Silent Yachts

Pioneer of the solar-electric catamaran.

Silent-Yachts was founded in 2009 by the Austrian sailing couple Heike and Michael Köhler. That same year they presented the Solarwave 46, a self-sufficient solar-powered catamaran that was tested at sea for five years. Next came the Silent 64, the first series-built solar-powered catamaran, followed by the Silent 55 and the 80-footer.

After financial problems at the former parent holding company, the brand was taken over by Helios Yacht Investment, including the yard in Fano (Italy), where series production has taken place since 2024. The current range consists of the 60 series (Silent 62 as a flybridge or with three decks), the 80 series with two or three decks and the 120 Explorer. All models run on electric power from solar energy, with a diesel generator as a range extender.

Facts & figures

• Founded 2009 by Heike and Michael Köhler (Austria)
• First solar catamaran: Solarwave 46 (2009)
• Series production at its own yard in Fano, Italy
• Owned by Helios Yacht Investment since the relaunch
• Length of current range 18.9 - 36.7 m