A hush falls over the Cyclades
When Otoctone—Sunreef’s newest 80 Eco—left Porto Vecchio at dawn, only the lapping tide broke the silence. Meanwhile, a faint chapel bell marked the hour. No diesel growl, no blue haze, just a 24-metre cat gliding on sunlight. Consequently, charter guests across the Med now ask for “silent” yachts first and cabin size second. In fact, inquiries for zero-emission boats doubled between January and May, according to IYC’s mid-year brief.
How engineering met demand
First, technology matured. Solar membranes now generate up to 40 kWh a day, and lithium banks power air-conditioning all night. Second, regulation helped. Since 1 April 2025, Greece cuts transit-log fees 50 % for yachts that sail under 24 m and emit nothing at anchor. Finally, lifestyle trends sealed the deal. Wellness charters—with cryotherapy pods and plant-based menus—require acoustic calm, therefore electric yachts fit perfectly.
Seven solar stars to watch
| Yacht | LOA | Guests | Stand-out feature | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunreef 80 Eco “Nalani” | 24 m | 9 | Flexible solar “skin” | Charter openings late Sept |
| Sunreef 80 Eco “Otoctone” | 24 m | 8 | Vegan gastronomy | Corsica–Sardinia route |
| Sunreef 100 Eco (Hull #1) | 30 m | 10 | Solar sail film | Launch Aug 2025 |
| Silent 80 Tri-Deck “Solstice” | 24 m | 10 | Rooftop cinema | Booked to 2026 |
| Silent 62 3-Deck | 19 m | 8 | Plunge pool | Croatia debut July |
| Soel Senses 62 | 19 m | 8 | Dutch design, 42 kWh bank | Cannes showcase Sept |
| Sunreef 80 Power Eco “Sol” | 24 m | 8 | Jet-ski garage | Won German Innovation Award |
Peak-season rates range from €52 000 to €98 000 a week, MYBA terms. Therefore, budget early.
Itineraries that love the sun
Cyclades Silent Loop
Athens → Kea → Syros → Paros → Sifnos → Kythnos → Athens.
Because the Meltemi blows most afternoons, sails regenerate power while panels soak up 14 hours of light.
Dalmatian Green Corridor
Trogir → Vis → Hvar → Korčula → Mljet → Šolta → Trogir.
Croatia, moreover, now waives eco-moorings for yachts logging 100 % solar days.
Life on board
Morning begins with rooftop yoga on a bamboo deck that harvests kinetic energy. Afterwards, lunch features line-caught bonito seared on an induction grill, paired with natural wine chilled by solar compressors. In the evening, guests watch the Milky Way from a fly-bridge warmed by infrared panels. Consequently, generator noise becomes a memory rather than a soundtrack.
Booking through Luxury.it Concierge
- Complete the Eco-Yacht enquiry form.
- Then, receive live availability, sample menus and carbon certificates within 12 hours.
- Finally, confirm with a 30 % deposit held in escrow; pay the balance 45 days before embarkation.
Ready to trade diesel rumble for cicadas and sea salt? Start here.
FAQ
Are solar catamarans reliable at night?
Yes. Lithium banks of 140-200 kWh keep air-con and galley running ten hours. Therefore, engines remain on standby but rarely start.
Do they carry water toys?
Absolutely. Most offer electric Seabobs and e-foil boards that recharge from the main array.