[imagesource: Serenity Yachts]

A worldwide focus on renewable energy and environmentally sustainable transport means that a number of industries have had to adapt to growing trends.

When we think of electric cars, Tesla immediately comes to mind, although a number of luxury car manufacturers like Lamborghini are looking into ways to get the same speed and driveability without relying on fuel-based engines.

With the automotive industry making strides in eco-friendly vehicles, it was only a matter of time before those who design luxury yachts got on board.

Leading the pack at the moment is Serenity Yachts, with what Forbes bills as “the Tesla of Yachts”.

The Cayman-based Serenity Yachts, which debuted in the US at the Miami International Boat Show in February 2020, are one such forward-facing company. With two luxuriously modern solar-powered models, Serenity 64 and Serenity 74, Serenity Yachts offers environmentally sensitive products with plenty of other advantages—like the ability to sail endlessly.

Serenity Yachts director Boyd Taylor says that apart from the high-end luxury that you’re guaranteed with one of their yachts, you’ll also “save all that money on fuel”.

Yacht owners, he says, “are smart people; they didn’t get to where they are in life without the ability to know a great opportunity when they see one”.

Moving on to the eco-yachts themselves.

Serenity Yachts are early adaptors of state-of-the-art technology. Each vessel is equipped with ultra-smart navigation, entertainment and smart home tech, which is easily upgradeable when new technology becomes available.

“Since we started the company (in 2017), there have been huge breakthroughs in solar and battery technology. As these technologies continue to improve, we will find even more ways to take advantage of this natural power source and integrate them accordingly,” says Taylor.

Technology aside, the design was inspired by former Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing.

“Ken Downing was involved in the Neiman Marcus edition of our Serenity 74. When we were selected as a fantasy gift, we were in the early stages of the interior design.

Ken helped guide us in the creation of elegant cabins, brought vibrancy to our spacious salon and gave us some styling and color palettes that were out of this world.”

If you’re here for the cruising capabilities, here’s what you need to know:

With 110 square-meters of solar panels, the Serenity 74 can cruise endlessly at 7 to 9 knots, while still powering onboard amenities; however, more power may be ahead.

“We have been working on ways to produce even more electricity, so that our boats can go even faster and farther,” says Taylor. “I don’t want to give away all of our secrets, but there are some very exciting developments on the horizon.”

He just couldn’t resist a sailing joke at the end there.

Kicking back on a yacht somewhere right now would be a great way to ride out the lockdown. Just remember not to brag about it, because the backlash will be nasty.

[source:forbes]