‘Silent’ Solar Yacht Launches in Mergui Archipelago

Portside on the S55

S55 is believed to be the first solar-powered boat to sail Asian seas

KAWTHAUNG, Myanmar (Jan. 9, 2019) – Burma Boating, a sailing firm owned by Myanmar tourism trailblazers Memories Group, has unveiled the latest acquisition to its fleet – the S55, a 16.7-meter solar-powered yacht, which will offer expeditions around the Mergui Archipelago from January 2019.

Guests will enjoy unhindered views of the Mergui Archipelago from the boat’s flybridge.

The S55 catamaran can accommodate up to six guests and three crew members, and is composed of three levels including a flybridge commanding 360-degree views, a 40m² air-conditioned salon, and four cabins – including one 7m-wide suite – each with queen-sized beds and private en-suite bathrooms.

The S55 yacht has a 40m² air-conditioned salon and can host up to six guests.

Built in 2018, this ultra-modern catamaran becomes the first 100% solar-run boat to sail in Asia, according to her designers, Silent-Yachts. The S55’s 30 mounted solar panels create 10kWp, which allows her to travel an unlimited distance on an average sunny day (though she also maintains a fuel-based back-up engine). Two silent 30kW motors drive the S55 to a maximum speed of 12 knots.

“The benefits of sailing with solar power cannot be overstated,” said Burma Boating’s General Manager Eric Poepper. “The S55 will leave a minimal environmental footprint, but offer travelers unprecedented sailing comfort. She sails as silently over the waves as any sailboat, but without depending on the winds. When anchored, even the usual generator noises will vanish and become a memory of the past, letting the passengers focus entirely on the magnificence of the Mergui islands, landscapes and sunsets.”

Thirty mounted solar panels create 10kWp, which can power the S55 all day.

The solar catamaran will be skippered by Captain Ajun May from Germany, an experienced sailor in the archipelago, having previously piloted Burma Boating’s SY Y Not yacht. “Guests can look forward to wining and dining in comfort, in between diving, snorkeling and swimming among the 800 islands, coral reefs and atolls of one of the world’s last untouched paradises,” he said.

Burma Boating caters to private tailor-made cruises on the S55 for up to six persons, starting at US$3,200 per day. It also offers a choice of 4-day or 6-day cabin charters leaving from the port of Kawthaung, southern Myanmar, each Saturday from November through to May.

For bookings and enquiries, go to www.burmaboating.com or email info@burmaboating.com.

Burma Boating is part of The Memories Group, which owns and operates several resorts and activities in Myanmar, including hot-air balloon adventures, sailing tours, 5-star hotels and rustic boutique lodges. For bookings or inquiries, contact Memories Group: info@memoriesgroup.com; www.memories-travel.com. For all media inquiries, contact: chinshelwood@balconymediagroup.com.

Balikbayan Media Center

Balikbayan Magazine's Media Center serves an audience in 60 countries and 101 cities throughout the World to ignite, drive, and fuel the economic development, progression, and modernisation of the Philippines. Our Media Center curates only the most critical, vital, useful, entertaining, and sometimes amusing information released from both the public and private sector. Our editorial team strongly believes that a well-rounded and well-informed society is a thriving society.

Spotlighting the growth, development, and progression of the Philippines since 2009. Balikbayan Magazine is a publication of the Asian Journal Media Group.

Copyright © 2009-2023 Asian Journal Media Group.
All Rights Reserved.