Alva Yachts, the new German builder, just announced that its first solar/electric Ocean Eco 60 Explorer catamaran will be used year-round for cruising in Norway. Alva also is building a 90-foot solar-electric cat.
The 60, with a climate-controlled, fully enclosed flybridge, is designed for all-year cruising. The cat has an innovative design; the coachroof extends down to the raised bow to make space for solar panels. They can generate 20kW or 40kW, and work with a 300kWh lithium battery and two 230kW electric motors.
Under solar/electric power alone, the Alva 60 can cruise for 110 nm at 7 knots, or have a potentially unlimited range at 4 to 5 knots, producing no noise or carbon emissions. The new cat also has an auxiliary 50kW genset.
The first 60 will be used by the Arctic Cruise company in Norway for all-year cruises and explorations in far-north fjords and waterways. Alva says it is talking with Arctic Cruise about adding a 90 to their fleet.
With a 28’ 6” beam, almost half its length, the 60 has an enormous amount of space inside and out. Both the aft cockpit (protected by the overhang from the flybridge) and the open foredeck are major lounging and entertaining areas.
The salon, entered via large glass doors from the cockpit, has a modern European, minimalist layout, with the galley on the port side, including a separate island bar and stools. A dining table for eight is in the middle, while a couch is to starboard. An L-shaped sofa, table and armchair are forward.
A round staircase leads from the salon up to the flybridge; you also can access it from stairs in the aft cockpit. Two side companionways lead down to the lower decks. The 60 can be designed with three staterooms, including a large owner’s cabin taking up the entire starboard hull, or with two staterooms in each hull.
Alva Yachts was founded just last year, and is based on the former PICA Yachts, which launched more than 40 boats.
Specs.: LOA: 60’3”; Beam: 28’7”; Draft: 3’9”; Disp.: 61,729 lbs.; Fuel: 211 gals.; Water: 264 gals.; Power: 2x230kW electric motors. Read more:
