Huge, Inflatable Kite Gives A Zero-Emission Boost To A 60ft Electric Yacht
Image via Silent Yachts
Kitesurfing takes advantage of the power of the wind to tow adrenaline-seekers along, most commonly associated with water and snow. But, instead of carrying people, this kite carries a yacht.
The Silent 60 electric yacht, a 60-footer developed by Silent Yachts, has this huge kite as one of its available propulsion options. Spanning 130 square feet, the kite was developed by Wingit Kite Boat Systems and requires only inflation before being thrust around 400 feet into the sky.
Michael Kohler, Silent Yachts’ CEO, describes it as being more of a tool than a toy despite its unconventional appearance. This is thanks to its ability to add up to five knots to a boat’s speed, all while saving energy and increasing efficiency.
Tethered to a foredeck mast measuring two feet tall, the kite’s height allows it to reach areas where the wind is stronger, pulling the yacht along while dancing in figure-eights. After being used, the entire thing can be packed away neatly in a box on the foredeck, ready for the next trip.
“It generates 10 times more power per square foot than a conventional sail,” Kohler states to Robb Report. “The kite is controlled automatically; you can steer the boat just as you would any vessel.”
It’ll also be much better than conventional solutions in emergency situations. In case the yacht’s propellers run into fishing nets or lines, which kill the engines, the kite can just guide the boat toward safety for the entrapments to be removed. When compared to having to struggle with cutting the line, as users may have to resort to with a traditional system, it’s clear to see the kite’s appeal.
Of course, it goes without mentioning that it fits perfectly in line with Silent Yachts’ focus on producing sustainable, zero-emission yachts. After all, it harnesses just the power of the wind—straight from the source, too.
Image via Silent Yachts
Wingit’s kites can be used for long-distance trips or even transatlantic voyages, but Kohler notes that it’ll be most commonly incorporated in leisurely day cruising with “normal, light-wind conditions.”
Robb Report notes that out of the various propulsion options available for this yacht, all the buyers of the Silent 60 thus far have opted for the kite.
[via Robb Report, all images via Silent Yachts]
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