When a 62-foot power yacht holds 6 knots with almost no energy use
Real-time data from our ongoing Atlantic passage show how the combination of solar-electric propulsion and kite assistance can keep a 62-foot yacht moving at steady offshore speeds with exceptionally low energy demand.
As Silent 62 “100%” continues its journey, the crew has shared a detailed energy breakdown illustrating how this setup performs in real ocean conditions.
In the footage, the yacht initially holds 5.5-6.1 knots, with 12–12.5 knots of apparent wind (around 18 knots true wind) and the kite deployed in manual mode. At the same time, the solar array is producing ~10 kW of power.
Microgrid ON (full 220V systems running)
- Electric motors at 265 RPM
- Propulsion load: ~3-4 kW per side
- Solar production: ~10 kW
- Net balance: -3 to -4 kW
Even with all 220V systems active, the yacht requires only a few kilowatts more than it produces: an extremely low deficit for a 62-foot yacht in ocean conditions.
Microgrid OFF (24V essentials only)
- Net balance: close to zero
With the microgrid switched off, the yacht relies on the 24V fridges and core systems, improving efficiency to the point where solar approaches net-positive energy generation.
With the kite in autopilot mode, apparent wind at 15.8 knots (true wind ~20 knots) and a speed of around 5.5 knots, the system again runs very close to zero.
With 350 kWh of battery capacity, operating at a near-zero balance keeps long-range cruising remarkably efficient and highly economical.
Solar-electric + kite vs. traditional motor yacht
A 62-foot yacht maintaining 5-6 knots with near-zero net energy use is something a traditional motor yacht simply cannot achieve, as it relies on continuous fuel burn.
Silent 62 “100%” shows that, supported by solar power and the kite, a solar-electric catamaran can approach energy neutrality even during an ocean passage. This level of efficiency not only reduces environmental impact but also dramatically lowers operating costs over extended routes.
These results highlight how long-distance cruising can be quieter, cleaner and exponentially more efficient than traditional motor-yacht standards. And Silent 62 “100%” is proving it in real time.
Watch the video 👉 https://www.silentatlantic.com/testing-the-kite-at-sea-kite-up-solar-on/
Follow the Atlantic crossing live 👉 https://www.silentatlantic.com
