Amongst the standout yachts at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024, Wider Yachts debuted its new 28.4-metre WiderCat 92. With five units already sold and the second hull recently completed and commissioned, the event offers buyers the opportunity to experience the hybrid propulsion technology of the catamaran firsthand.
Built in Fano, Italy, the 242GT semi-displacement yacht showcases naval architecture by the Wider engineering team, as well as exterior and interior design by Luca Dini and Centro Stile Wider. “The first public showing of the WiderCat 92 at the Venice Boat Show was a great success, where it quickly became a standout attraction,” says Alan Knight, sales manager at Argo Yachting. “We are thrilled to bring this remarkable vessel to the Cannes Yachting Festival, where we anticipate international visitors will appreciate the vast space and advanced technology that the Wider team has developed. This long-anticipated event is very exciting for all concerned, and we look forward to welcoming new customers on board.”
Enhanced space and comfort
The WiderCat 92 provides ample space and comfort with its generous layout and thoughtful design. An expansive upper deck and spacious lower deck complement the 100 square metres of main deck space. The upper deck is customisable, featuring a forward cockpit tailored to include a dinette, lounge area or even a Jacuzzi.
Designed to accommodate up to 10 guests across five cabins, along with a crew of four, the lower deck offers a standard layout that includes two VIP cabins and an additional ensuite double guest cabin, while the master is on the main deck forward. Each cabin can be designed with individual colour schemes for a personal touch and features sound-proof flooring throughout.
“The 12-metre beam provides incredible deck space for everyone on board, and the view from the master cabin is truly stunning,” says Knight. “Guests in the two VIP cabins can even enjoy their own side beach club areas."
At the stern, the 67-square-metre beach club on the lower deck is a standout feature, complete with fold-down platforms on both the port and starboard sides at water level. The nearby garage has space for a 5.5-metre tender and water toys.
"The Wider factory has invested vast amounts of time on this project, using its team’s experience of customer requirements to maximise the space,” highlights Knight. “Where possible, they will always consider a customer’s design change to ensure the customer receives the very best experience from their new yacht.”
Hybrid power and solar technology
At the forefront of innovation, the yacht integrates hybrid technology with solar energy to deliver a more eco-friendly and efficient cruising experience.
At the heart of its technology is a powerful 360kW lithium polymer battery set, designed to efficiently store and supply electricity. This system is complemented by variable-speed generators that recharge the batteries as needed, allowing for extended cruising ranges with optimal efficiency. The yacht's lack of a traditional drivetrain also frees up additional interior space for guests to enjoy. Solar panels spanning 140 square metres further enhance the WiderCat 92’s eco credentials by topping up the battery bank.
Onboard monitoring systems provide real-time insights into power usage, ensuring that every aspect of the vessel's operation is transparent and manageable. In pure electric mode, the WiderCat 92 can cruise for 25 nautical miles at six knots before the generators automatically engage. With a maximum speed of 14 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots, the yacht offers a range of approximately 1,600 nautical miles at cruising speed. At an ecological speed of six knots, the range extends to 2,400 nautical miles.
The battery capacity enables up to 12 hours of operation while at anchor. Additionally, the WiderCat 92 features dynamic positioning technology - a satellite-controlled system that automatically maintains the yacht's position and heading without the need for anchoring. This feature not only supports zero-emission stops but also protects the seabed from anchor damage and permits mooring in areas with anchoring restrictions.
The WiderCat 92 is currently available through Argo Yachting for customers in the UK and Germany, offering an opportunity to experience cutting-edge technology and embark on global adventures. For more information, contact Argo Yachting today.
Sponsored content created for Argo Yachting