Miami, FL-Since the DSe Hybrid 12m was introduced and launched last fall by Island Pilot, media attention has continued to gravitate to the innovative hybrid yacht. In response to a consumer-driven, yet selective leisure market, Reuben Trane and his team at Island Pilot have tailored the new DSe and her future sisterships to meet the expectations of the active, budget-conscious, and carbon footprint-aware buyer. If you have not yet had a chance to experience the new DSe, built in Zhuhai City, China, for yourself, recent awards bestowed on the vessel are sure to motivate you to get to know America’s first hybrid pleasure cruising vessel that combines diesel, solar, and electric technologies.
The February 2009 issue of MotorBoating recognized the DSe Hybrid as “Best of the Year,” an award the 102-year-old magazine has been issuing for 10 years. Editor Peter Janssen shares that the judges “were blown away by the creativity that Reuben built into the Dse, the entire package. Obviously the idea of leaving zero carbon footprint is incredible; a high bar to beat. The entire design of the boat with the solar panels on top, the slippery hull beneath, the marriage to the Steyr diesels; it’s a boat in its own category when you consider the entire thing-simply a major breakthrough.”
Power and Motoryacht’s January 2009 issue features the DSe Hybrid on the cover showing the full array of Photo Voltaic solar panels. The inside story highlights the many efficient propulsion characteristics of the DSe as well as the comfortable, liveaboard layout. Detailed performance charts and graphs in Capt. Bill Pike’s article illustrate the impressive fuel burn, range, and sound levels measured on his sea trial.
The DSe Hybrid also graced the cover of PassageMaker Magazine’s March 2009 issue and the article details the technical components that make the boat a green success as well as one with appeal to eco-savvy cruising couples.
With all the media coverage the DSe Hybrid has enjoyed, it is no surprise that she received the Environmental Award during the Miami International Boat Show’s Innovation Awards presentation. The Innovation Awards, organized by the NMMA and judged by Boating Writers International, recognize products that best meet the following criteria: Innovative distinction from other products currently being manufactured; benefit to the marine industry and/or consumer; practicality; cost-effectiveness; and availability to the consumer within 60 days of award receipt.
Judging was done by Zuzana Prochazka, Miami Innovation Awards chair, member of the BWI Board of Directors and staff writer for Latitudes and Attitudes; Charles J. Doane, editor-at-large for Sail; Alan Jones, executive editor of Boating World; Jan Mundy, co-founder and editor of DIY Boat Owner; Lenny Rudow, author and freelance writer for Marlin, Salt Water Sportsman, Boating World and Chesapeake Bay Magazine; Tim Queeney, editor of Ocean Navigator; and, Alan Wendt, editor of Marine CEO and Adventures.
“We had an exceptional bank of entries this year, with a total of 41 products entered in eight categories,” says Prochazka. With regard to the DSe, she says, “This is a boat for those who want to be self-sufficient on the hook for extended periods, while staying ‘green’ and keeping all the on board toys.” All judges found the DSe to be a positive step for the boating industry and alternative energy propulsion systems with its Steyr hybrid engines and vast solar array.
As the experts have recognized, the new DSe Hybrid fulfills the active boater’s dream of cruising long distances and will help get people on the water in a fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly way.
For More Information:
Island Pilot
888.443.2965
info@dsehybrid.com
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