Burma Boating Acquires Solar Catamaran for Charters in the Mergui Archipelago

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

The S55 catamaran can accommodate up to six guests and three crew members, and is composed of three levels including a flybridge with 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. 

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

Built in 2018, this ultra-modern catamaran becomes the first 100% solar-powered 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, with the back-up of a fuel powered engine. Two silent 30kW motors drive the S55 to a maximum speed of 12 knots. 

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

“The benefits of sailing with solar power cannot be overstated. 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." said Burma Boating’s General Manager Eric Poepper.

"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.” 

The solar catamaran will be skippered by Captain Ajun May from Germany, an experienced sailor in the archipelago, having previously piloted Burma Boating’s sailing yacht  Y Not.

“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 people, starting at 3,200 USD per day. It also offers a choice of 4-day or 6-day cabin charters leaving each Saturday from the port of Kawthaung, southern Myanmar, from November through to May. 

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

For bookings and enquiries, please visit 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, please visit www.memories-travel.com or contact info@memoriesgroup.com.