Propose solar electric boats without any generator
The Zen 50 is the first production catamaran to incorporate a 32 m Oceanwing wing 2 . This boat built in carbon fiber was designed by the architect Julien Mélot. He has been working for about ten years in the design of hydrogen, solar and electric propulsion boats.
"We realized that solar works very well as long as the surface of the panels is sufficient while keeping the boat light. This system works very well for coastal navigation. On paper, these boats are also capable of crossing the Atlantic and can navigate 24 hours a day in autonomy. But in practice, this is not always the case, especially if there is significant cloud cover. And we don't want to cheat by installing a big generator on board to recharge the batteries. We want to build boats that use only renewable energy, no fuel, no pollution." explains Julien Mélot.
A high-performance carbon fiber catamaran
The Zen 50 is the first model of the Zen Yachts brand. Built in carbon, it has a hull shape designed for fast cruising, with a slender profile and inverted bows. The bows are made of a carbon fiber sandwich with a foam core. A huge roof is equipped with solar panels of up to 16,000 watts. On top of this, a 34 m2 living area is integrated, as on a flybridge, itself topped by a hard-top. A maximization that weighs down the look of the boat and may question the aerodynamic performance under sail.
The surface of panels associated with a 160 kWh battery park gives the catamaran a high autonomy. The two 40 kW engines ensure a cruising speed between 6 and 10 knots on average, with peaks at 14 knots, a constant maximum speed calculated under sail and with engines at full throttle.
An OceanWings wing to increase autonomy
To respect this "zero emission" philosophy and to offer an additional propulsion system, the shipyard has partnered with the French company Ayro to equip its catamaran with an OceanWings32 wing, initiated for Team Oracle for the 2010 America's Cup, before being developed and automated by VPLP and installed on Energy Observer in 2019. It is nevertheless an option, which the first unit will be equipped, the Zen 50 being completely autonomous without a wing sail, and capable of sailing independently of the sunshine thanks to its large battery pack and without a generator. Under engine only, the Zen 50 reaches a maximum speed of 10 knots and 5 knots continuously.
"The first unit is under construction in the south of Barcelona, Spain. At first we were interested in kitesurfing, but it soon proved difficult to handle for customers who are not sailors but are interested in technology and the ecological aspect. They are looking for a system that is simple to use and can be managed autonomously. In this sense, our second option was the wing sail. From a technical point of view, the wing generates less shadow on the panels than a traditional rig" explains Julien Mélot.
This collaboration allows Ayro to enter the yachting sector. The wing will be the same as the ones used on the Energy Observer research boat, while the user interface will be adapted to the yachting sector. Some features will also be added to facilitate its use. Built in France by Ayro's teams, the wing will then be assembled to the boat by a plug&play system in Barcelona.
Several design versions
Concerning the layout of the Zen 50, it offers several versions. The owner's version reserves the port hull for the owner's suite. Two other versions are suitable for family or charter use with 4 double cabins and 4 private bathrooms or 4 double cabins, a single cabin and a cabin with bunk beds.
In the saloon/cockpit, too, the layout can vary according to the owner's wishes. There is a choice of a lounge, a dining room, a large chart table. The interior will be more in a minimalist style, with freedom in materials and arrangements for the customer.
3 versions and a range to come
The Zen 50 is offered in 3 versions: Racer, Cruiser, Explorer (depending on the options chosen) with or without wing. A version that owners prefer for short cruises.
Zen Yachts will introduce the Zen 40 and Zen 45 before this summer and the first units will be deliverable in 2024. The Zen 65 H2 will be introduced in 2023 and available for delivery in 2025. The brand also plans to increase production capacity. 1 boat is currently in production and is already sold and Zen Yachts will start the production of the second unit in a few months. In 2023, Julien Mélot expects 4 boats, then 8 in 2024.
Price : from 1euros822euros580 euros for an Ocean Racer version (solar and wing).
