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An electro-solar catamaran designed to sail differently
In the sheltered waters of Toulon harbor, a catamaran stands out for its silence and atypical propulsion. No smell of diesel, no roar of an internal combustion engine. Sea Connect, a company founded in Saint-Mandrier by Sonia Luquand, has chosen to operate an electro-solar catamaran, a Millikan M9, to offer day trips based on ecotourism. This technical choice is as much a commitment to the environment as it is a manifesto in favor of a different relationship with the sea, one that is slower, more respectful and more educational.
The ship was designed by architect Vincent Lebailly, in a version adapted to Mediterranean coastal navigation. Its lightweight architecture and large surface area of solar collectors, installed on the roof's folding wings, guarantee sufficient autonomy to sail all day without the need for recharging at the quayside. Propulsion is 100% electric, with priority given to energy efficiency, sober onboard systems and ease of use.
Smooth, silent navigation for better observation
Sea Connect's approach is not only technical, but also narrative. No loud music or motorized activities on board. Instead, the program focuses on observing marine life, sharing knowledge, relaxing at sea and exploring with fins, mask and snorkel. This approach appeals to a clientele in search of sober experiences, far removed from the standards of intensive rentals or over-equipped charters.
The boat's configuration allows it to accommodate up to twelve passengers for coastal cruising. The well-protected cockpit remains uncluttered, and the on-board equipment has been deliberately reduced to encourage conviviality. The silence of navigation, linked to the total absence of an internal combustion engine, allows us to get close to sensitive areas without disturbing the fauna, particularly around Posidonia meadows and rocky islets.
A mediation and awareness tool at sea
Sea Connect is not simply a commercial structure. The company is backed up by an associative branch, Sea Connect+, which offers educational, social and environmental outings. Using the catamaran as a floating support, programs to discover the coastline, promote environmental mediation or social cohesion are organized for a variety of audiences.
The association works with local authorities, schools, social integration associations and medical-social institutions. The idea is to reposition the sea as a space for learning and bonding, by offering an accessible and peaceful experience, free from technical obstacles and performance issues.
A hybrid model between professional activity and territorial mission
The Sea Connect project is part of a local dynamic, on the scale of the Toulon harbor, but is inspired by broader trends: rising environmental challenges, energy transition in the nautical sector, reinvention of uses of the sea. The company is part of a network of players committed to the blue economy, slow-tourism and sustainable coastal zone management.
The choice of an electro-solar catamaran also reflects a coherent operating logic. Its deliberately limited range, low maintenance and zero noise impact make it suitable for regular professional activity, with a small footprint. This type of unit could well prefigure a new segment of mixed-purpose craft: neither charter nor private boat, but a working tool with an educational and ecological dimension.
