Hybrid yacht opens doors to other yacht owners who want to become eco-friendly and green
The first ever hybrid yacht built for luxury yacht charter has been launched. The green technology that powers hybrid cars has finally reached the luxury yacht industry as Island Pilot LLC has launched a hybrid yacht - a catamaran.
With renewable, sustainable transportation so critical, it is little wonder the realm of alternative fuels has come to the yachting industry.
OK, so maybe it is too soon to say the first luxury yacht charter hybrid vessel is available for a Caribbean yacht charter holiday. After all, the first hybrid yacht just splashed down in October 2008. Still, with the Caribbean yacht charter marketplace dominated by 40 to 50-foot luxury catamarans, can it be that far off that we will see a hybrid boat available for hire in the Caribbean? After all, over 80% of the Caribbean-based luxury yacht charter vessels in the mid-range market are catamarans.
Like hybrid automobiles, the 40 ft Island Pilot DSe Hybrid 12m combines multiple sources of power. Hybrid cars rely on electricity and fuel - the Island Pilot DSe hybrid yacht draws its sustainable transportation capabilities from solar, electric, and diesel power.
The luxury yacht can travel at 6 knots running only on solar power and 13 knots with the addition of diesel.
Island Pilot emphasizes that the hybrid technology doesn’t take away from the yacht’s luxury amenities, which include a Garmin HD radar, Tecnautic “Fly by Wire” controls and gyro autopilot, 4 zones of air conditioning, hi-tech refrigeration with ice maker, and a 26 inch High Definition TV.
Of course, the yacht doesn’t come cheap — plan on shelling out $600,000 if you want one. On the plus side, many Caribbean yacht charter catamarans when purchased new are in this same price category. This closeness in price might be enough to sway an owner to consider green hybrid technology when purchasing a new yacht.
In the Caribbean, most of the yacht charter owners are also the operators of their own yachts. These folks see first-hand the impact of global warming and climate change on the ocean, as well as the coves and islands they frequent. Thus, it should come as no surprise that the yacht industry, in particular the yacht charter market, is supportive of green technology and the alternative energy movements.
It could even be argued the charter community was at the forefront of the eco-friendly environmental protection movement. What could be more “green” than the luxury sailboats that dominate the Caribbean charter fleet? Hundreds of sailboat charters, driven by the ultimate renewable source of power - wind energy – take place each year.
While the romance of a wind-powered sail yacht vacation remains appealing, many travelers seek the comfort of a motoryacht. Simply put, sailboats rock and heal to one side when underway, whereas most motoryachts rest flat in the water. Furthermore, motor yachts can get quickly from one location to the other, using engine power, while sail yachts have to rely on Mother Nature and her breezes.
The 40 ft Island Pilot DSe Hybrid is a welcome addition to the market. Her use of green technology will greatly reduce the carbon footprint of the yacht as compared to traditional motoryachts. Furthermore, charter guests can enjoy the speed and comforts of a motoryacht and the affordability of a catamaran, while utilizing the sustainable, renewable energy of a hybrid.
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Tags: Caribbean yacht charter, catamaran charter, charter market, eco-friendly yacht, green yachting, hybrid yacht charter, private yacht, solar power
