Machines that go Bing!

Soliloquy superyacht is eco-loving at its most extravagant

Posted: 01 Jun 2009 01:02 PM PDT

It’s a hard life being a billionaire! For example, you want to do your bit to save the planet but how can you possibly forgo that staple of billionaire excess, the superyacht. The Soliloquy may be just the answer you’re looking for.

The Soliloquy has been designed by Alastair Callender of Coventry University and extracts its power from wind, solar and Hybrid Marina Power (HMP)a technology developed by Solar Sailor Holdings Ltd.

Hybrid Marine Power couples a range of hydrocarbon and alternative fuels with electric drives. The choice of fuel source is made by a computer with the aim of minimising the use of fossil fuels. A HMP vessel can also use its rigid solar panels to charge its btteries or to sail.

Dr Robart Dane, CEO of Solar Sailor says:

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.

Alastair Callender says:

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.

But the Soliluquy isn’t just for rich hippies. Innovative features include:

Ever-evolving superstructure that will create a striking visual display to all onlookers
Socializing areas include alfresco living spaces on the main deck
The use of the superstructure has been improved by the photovoltaic surfacing.

Without charge the Soliloquy can run at 8 knots for as long as the sun shines. The interiors have been specified to reduce the vessel’s carbon footprint.

Solar Sailor Holdings Ltd. will exhibit a scale model of the super green luxury superyacht in Majorca on June 25.