New SAMAR solar electric yacht marries 21st century tech with timeless Mediterranean hull

Inspired by the llaut boats that have been plying the waters of the Balearic Islands since the Middle Ages, the SAMAR 50 solar electric yacht marries a hull that’s been proven over the centuries with the latest advances in zero emission propulsion. The result is impressive.

The 50 is the first model from SAMAR Yachts, who are based on Mallorca with a name derived from the local words “Sa Mar” — “The Sea”. The company says it reflects the essence of the brand: “to return yachting to its most natural state, where the experience is defined by the sea itself.”

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The llaut is so central to the history of the Balearics that it has been designated an ‘Asset of Cultural Interest’ and is celebrated in various museums around the islands.

Over the centuries llauts have been fashioned for just about every conceivable use: fishing, cargo, transport of consuls and high-ranking dignitaries, leisure, even for combat and smuggling. The hull is simply unmatched for navigating the seas and winds of the Mediterranean.

An incarnation for today’s leisure boater

They have been built in lengths from as little as 4 metres to as many as 60 metres (12 to 200 feet), but the essential design remains the same: a laurel leaf or teardrop shape (viewed from above) and low gunwales to facilitate sailing, rowing, and easy access to the water. Many also had a central opening, or cossia.

Inspired by the history, versatility and efficiency of the llaut, SAMAR has reimagined the form once again to create a 15.8 metre – 50 foot – incarnation for today’s leisure boater.

“This project started with a very clear idea — to create a yacht that allows people to experience the sea in a quieter, more natural way,” said Miguel Rigo, CEO of SAMAR Yachts. “We are not trying to add more complexity, but to remove it. The result is a boat that feels intuitive, efficient and truly connected to its surroundings.”

A key part of experiencing the sea in a quieter, more natural way is the propulsion of the SAMAR 50. There are two propulsion systems available: a serial hybrid using electric motors with diesel generator for range extension; and a parallel hybrid using four motors – two electric and two diesel.

One and a half hours of silent propulsion

The serial hybrid has twin 40 kW (55 hp) electric motors, for a total available power of 80 kW (110 hp). The battery pack stores 139 kWh of energy, enough by ‘rule of thumb’ measurement for the electric motors to operate at full power for about an hour and three quarters (139 kWh ÷ 80 kW = 1.75). SAMAR estimates those motors deliver a top speed of 10 knots (≈ 19 kmph / 12 mph).

There is also a system available with four motors: two 80 kW diesel engines (220 hp total) and two 30 kW electric motors (80 hp). They can give you a higher top speed of 15 kn (≈ 28 kmph / 17 mph), but the only viable reason I can see for wanting that would be to get out quickly to an island or remote piece of water. For me, the whole idea of the SAMAR 50 is not to rush anything but to enjoy every minute on the water at a leisurely pace.

Convenient luxuries

That’s where the designers have done a masterful job of interpreting the functional elements that made the llaut an efficient work boat and turning them into convenient luxuries.

While the low gunwales and cossia may have originally functioned to allow nets to be hauled in or for diplomats to board and disembark with dignity, on the SAMAR 50 they are an essential element for allowing everyone on board access to enjoy the water.

The low profile gives the whole aft area the feel of a floating backyard deck, rather than a boat, particularly when the hull walls are opened out – the cossia idea – to widen the deck area with what I call ‘hull wings’.

Any and all passengers can easily walk from the sunning beds at the bow, through the cockpit and al fresco dining area to relax in the banquette style lounge seats or go a bit further and swim/dive into the water off the stern platforms. The central area is covered with a solar roof that can generate up to 5.4 kWp.

As SAMAR says in their literature: “This configuration (of the serial hybrid AND the deck layout) enables extended periods of silent and emission-free cruising under typical Mediterranean conditions, while significantly reducing reliance on conventional energy sources.”

One other notable modern aspect of the SAMAR 50 is the construction materials. Classic llauts were crafted by master carpenters, ‘masters of aixa‘ who would go into the forests to choose the perfect oak or pine timbers, sometimes even taking into consideration the phase of the Moon for the best time to cut the tree.

It’s perhaps not quite the same dedication, but SAMAR does take the environment into account by using recycled and recyclable aluminium, reflecting a long-term design philosophy focused on durability, serviceability and material efficiency.

By adapting the best of traditional boats and artisanship and combining it with the latest technologies and materials, the SAMAR 50 has created a relaxing on water environment and experience that is both elegant and luxurious in its simplicity and efficiency.

If you would like to experience it yourself, the first SAMAR 50 is now available for charter from Club de Mar in Palma, Mallorca.

SAMAR Yachts website  Club de Mar, Palma