Soliloquy - The Super Green Superyacht

PRESS RELEASE | Friday, 29 May 2009

Solar Sailor Holdings Ltd is proud to announce the design of a super green luxury superyacht called 'Soliloquy' by Alastair Callender of Coventry University.

CEO of Solar Sailor, Dr Robert Dane said "When Alastair approached us to sponsor his final year major project, we were immediately impressed by his resume and the concept itself seemed a perfect match with Solar Sailor. As a result, Alastair has developed a radical 58m, rigid-wing superyacht, powered by our solar, wind and hybrid marine power technologies."

A design brief was reached to ensure that renewable energies, along with eco-friendly materials and construction techniques, would confirm that this superyacht will become one of the most 'Green' of luxury yachts. This will comply with, and aims to excel in various industry requirements, including the new Green Star + certification from RINA in Italy.

Initially aimed at an owner of an eco-friendly stance, with a sailing or non-sailing background, Soliloquy pushes the boundaries of yacht design convention as we know it today, and points to the future of clean, luxury yachting.   This pioneering and highly efficient motor-sailor offers numerous advantages, which will widen her appeal to more potential investors and owners - not least thanks to being powered quietly by renewable and hybrid-electric energy.   In turn this shall bring zero-emission capabilities, and result in significant savings in fuel cost.

The innovative overhead beam, sweeping forward to the bow, not only brings structural advantages, along with exciting and refreshing visual aesthetics, but has been specifically designed to house three automated and pivotally mounted, rigid-wing solarsails.

Soliloquy's innovative rigid-wing rig, and architecturally dynamic form, will be a unique sight to all mariners that see her the world-over.

The patented technology and automation of Solar Sailor Holdings Ltd's solarsail pivot, currently used on a series of ferries already launched which accurately feathers the wings independently, at all points of sail to the wind and or sun - at a moments notice, coupled with Callender's optimised, highly-efficient design will enhance the yacht's propulsion.

When asked about the project's holistic design approach, Callender mentioned:

"In this ever-increasing environmentally conscious time, I wanted to focus my attention on looking at possible solutions to some of the current problems associated with the superyacht industry.    Eco-luxury should no longer be viewed as an oxymoron.   'Soliloquy - the Super-Green Superyacht' is a true metaphor to show that this ideal is viable.

Every opportunity to be environmentally responsible has been ensured .  

Soliloquy brings all the luxury one would expect of a superyacht, without the noise, vibration, fuel costs and vast pollution levels of a motor yacht, nor the crew manning levels needed of a cloth-sailed rig.   State-of-the-art patented technology by Solar Sailor Holdings Ltd. has brought this personal dream one step closer to reality."

The hull's highly efficient length-to-beam ratio has enabled a relatively low power requirement to reach competitive cruising speeds under sail and/or electric motor.

Soliloquy's additional innovations, include an 'ever-evolving ' superstructure which will create a truly unique visual display to all onlookers. This will also offer its guests unrivalled and adaptable inside/outside socializing areas - featuring alfresco living spaces on the main deck.

The superstructure's use has been enhanced by its efficient Photovoltaic surfacing: - once all the adaptable blinds have evolved out of the overhead beam, it shall total over 600 square metres of solar collection area. Using a Hybrid Marine Power (HMP) system, all renewable solar energy will be stored in the yacht's batteries, which in turn can quietly power the onboard electrics, without the need or noise of a generator.   During a period of 12 hours in the sunshine, Soliloquy can run to nearly 8 knots on solar energy alone.

The generous interior, has a carefully selected number of renewable materials, resulting in a minimal carbon footprint.  

Soliloquy's eco-luxury design ethos, and cold-moulded construction technique, using wood from sustainably managed forests, will contribute to the understated opulence.  

Callender's design will act as a soliloquy for its owner's innermost hopes and desires: to express to the world the potential for a greener future in luxury yachting ~ through harnessing the power of nature .

The result is a synergy to create a uniquely sculptured, architectural form and a visually dynamic aesthetic, with state-of-the-art 'green' technology.

The   vision was to apply Solar Sailor Holding Ltd's exciting, proven technology into the superyacht market is an exciting proposition. Where fewer crew, due to high levels of automation will add to an increased level of privacy for up to 12 guests.  

Soliloquy's innovative design solution, will be presented at the 4 th Annual Future of Superyachts Conference, taking place on 22nd and 23rd June 2009, Palma de Mallorca, Spain .

All specific enquiries about Soliloquy please email:  soliloquy@solarsailor.com.au

For information on Solarsails & Hybrid Marine Power by Solar Sailor Ltd. visit: www.solarsailor.com.au

For Alastair's other designs please see: http://www.callenderdesigns.co.uk/

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