It’s more than five years since electric drives became the default propulsion option for new daysailer designs but they’re now also entering the mainstream for larger yachts. Beneteau’s first electric…
electric drive
First look: TEMO 1000 electric outboard
Electric propulsion has allowed innovative companies – usually small start ups – to experiment with novel form factors, many of which have clear advantages over that of a conventional internal…
First look: X-Yachts X49E – Danish yard’s first electric yacht
X-Yachts has launched its first yacht with electric propulsion, a 49-footer for long distance cruising, the X49E. The Danish yard worked closely with the owner, who wants to use his…
Petrol vs electric outboards: 6 of the best on test
Choosing an outboard engine for your tender used to be as simple as going to your nearest dealer and picking up whatever 2.5hp engine they had in stock. Now, however,…
Flax 27: Cork decks and electric propulsion make this the most eco-friendly yacht
In the face of it there was nothing unusual about the Flax 27. Set in a corner of one of the 17 halls at Boot Düsseldorf at the beginning of…
Zero-carbon cruiser: Jimmy Cornell explains his electric multihull project
In 2010 I sold my [Ovni 43] Aventura III and, as I was 70, I felt the time had come to call it quits. That didn’t last long though and,…
How hybrid sailing yachts finally became a feasible option
Every sailor is familiar with the wet cough of the diesel engine, and the acrid smell of its exhaust. For some it’s the sign that an adventure is starting, for…
Spirit Yachts starts construction on Spirit 111 – one of the largest single-masted wooden yachts ever
Ipswich-based modern classic builders Spirit Yachts has started construction on its largest project to date, a 34m sloop, Spirit 111. The project will be one of the largest single-masted wooden…
How propellers are leading the charge to remove fossil fuels from cruising altogether
The 2008 Vendee Globe saw the introduction in the IMOCA fleet of the Watt & Sea hydrogenerator. Looking more like an outboard leg without the engine body on top, these…
Electric propulsion experts Torqeedo wins top award for innovative electric drive
The electric propulsion pioneer Torqeedo won the largest marine equipment prize of the year today (15 November) – for the second time in four years. The DAME (Design Awards METS)…