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Presentation
Yacht Class n°39 (dec 2024/jan-feb 2025)
Silent Yachts
Presented at Cannes for the first time in her Open version, the Silent 62 3-Deck boasts 3 deck levels, including a 60 m2 flybridge, meticulously designed interiors and the ability to sail in almost total silence thanks to her electric propulsion alone. Silent Yachts is staying the course and increasing its range with a simple objective: ever greater autonomy and habitability.
Written by : Nicolas Massines – Photos : Massimo Ferrari
It was in Fano, on the Italian Adriatic coast where the shipyard is based, that the new 62-foot 3-Deck from Silent Yachts hit the water last spring. This version complements the 2-Deck variant, offering a larger surface area, particularly on the upper deck. This true third deck can offer an immense owner‘s cabin (3-Deck Closed version) or, as on our test boat, a superb 60 m2 space.
An almost self-sufficient catamaran
Silent Yachts continues its maritime adventure, which began in 2009 and was consolidated with the launch of the first electrically propelled 64-footer in 2016. Silence, autonomy and durability have been the company’s watchwords since its creation. And this new opus is no exception to the rule, since electric propulsion and solar energy production remain at the heart of the project, with two Danfoss motors, each capable of 340 kW, coupled to a bank of lithium batteries, cooled by seawater, with a maximum capacity of 286 kWh. The catamarans are available with 3 engines: Cruising, E-Power and E-Power +. Solar energy production, via large panels installed on the deckhouses of the skylounge and main deck, reaches a daily output of 100 kWh in optimal sunshine conditions. Add to this a traction wing and you have a catamaran that is theoretically self-sufficient in energy. Silent Yachts has also included a 145 kW “range extender” generator in case of a pronounced drop in load.
Clean design
Viewed from the quayside, the Silent 62 3-Deck has a flowing design that infuses the hulls and overall exterior lines with dynamism. The long side panels of the lower and main decks slim the silhouette, which rises to over 8 metres. The rear bathing platform, which can be submerged for the tender, provides a substantial swimming area. A few steps up and we discover a relaxation area that can be used for meals. The impression of sober design is apparent from the first steps on board, and never leaves the passenger. The interior facilities are spread over two decks. On the main deck, once the sliding door has been opened, we discover a well-equipped U-shaped galley opening onto the outside, with large seating for eight people and plenty of natural light. The 50 m2 of space is uncluttered, and the light woodwork adds extra light. The large wheelhouse on the starboard side has no steering wheel, but is equipped with joysticks for steering and the stern and bow thrusters. Two 16‘ Raymarine screens flank a third screen dedicated to monitoring power consumption in real time. The wheelhouse configuration is very similar to that of the flybridge. Three large, comfortable bolster seats provide a comfortable watch. The main deck offers a beautiful fully decked area at the forward points, with large lockers, an L-shaped bench seat and a solarium offering welcome privacy on board. Moving around outside is made possible by wide gangways and high, safe balconies. The lower deck can be configured in three different ways, with three, four or five cabins. There is also the option of a central owner‘s cabin with a separate staircase. It features contemporary and refined mix of cream-coloured leather upholstery and natural wood for the storage and flooring. No concessions have been made to privacy: even in the five-cabin version, three of which are on the port side, each cabin has its own en suite shower room.
Upper space, a major asset
The strong point of this new model from Silent Yachts is upstairs. That is, where the spectacular flybridge of no less than 60 m2 extends: the panoramic view is simply breathtaking. The carbon structure of the hard-top does nothing to obstruct vision, and the shade provided is really effective. The bar, galley area, bench seat and steering console make this 62-foot catamaran the place to be for long hours. It‘s time for the captain to start the two engines. At idle, the noise is barely perceptible from inside, even during the waiting manoeuvres to leave the port, where forward and reverse go very smoothly, without any unwanted sounds or vibrations. We set off with the maximum passenger capacity on board, with the batteries indicating 90% of their total charge. The energy control screen shows engine speed on the left and available power on the right. Once out of the harbour, cruising speed stabilises at 7 knots. A short cross chop allows you to reach a comfortable top speed of 10 knots. The boat does not slap against the waves and, above all, does not resonate in the cabins or on the main deck. Steve Bell, Vice-Chairman of Silent Yachts, asked during the sailing about the maintenance and operation of the electrical system, says: “Everything is extremely simple, because apart from regular checks of the batteries, no handling is required and the life cycle of the batteries is 5,000 charges. This corresponds to around 6 to 7 years of use”. All of which is reassuring for fans of combustion engines. Back at the dock, after 45 minutes of fast sailing, the control screen shows 80% of its total charge, which represents reasonable consumption. The smiling faces of the passengers leave no room for doubt: the Silent 62 3-Deck offers extremely pleasant, silent cruising and first-rate comfort. Long, and even very long, stays on board can be envisaged with serenity in view of her energy production and autonomy.
