grows globally, understanding battery safety becomes critical—not just

The 10 Best Electric Cars Worth Waiting For in 2026: Affordable, Exciting, and Game-Changing

The 10 Best Electric Cars Worth Waiting For in 2026: Affordable, Exciting, and Game-Changing

August 15, 2025

 The next 18 months will redefine the EV landscape. From affordable Tesla rivals to game-changing electric trucks, here is our definitive, expert-vetted list of the cars you should hold out for. 2026 could finally be the year electric cars go mainstream for everyone – and these are the models that promise to change the game.

PreviousNext
Share to...