Whisper Yachts France graces the red carpet at the Cannes Yachting Festival
by Whisper Yachts 3 Aug 2023 01:49 PDT
12-17 September 2023
Whisper 50 © Whisper Yachts
Whisper Yachts is advancing its efforts in promoting autonomous and eco-responsible yachts. The pioneering French company will be a participant in the Cannes International Yachting Festival, scheduled to take place from September 12th to 17th, 2023.
Whisper Yachts bridges the gap between dreams and reality
Launched in 2019, Whisper Yachts seeks to address a growing market need by providing environmentally-friendly solutions and catering to the increasing interest in ecological alternatives among sailors.
Throughout my extensive engineering career, I encountered electric propulsion boats that were more like laboratory boats," explains Guy Marchal, founder of Whisper Yachts, " although technically fascinating! Today, our main goal is to industrialize and introduce electric solar-powered yachts, making them accessible to a broader audience To achieve this, Whisper Yachts innovatively combines existing technologies from various cutting-edge sectors, such as automotive batteries, adapting them for maritime use. As the sole market player, we offer a 15-meter catamaran featuring eco-responsible electric propulsion, autonomous and 100% marketable."
The catamaran is the perfect solution to promote both the ecological transition and the concept of slow cruising
With an annual growth rate of nearly 14%, the catamaran market is experiencing rapid expansion, aligning perfectly with Whisper Yachts' vision to establish itself in this thriving industry and make solar-electric yachts more accessible. Additionally, there is a technical challenge involved: a 50-foot catamaran (equivalent to 15 meters) represents the optimal model for installing solar panels due to its reduced water resistance, resulting in lower energy consumption.
"Our yachts are equipped with 40 m2 of solar panels, powering an electric propulsion system that operates silently without producing vibrations," explains Guy Marchal. Apart from the propulsion system, numerous equipment and recyclable materials on board contribute to reducing the carbon impact of our yachts on the environment. Weight has been a particular focus, leading to a complete redesign of the catamarans' hulls, which now feature a new design optimized for the onboard technologies. Our commitment lies in harmonizing luxury, environmental responsibility, and sailing comfort, while maintaining performance and autonomy comparable to combustion-powered boats, allowing us to sail comfortably at pleasant speeds of around 10 knots. The "slow-cruising" concept we promote enhances our appreciation for the cherished marine environment."
Establishing clear short and medium-term objectives for the environment and the economy
The Cannes Yachting Show presents an opportunity for Whisper Yachts to assert its short-term ambitions, as it plans to deliver its inaugural yachts in early 2024. The company has set dual objectives for itself: firstly, a commercial goal of capturing 10% of the market by 2027; secondly, an ecological vision to supply yachts that are 90% recyclable by 2030.
"We take great pride in promoting French luxury and innovation worldwide through impactful initiatives. As a mission-driven company, we actively contribute to the transformation of an industry that now acknowledges the excesses of its past. Our broader objective is to play a role in the transition of marinas by introducing solar-electric yachts that function as veritable power plants at the quayside. These yachts will freely reinject the electricity generated by their solar panels during the 10/11 months when they remain unused. Many projects are still under way, including the development of 40- and 60-foot yachts, along with the integration of advanced technological systems such as hydrogen fuel cells to replace generators and dynamic positioning mechanisms to prevent anchoring and protect the seabed," concludes Guy Marchal.