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An emission-free solar yacht with towing kite propulsion is to be developed and built by Berlin-based solar ship manufacturer SolarWaterWorld AG in cooperation with kite technology specialist SkySails GmbH.

A cooperation agreement, which includes a seven-figure development contract for SkySails, has been signed by both parties on October 27th, 2011.

The solar yacht with SkySails propulsion will aim to combine the emission and vibration-free benefits of a sailing yacht with the 'speed and space' benefits of a motor yacht. "It glides soundlessly, but with motor yacht comfort through the waves," SkySails said.

At the same time, the towing kite generates up to 25 times more power per square metre sail area than conventional sail propulsions, thus providing higher speed. The concept is also said to allow for the development of a superior yacht design "without compromise".

Highlighting the benefits of having both solar and wind propulsion at the yacht's disposal, Dr. Christian Steinhausen, CEO of SolarWaterWorld said: “Wind or sun – one of them is always available. This makes it possible to cruise around the globe without refuelling."

"The solar-electric kite yacht will revolutionize the yachting world. Calms, shortage of fuel, and rotten compromises are no longer an issue! We can reach high speeds without heel – and this in a 100% CO2-neutral way,” added Steinhausen enthusiastically.

Stephan Wrage, CEO of SkySails GmbH, commented: “We have been noticing a worldwide interest in our towing kite propulsion from the yachting sector for several years. SolarWaterWorld is a competent and internationally recognized partner in the field of solar-electric yachts and we are delighted to establish this product field together."

The towing kite systems, which have been in operation in commercial cargo shipping since 2008, will need to be newly dimensioned to fit onto yachts of up to 25 metres in length. The development of a cruising yacht specifically suited for extreme requirements will be handled by SolarWaterWorld AG, which specializes in alternative drive systems and bionically-optimized hull designs.

The development project is scheduled to take place over a two-year period. The first prototype is due to be presented by the end of 2012 with series production of the solar-electric kite-yacht planned for 2013.

Reservations can already be made. If interested, please contact the chief marketing manager of SolarWaterWord AG, Tim-Derek Schultze, ts@solarwaterworld.de or visit SolarWaterWorld’s booth at the Hanseboot 2011 trade fair in Hamburg/Germany (Hall B2 EG, Stand C354).

Image: SolarWaterWorld's solar-electric yacht - the SunCat 46