PY60, a private invitation to step aboard the first Pioneer catamaran
On the occasion of the International Boat Show in Genoa, our editorial team was invited aboard the ocean catamaran Pioneer PY60, one of the most interesting innovations in the overview of new sustainable boating. The Pioneer PY60 was designed from the outset to generate and store solar energy for electric propulsion, offering maximum reliability in real navigation without compromising.
We previously wrote about this new concept in our publications Superyachtoday and Monaco Yachting News during its launch and debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival, and during the Genoa Boat Show, we were able to board, thanks to the exclusive invitation from its builder and owner Mike Frank, who, along with Chief Marketing Officer Kornelia Brock, told us more about the project that made this “Green villa” at sea possible.
The Pioneer PY60 originates from Mr. Frank’s idea of wanting a vessel that would allow spending a lot of time at sea, in total relaxation, without the disturbance created by engines, enjoying great autonomy even for onboard services (4 fridges, air conditioning, desalinator, etc.).
This was made possible by combining German quality in engineering and construction (Stralsund shipyards) with Italian design, through the intervention of the Cossutti & Ganz studio for the elegant profile and harmonious proportions, and the minimalism of Arch. Micheletti for the creation of the interiors, synonymous with quiet luxury.
The layout of a villa at sea
The PY60 has truly large spaces, totaling about 250 sqm spread over three levels: very wide walkways for unobstructed passage from stern to bow; the cockpit and dinette form a single open space with neutral-toned wooden finishes, without bright colors; wide sofas and seating are strategically placed throughout the deck. On the Fly, in addition to the control console, there is a large and welcoming C-shaped sofa to enjoy unique moments, sipping a beer or excellent rosé at sunset or during a quiet navigation, a life on board dedicated to total comfort.
To maximize the efficiency of the electric motors, the shipyard focused on reducing displacement, the number one enemy of efficient navigation. For this reason, the Pioneer PY60 is not built with traditional fiberglass layering, but through an advanced vacuum infusion process with high-performance epoxy or vinylester resins and a sandwich core, ensuring an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.
Designed to offer a silent onboard experience, the layout also integrates high-quality sound-absorbing materials to isolate the few mechanical components (such as motors and generators). At the same time, the high thermal insulation of the interiors reduces the energy impact of air conditioning.
Where the sustainable strength of this catamaran originates
Moving to the Fly, we can perceive how the energy autonomy of this catamaran has been designed, with solar panels installed on all available surfaces that allow for battery recharging. This enables the PY60 to have an autonomy of about 150 miles at 5-6 knots of speed (which increases to 5,000 nautical miles in hybrid mode with a maximum speed of 11 knots), with 16.7 kWp of walkable photovoltaic modules integrated flush with the flybridge structure. There are no steps, seals, or visible cables: the precision of the fittings prevents water infiltration and ensures a decade-long durability against marine exposure.
Pioneer PY60 in motion, the sensations of silence
The owner invited us to enjoy these moments of silence on the fly, allowing our attention to be captured by the sensations of the sunset and absolute peace, with no noise except for the evening breeze. Even the maneuvers for returning and docking allowed us to appreciate the absence of noise, the total reliability, and readiness of the 2 electric motors of 50 kW with a 48V architecture, supported by 16.7 kWp of solar power and a 246 kWh LFP battery pack.
Pioneer PY60: a villa at sea
Disembarking from the PY60, one cannot help but understand the philosophy that allowed for the creation of this vessel, a slow navigation focused on living life’s moments with less frenzy and more awareness. On the Pioneer PY60 “one does not sail to reach the next bay as quickly as possible, but to experience the navigation itself“, conversing quietly on the flybridge, listening to the sound of the sea, and steering without stress.
