The R&D behind our new electric catamarans

Learn about the extensive research and development that went into the manufacturing process of the Fountaine Pajot Smart Electric catamarans

We’re excited to announce the arrival of the first electric catamaran to the Dream Yacht Worldwide Italy fleet – the Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 Smart Electric. Dream Yacht’s pioneering spirit is highlighted with this exciting new addition to the fleet – and is only the first step in an on-going mission of creating more sustainable sea-based vacations.

Dream Yacht and Fountaine Pajot are aligned in their commitment to sustainability and reducing ecological impact and Dream Yacht Worldwide is proud to support continuing advancements through its ongoing and significant fleet investments in electric yachts. More than 22 electric yachts will join the Dream Yacht fleet by spring of 2024. Of these, 10 will be sailing catamarans and 12 will be sailing yachts from Dufour, a part of the Fountaine Pajot Group.

Dream Yacht has always been known as a pioneer in the yacht charter industry and with this bold move toward decarbonizing its fleet, they have become the first global brand to launch electric yachts at scale for worldwide yacht charter vacation offerings. Together with Fountaine Pajot, they are establishing a new standard and paving the way for others in the industry to follow – thus making a significant global impact toward more sustainable yachting.

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“By partnering and supporting the research and development of electric yachts, we can continue to make sailing accessible to people around the world but with a lower impact on our seas and environment,” shared Loïc Bonnet, CEO and founder of Dream Yacht Group. “Being environmentally conscious is central to our mission to protect our planet and oceans, and we are confident that our charter clients will support this endeavor.”

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The ground-breaking new line of electric catamarans was made possible by Fountaine Pajot Group’s ambitious “Odysséa 2024” business plan, started in 2021. As a part of this plan, a bold collaborative platform was created with the goal of helping to accelerate technological solutions. The platform, called ODSea Lab [Observe, Design & Save], brought together suppliers, partners, and more than 60 technicians, engineers and electrical experts whose goal was an entirely new approach to a zero-emissions propulsion energy system designed expressly for the needs of yachting. Through this ecosystem of collective intelligence, the group has positioned itself as leaders in the environmental transition of the boating industry.

As a part of their research, they learned that 80% of the carbon footprint of a traditional yacht was from the boat’s use – especially from the engine and fossil fuels. Another 20% was from the building materials used. The goal for tomorrow’s boats will be access to 100% decarbonized energy from natural and renewable sources; solar power, wind power, and hydropower energy stored in batteries that can maintain life aboard, as well as provide engine propulsion. In addition to this goal, Fountaine Pajot is reducing carbon emissions from manufacturing, and boats will be built with recycled, organic and recyclable materials.

Now, only one year after the start of the Odysséa 2024 strategic plan, the Aura 51 Smart Electric has launched as the first electric catamaran off their production line.

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“At Fountaine Pajot, the design of the electric Aura 51 has changed the way we design our boats. This is what drove us for the Odysséa 2024 plan. The goal is no longer simply to build an electric boat to have minimum impact on the environment, but to go even further by offering a new experience for life onboard and the use of the boat. This is a brand new experience for our customers. A zero-emissions experience.” Romain Motteau, Deputy CEO of Fountiane Pajot.

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A key difference in the electric boating experience includes cruising under power in silence, allowing owners and charter vacationers alike to more fully enjoy their surrounding natural environments. The powerful, highly efficient and quiet electric motors are custom designed for the Aura 51, and two lithium technology battery banks are used for energy storage. When under sail, the speed of the boat along with the motors in reverse flow is used to produce clean, stored energy. This hydroelectric energy generation can fully recharge the batteries in 48 hours. In turn, the charged battery banks can provide power for hours of motor cruising, or as much as a week at anchor without any emissions.

The onboard experience is further optimized through custom “smart cruising” electronics that manage all of the yacht’s energy flows. The easy-to-operate interactive tool allows the user to manage the boat’s energy resources with an intuitive touch screen, allowing optimization and balance of renewable energy options between propulsion and onboard living needs. This includes the use of solar panels positioned on the boat’s coach roof that can provide enough electricity to support the daily needs of life onboard.

In the coming years, Dream Yacht Worldwide plans to continue its support of the research and development of more advanced electric models, and more are already in development by Fountaine Pajot. The arrival of the Aura 51 Smart Electric, along with the growing electric charter fleet for Dream Yacht Worldwide marks an ongoing commitment and joint ambition of achieving an all-electric yacht offering and zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Experience the smart electric difference for yourself. The Aura 51 Smart Electric is available for Dream Yacht charters in Italy beginning April 2023. Or get in touch with a sales consultant to learn about ownership opportunities!

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Interested in owning a Fountaine Pajot Smart Electric catamaran? Dream Yacht Charter has you covered with flexible charter management programs and the widest choice of yachts for private or charter ownership.

Our expert yacht consultants can explain your options in depth and help you through the purchase process, from choosing a yacht that is right for you, to finding the best financing. Get in touch today!