Pioneer Yachts PY60 solar-electric catamaran made its world debut at Cannes

Pioneer Yachts unveiled Pioneer One, the first PY60 solar-electric catamaran, at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026. The German-built 60-footer is the company’s first model, with naval architecture and exterior design by Cossutti & Ganz and saloon interior design by Micheletti + Partners.

The company was founded by German engineer and entrepreneur Mike Frank after he recognised a gap in the market for a capable solar-electric yacht designed for continuous use at sea. Pioneer Yachts says its team has more than 275 years of combined yacht-building experience and that the aim was a practical cruising yacht built around efficiency, independence and operational simplicity.

Pioneer Yachts told PBR that the PY60 is built around an Integrated Energy Architecture, in which propulsion, solar generation and energy storage work as one system. A large solar roof powers the electric propulsion and onboard loads, while 246 kWh of battery storage allows silent navigation and greater independence from shore power. In defined at-anchor scenarios the solar array and batteries can supply hotel loads without APU operation. The onboard APUs provide additional energy when required, including on longer passages beyond the electric range.

Pioneer Yachts says the PY60’s efficiency and reliability rest on its naval architecture, a 30-tonne lightship weight and integrated system design. Cossutti & Ganz optimised the hydrodynamics, slender waterlines, wave interference and drag, while the keel line, aft sections and hull-propeller interaction were analysed using CFD. A 48 V electrical architecture keeps complexity down and draws on widely available electrical expertise.

The PY60 is aimed at experienced owners who spend substantial time on the water and value quiet operation, comfort and control. Daily system checks are simplified and the yacht is run from central displays and throttles.

According to Pioneer Yachts, the top speed is 11 knots, with a cruising speed of 5-8 knots. Sea trials showed Pioneer One closely matching its simulations and targets, with a measured average total motor power requirement of 6.75 kW at 5 knots. Pioneer Yachts estimate electric range of 150 nautical miles at 5 knots, and a hybrid range of 5,000 nautical miles at the same speed with the APU running continuously. However, they note that figures may vary with sunshine, speed, wind and current.

Comfort matters as much as engineering.