Juliet’s re-launch just before the summer marks a noteworthy step closer to delivery. Soon, her Owners can enjoy the exceptional lifestyle and environmental benefits of hybrid sailing, including silent operation, zero emissions, peak-shaving, shaft-generated power under sail and reduced fuel consumption, combined with enhanced operational flexibility and redundancy.

Royal Huisman is the shipyard that pioneered hybrid propulsion with the game-changing 58m / 190ft ketch Ethereal (the world’s first hybrid superyacht, delivered in 2009) and has continued to refine its technological lead with the 52m / 172ft ‘NextGEN’ ketch Elfje and some remarkable projects including the hybrid conversion (by Huisfit) of an undisclosed 30m / 99ft cutter.

Hybrid by Royal Huisman from left to right: Ethereal (the world’s first hybrid superyacht),  ‘NextGEN’ ketch Elfje and remarkable projects including an undisclosed Royal Huisman cutter

The centerpiece of Juliet’s hybrid conversion is a new gearbox, aligned with a sophisticated new electric motor/generator. This facilitates direct electric propulsion, either generated by the main engine or drawn from the new, high performance battery bank or generator. Conventional shaft drive directly from the engine remains an option, as well. The system enables the main engine to meet the yacht’s ‘hotel load’ requirements by means of the electric motor/generator, whilst the power management set-up also provides additional silent options via the advanced battery bank.

With the main engine becoming the primary source of power generation, the system is configured to deliver peak shaving from the battery bank – for example during sail hoisting and maneuvering.

The thrusters are electrically rather than hydraulically-propelled. The same battery bank will enable ‘silent ship’ operation, including air-conditioning and hotel load consumers.

Juliet at anchor in Fakarava, French Polynesia

Under sail, electrical power will be generated by the propeller’s rotation – answering every sailor’s dream to hoist the sails, capture the wind and silence ‘that noisy and smelly engine’. Rapid re-charging of the battery bank is provided by the electric motor/generator driven by the main engine or generator. At anchor, battery power replaces the gensets as the main power supply, eliminating the noise and atmospheric pollution that can detract from the harmony of pristine anchorages.

All of the above will ensure a much-reduced requirement for the main generators in their traditional role. They will offer a high level of redundancy, both for the propulsion via the diesel-electric system, and as an alternative source of electrical power generation. In the latter role, the main engine’s generator would typically be the first choice for the recharging of the batteries after hours of zero emission mode.

Under sail, electrical power will be generated by the propeller’s rotation – answering every sailor’s dream to hoist the sails, capture the wind and silence ‘that noisy and smelly engine’

Hybrid conversions by Huisfit provide quality yachts of Juliet’s era with a lasting new lease of life, and the shipyard team sees an increasing interest in these conversions. Not only do Owners and captains fully appreciate the benefits of enhanced quality of life aboard but also – by anticipating the requirements of future worldwide environmental regulations – they also see a wise investment in making a fine yacht future-proof.

“Huisfit is offering a number of smart green solutions to reduce the use of energy onboard superyachts with 20th century technology. A conversion by Huisfit in Amsterdam – from conventional to hybrid – is the ultimate systems upgrade with leading-edge propulsion and power generation,” says Jan Timmerman, CEO of Royal Huisman. “The Huisfit approach brings together our exceptional infrastructure, technology and skills, with leading industry specialists to provide a bespoke solution for every refit, rebuild and renewal project in one tailored package.”

More information about the “Green Solutions” by Royal Huisman’s Huisfit can be found at www.huisfit.com [click here for a link]

The English press release with editor’s notes can be found via the following link: click here

World cruising ketch Juliet – naval architect: Ron Holland Design – exterior design: Pieter Beeldsnijder Design / Ron Holland Design – interior architects: Pieter Beeldsnijder Design – builder: Royal Huisman (1993) –  www.royalhuisman.com/Juliet [click here for a link]

“Huisfit is offering a number of smart green solutions to reduce the use of energy onboard superyachts with 20th century technology. A conversion by Huisfit in Amsterdam – from conventional to hybrid – is the ultimate systems upgrade with leading-edge propulsion and power generation”

Ultimate Hybrid Upgrade by Royal Huisman’s Huisfit

Huisfit is offering a wide range of green solutions to reduce the use of energy. Hybrid conversions by Huisfit provide quality yachts of Juliet’s era with a lasting new lease of life. Owners can enjoy the exceptional lifestyle and environmental benefits of hybrid sailing, including silent operation, zero emissions, peak-shaving, shaft-generated power under sail and reduced fuel consumption, combined with enhanced operational flexibility and redundancy.

Are you sailing a superyacht with 20th century technology? And keen to embrace all the latest hybrid technology benefits? A conversion by Royal Huisman’s Huisfit from conventional into hybrid is the ultimate systems upgrade with leading-edge propulsion and power generation. See and learn more at www.huisfit.com/greensolutions [click here for a link]

HUISFIT  –  Superyacht Refit, Rebuild and Renewal by Royal Huisman

Huisfit, has enjoyed growing success since extending its reach to the wider superyacht fleet. Huisfit offers everything from classification-driven refit and maintenance work to the re-arrangement and refurbishment of superyacht interiors. In recent years Huisfit has proven to be a specialist for various yacht conversions, rebuilds and “green” solutions for both motor- and sailing yachts.

The Huisfit team recognizes that every refit comes with a unique set of requirements, relevant infrastructure, access to specialist trade skills and equipment, and suitable slots to respect the yacht’s schedule: expertise à la carte. All projects are able to benefit from the comprehensive and highly regarded in-house design engineering capability of Royal Huisman and sistercompany Rondal.

Located in the heart of the Dutch maritime services cluster, Royal Huisman’s dedicated refit division can accommodate any yacht. Huisfit has already proven itself to superyachts built by shipyards like Feadship, Lürssen, Abeking & Rasmussen, Heesen, Claasen, Holland Jachtbouw. In addition numerous Royal Huisman-built yachts have benefitted from Huisfit over the last decades. More information: www.huisfit.com [click here for a link]

Sailing yacht Adèle returns

Huisfit is pleased to announce that the Owner of the 55m / 180ft classic ketch Adèle (Vitters, 2005) appointed Huisfit for excessive refit and service work including her 15 year survey later this year. Previously she received a successful refit and class survey in 2016 at Huisfit, the foundation was laid for a long term relation with the great team of S/Y Adèle.

And why Huisfit again? Project manager Taco Zwarts, who is representing the Owners explains their decision to return in 2021: “After the previous successful refit by Huisfit, it was clear and very obvious for us. In a nutshell: The Huisfit team is honest and the cooperation is smooth; the technical updates were well executed and of high quality […] Also, since that moment the shipyard’s service team supported us worldwide whenever needed.”

Electric propulsion onboard Royal Huisman project 404

Juliet’s conversion coincides with the construction of a new 59.7m / 196ft high-performance sloop, currently being built at the shipyard headquarters. Royal Huisman project 404 will have retractable, azimuthing electric propulsion units, which will offer a number of similar advantages for everyone onboard. Gregory Monks, the Owners’ representative of Project 404, explains “Why?”: learn and see more in “What goes down, must come up!” at this  website > news > inhuis [click here for a link]

“The yacht can motor in ‘quiet mode’ using only the batteries, so an early morning silent departure from a peaceful anchorage is possible”