Sunbathing on the Waves: The Solar-Powered Yacht That's More Eco-Warrior Than Eco-Worrier
Image Credit: Sunpower Yachts.
I think this year will go down in history as the year I said: "I've seen it all now" the most ever. The moment I say that, something else lands in the inbox, blowing my curious mind to pieces. And today is no different - today, I'm looking at a yacht that runs on sunshine. Yep, no diesel fumes, no chugging engines, just the gentle lapping of waves and the smug satisfaction of saving the planet, one nautical mile at a time. I just got all the info about the latest iteration of the Sunpower VIP Solar-E 44, and let me tell you, it's quite a dinghy.
I can't deny that I'm as fond of the smell of two-stroke in the morning as the next petrolhead, but even I have to admit, there's something undeniably cool about a yacht that can cruise for hours on nothing but sunlight. This 44-foot beauty comes with a 9,000 W solar panel system, which is enough to power everything from the electric motors to the onboard disco ball (okay, maybe not a disco ball, but you get the idea). Literally, everything runs on sunshine.
But don't even for a second think that this eco-friendly focus means compromising on luxury. Oh no, my friend. The VIP Solar-E 44 is decked out with all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a high-end yacht. Spacious lounges, stylish interiors, and enough creature comforts to make a Kardashian jealous. With a three-cabin layout, this solar cat offers more floor space than many modern houses.
If you've ever seen solar car races, you'd probably imagine this yacht to be as slow as a snail. I gotta be honest - I thought so as well. Oh boy, was I wrong... This solar wonder performs surprisingly well on the water. With a cruising speed of 6-8 knots (that's about 7-9 mph in land-speak) and a top speed of 12-15 knots (around 14-17 mph), it's no speed demon, but it's certainly not slow at all. When you're surrounded by stunning ocean views, you don't really want to hurry anyway. And if you don't mind dialing the speed down a notch, this beauty can circumnavigate the world nonstop. Stock up on your favorite supplies, stick the autopilot on, and enjoy the adventure of your lifetime.
All well and good, but what happens when the clouds roll in? The VIP Solar-E 44 has a backup plan for skeptics like me. A generator, to be precise. But not just any generator, mind you. This one can pump out either 22 kW or a whopping 100 kW, depending on your needs. So, even if you find yourself caught in a torrential downpour, you can still enjoy all the comforts of a very luxurious floating home.
Time for some specs. The VIP Solar-E 44 measures 44 feet in length, with a beam of 23.6 feet and a draft of 2.5 feet. That's about the size of a small apartment, with plenty of room to stretch out and relax. It weighs in at a respectable 11 tons, but thanks to those electric motors and twin hulls, it glides through the water with surprising grace and efficiency.
There's a choice of three different propulsion options: 2 x 30 kW, 2 x 80 kW, or 2 x 135 kW electric motors. That's plenty enough power to get you where you need to go, whether you're cruising along the coast or venturing further afield.
Of course, being eco-friendly and luxurious means being quite the opposite of affordable. But before you start clutching your wallets in fear, remember that you'll be saving a fortune on fuel costs. Plus, you'll be doing your bit for the environment. That bit is priceless, right?
Who is the Sunpower VIP Solar-E 44 for? It's certainly not for your average speed-obsessed adrenaline junkie. But if you're looking for a stylish, comfortable, and eco-friendly way to explore the open seas without any compromise, then this solar-powered yacht might just be your perfect match. Just don't forget the sunscreen and extra supplies - you'll most likely end up extending your trips far beyond the original plan.
