Emission-free solar yacht with towing-kite propulsion
A yacht dream is coming true: The emission-free solar yacht with towing-kite propulsion will be developed and built by the solar ship manufacturer SolarWaterWorld AG from Berlin in close cooperation with the Hamburg-based technology leader SkySails GmbH. A cooperation agreement which includes a seven-figure development contract for SkySails has been signed by the partners on October 27th, 2011.
The combination of solar-electric and SkySails propulsion is a sensation – not only ecologically. Besides producing no CO2 at all, this hybrid yacht competes with conventional sailing ships and motor yachts on a completely different level as well: motor yachts are fast and spacious while sailing yachts offer emission- and vibration-free enjoyment. Cruising at sea is significantly more comfortable on a sailing yacht, but this is achieved with a disturbing inclined position.
A solar yacht with SkySails propulsion combines the advantages of both worlds: it glides soundlessly, but with motor yacht comfort through the waves. At the same time, the towing kite generates up to 25times more power per square meter sail area than conventional sail propulsions and thus makes for high speed. This allows the development of a superior yacht design without compromise.
And what’s more, independency on long distance trips is given as well: “Wind or sun – one of them is always available. This makes it possible to cruise around the globe without refuelling”, says Dr. Christian Steinhausen, CEO of SolarWaterWorld, and he adds enthusiastically: “the solar-electric kite yacht will revolutionize the yachting world. Calms, shortage of fuel, and rotten compromises are no longer an issue! We can reach high speeds without heel – and this in a 100% CO2-neutral way.”
Stephan Wrage, CEO of SkySails GmbH, is excited: “We have been noticing a worldwide interest in our towing kite propulsion from the yachting sector for several years. SolarWaterWorld is a competent and internationally recognized partner in the field of solar-electric yachts and we are delighted to establish this product field together.”
The towing kite systems which have been in operation in commercial cargo shipping since 2008 have to be newly dimensioned to fit onto yachts of up to 25m in length. The development of a cruising yacht specifically suited for extreme requirements will be handled by SolarWaterWorld AG which specializes in alternative drive systems and bionically-optimized hull designs.
The development project is set for two years. The first prototype shall be presented by the end of 2012, series production of the solar-electric kite-yacht is planned to start in 2013.
Source: SkySails