Erik is the kind of guy who chats with everyone at a bar but insists he isn’t sociable. His partner, Catherine, is warm and welcoming - the perfect contrast. In 2019, Erik’s thriving wine bar in Copenhagen was shuttered by COVID-19, causing financial stress. To create a more sustainable lifestyle, they focused on their Italian rental properties, moving in when they weren’t booked. With summers fully reserved, they chose to live on a boat - an economical and adventurous solution that let them travel, embracing a lifestyle they had never planned but quickly grew to love.
Finding the Perfect Motorboat For Sailors
Erik and Catherine had grown up sailing, and for them, motorboats had always been associated with noise, fumes, and a party-centric culture - far removed from the peace and tranquillity they valued in sailing. They never imagined they would find a motorboat that met their expectations for sustainability and connection with nature.
Then, they discovered the Greenline hybrid - silent in electric mode, with no exhaust or wake. It was the perfect blend of modern technology and environmental consciousness. They needed a low-clearance ‘floating villa’ for Europe’s canals, spacious enough for visiting family. Catherine prioritised eco-friendliness, knowing full sustainability was impossible, but the Greenline 40 hybrid, combining solar, electric, and diesel, was the best compromise. It consumes far less fuel than traditional boats, with its diesel engine recharging the battery pack in a continuous loop.
‘As experienced sailors, build quality was a huge factor for us,’ Erik explains. ‘There are so many poor-quality models on the motorboat market, so we had to be very selective. Greenline only produces 60-80 boats a year, which means each model receives a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.’ The couple chose a walnut interior for their yacht, adding warmth and elegance to their floating home.
Living Aboard the Greenline 40
‘For me, it’s 90% like being in an apartment,’ Catherine says. ‘We have a full-size refrigerator, a freezer, a TV, and air conditioning.’ They work remotely during the day and spend their evenings dining on the deck, surrounded by water and nature. ‘Our extended cockpit functions as a terrace. It’s covered, so we’re protected from the elements, and the aft galley allows whoever is cooking to stay connected with the rest of the group,’ Erik adds. ‘It’s like living in a fishbowl,’ Erik laughs. ‘But the benefit is that you feel completely connected to your environment.’
Sustainability on the Water
One of the greatest advantages of the Greenline 40 is its reliance on solar energy. The boat’s solar panels generate enough power to run appliances without needing to use a generator or shore power. ‘It’s a completely different experience; no noise, no fumes, no vibrations. It’s what I call ‘gentleman’s boating,’ Erik proudly states. To maximize efficiency, they ensure their battery levels never drop below 20%. If the batteries run low, switching to diesel mode for just two hours is enough to fully recharge them.
A New Chapter: Living the Villas
The couple have named their yacht ‘MY Villa,’ which stands for both ‘motor yacht villa’ and ‘my villa’. For Erik and Catherine, boat life is more than just an alternative living arrangement - it’s an entirely new way of experiencing the world. From anchoring in secluded bays to exploring hidden towns, their Greenline 40 has given them the freedom to live life on their own terms. And for them, that freedom is priceless.
