Sailing Catamarans’ Quest to Conserve

Harnessing wind energy with sails to propel maritime vessels is a technology that dates a long way back to ancient times. It has played a significant role in human history and the development of modern civilisations. The eventual introduction of fossil fuel technology, particularly the invention of the combustion engine, has made human lives more convenient yet. Subsequently, sailing has shifted to become less commercially oriented and more a leisure activity for personal enjoyment. The convenience brought about from fossil fuel technology, however, comes at a dear cost to planet. Therefore, renewable energy is gradually coming back into the picture in the boating industry in attempt to make this hobby sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Any sailor can tell you that the most pleasurable experience in sailing is probably derived from the special connection with mother nature during the process. No emission of fumes nor any noise coming from a fuel-slurping combustion engine. In effort to strive for this serene and tranquil experience in the motor yacht scene, respected catamaran shipyards around the world have tried to make even less of an ecological imprint by researching ways to reduce power used – by lightening a yacht’s displacement (weight) and considering electric and other clean-engine options. Electric motors are beginning to make appearances, while solar and hydrogen power for use in propulsion are in their infancy of development.

French catamaran shipyard Fountaine Pajot is a leading pioneer in sustainable solutions and innovations within catamaran building. It was motivated by a mission to do its part in reducing any elements in its yacht construction, and in the way its finished yachts function, that might contribute to ongoing global climate-change challenges.

As Romain Motteau, Deputy CEO of Fountaine Pajot, says: “If we want to continue to enjoy all that the oceans can offer, we must act now … this means changing our way of conceiving our yachts and completely rethink the experience of boating.” So, in 2022, Fountaine Pajot launched ODSea Lab – a platform through which it aims to create low-carbon- and ideally carbon-neutral cruising boats and systems for its yacht brand by 2030. Through ODSea Lab, Fontaine Pajot immediately began working on three main themes: energy and propulsion; equipment and the impact of waste; and sustainable materials.

Fountaine Pajot now notes that today’s major yachting carbon footprint breakdown is: 80 per cent during boat use – mostly from the engine and fossil fuels used, and 20 per cent from the building materials. The shipyard concluded that the future of yachting lies in 100 per cent decarbonised energy from natural and renewable sources: wind power, solar power and hydropower – and it will stock energy from these sources to maintain engine propulsion and general onboard power use.

Debuting in May 2022, the Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 sailing catamaran holds impressive volume in four-to-six-cabin configurations and living areas. High-end finishes and easy handling of sails are also Aura 51 signatures. Its twin Volvo D2-60 Penta diesel engines are environmentally efficient, quiet and compact.

Moving even closer to carbon neutrality, a prototype hull of the Aura 51 Smart Electric version premiered at Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2022. With the input of over 60 high-calibre technicians, engineers and electrical experts, the Aura 51 Smart Electric has software that allows users to easily manage propulsion and optimise renewable energy. Powerful new custom-designed engines offer a choice of fixed or folding propellors to optimise performance by offering less drag when under sail or manoeuvring in restricted spaces. When sailing, propellors work in reverse to recharge batteries through hydro-generation, full power is achieved in 48 hours. Unobtrusive 2-kilowatt solar panels line the flybridge deck perimeter, creating additional natural power reserves.

At Asia Yachting dealership we would be glad to speak to you about Fountaine Pajot’s industry-leading environmentally-conscious catamarans – please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

If you have any enquiry on Fountaine Pajot’s mission, or any yacht & catamaran related issues, our yacht broker, Jordi, will be more than happy to help you.
Please contact him by:

Jordi Esteve  Yacht Broker  Phone/Whatsapp: +852 6217 0501  Email: [email protected]