6 COOL FOR ECO-CATS
The new Voltaire 33 Sky is a super-sexy semi-displacement day-cat that pushes the concept of sustainability to new heights. Not only is it all-electric but its hulls and superstructure are also laminated with natural materials, including woven flax in place of glass fibre and bio-epoxy instead of oil-based resins. The Voltaire 33 is believed to be the first production boat in the world to use such materials as standard.
With an LOA of 32ft 6in and a beam of 13ft 1in, the 33 Sky sports sharp reverse bows, beautiful sweeping shears and more on-deck space than a typical
40ft monohull. The centre-console helm is surrounded by walkaround decks and large lounge spaces fore and aft, not to mention an outdoor galley and a day-heads compartment.
Two proven 50kw Torqeedo Deep Blue electric motors fed by twin 42.2kwh BMW i3 battery banks provide the zero-emission thrust – equivalent to 160hp from conventional combustion engines. Straight shafts with protected props keep maintenance to a minimum and allow a shallow enough draught to nose ashore on suitably soft beaches.
Depending on conditions, the top speed should be around 17-20 knots with a constant cruising speed of 8-12 knots. At nine knots the quoted range is a sensible 100nm. Plus there’s the possibility of boosting batteries with a 600Wp solar unit integrated into the optional T-top. The 33 Sky is being built at Daedalus Composites in Edenton, North Carolina, USA but is being marketed by Berlin-based Voltaire Electric Yachts. The 33 was designed by Daedalus’s in-house creative, Jonas Hertwig. Prices for the 33 Sky start at €389,000 excluding VAT. Deliveries are expected to be made from spring 2021.