By: MYRA MAGALETTA
Losing out on zero sex appeal, the new generation of eco-conscious vessels are powerful and spicy.
Summer days bring on the promise of new adventures… longer days, warmer nights, and the ubiquitous rosé on ice. Of the many signs of the sunniest season, there reigns the quintessential experience of sea cruising.
Whether looking to make a statement or impact, it’s never been easier to do both. Cue the next generation of vessels: luxury boats that are environmentally friendly. Electric- and solar-powered boats make it possible to enjoy the ocean breeze without the noise of the engine nor the smell of diesel fumes. While the ultimate green escape of smooth sailing reigns supreme, for those who prefer more power, any of the exciting array of electric- and solar-powered boats and yachts are just the antidote.
If harnessing your inner James Bond suits your style more, the all-electric Voltaire 33Sky, is a thing of beauty. It is equipped with award-winning i3 batteries by BMW and two Torqeedo Deep Blue engines with 50 kW of power each, allowing for maneuvers 007 would approve. According to Voltaire, “the boat can be fully recharged overnight in any regular marina. The optional fast charger feature recharges 80 percent over lunch.”
Those who fear running out of a charge while out to sea can harness the sun’s might with the solar-powered Serenity 74. “With nice sun and sea conditions, one can cruise indefinitely onboard Serenity 74 at 7-9 knots, while more than 110 square meters of solar panels will keep your batteries topped up so you can cruise through the night,” according to Boyd Taylor, executive director at Serenity Yachts. If my math is correct, that’s plenty of juice for a romantic jaunt to Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in the Keys, where you can lose yourself on four acres of paradise.
Already a boat owner? Vision Marine Technologies partnered with Maclaren engineering to make the world’s most powerful electric motor that can be installed on a boat or yacht. At this year’s Miami International Boat Show, Vision Marine Technologies featured a StarCraft 22 pontoon equipped with the E-Motion 180 Electric powertrain. The silent engine is perfect for a stealthy pull up to Utiki Beach on the Jupiter Inlet Marina for a happy hour or shenanigans at Zuma for sea strutting, sushi, and dancing.
