Royal Huisman has long been known for building large, fast, impossibly beautiful sailing superyachts of impeccable quality. So when I stepped out of the sun and into their stand to learn what new design concept they were introducing at the recent Monaco Yacht Show, I was…surprised.
In fact, I was blown away not only by the fresh new ideas they introduced. But also by the level of hard core engineering and technical innovations the 164-foot-long concept yacht Royal Huisman and sister company Rondal unveiled with designer Cor D. Rover and Artemis Technologies.
The result of their collaboration is a totally new kind of sustainable superyacht that uses an easy-to-operate fixed wing that’s somewhat similar to what’s used in the America’s Cup and SailGP racing boats. But the wing technology has been specifically designed to provide propulsion benefits and reducing emissions to near zero for a new breed of superyacht
The wing that developed by Artemis Technologies is free standing like the Dynarigs on Maltese Falcon and Black Pearl, and the three furling masts on Sailing Yacht A. But unlike those yachts, AERA’s large ( 2,640 square foot) “sail” is actually a fixed wing instead of a more traditional fabric sail. As a result, the yacht not only more efficient but it doesn’t require and sheets, blocks, furlers, or winches on deck, or captive winches taking up space below either. Two electric motors housed around the mast rotate the wing. Hydraulic cylinders control the adjustable flaps along its trailing edge to generate lift and forward momentum, or feather it completely in a neutral position by aligning with the breeze.
Dr. Iain Percy, CEO and founder of Artemis Technologies developed the wing that uses airfoil technology with adjustable trailing-edge flaps that automatically optimize performance or completely depower by feathering into the wind. Extensive testing on a prototype confirmed the wing’s ability to safely handle extreme weather conditions while providing dramatically superior efficiency – calculations show a traditional sailing rig would need 40 to 60% more area to match this wing’s power.
And since the wing is always up, sailing is simple. The captain just needs to enter a destination or direction, and perhaps a desired speed or arrival time as well. The computerized control system handles all wing adjustments for the desired speed and conditions, adding a boost from retractable electric sail drive units if motor sailing is the best option.
AERA also steps up Royal Huisman’s environmental mission with multiple clean energy systems. A 580kWh battery bank can power the yacht’s entire hotel load silently for 11 hours. Escaping the weight and bulk of multi-megawatt systems aboard some next-gen superyachts, Rondal’s latest hydro-generators constantly and silently charge the battery bank underway. When stationary and away from a marina, batteries can be topped up by a hydrogen fuel cell. Three 62kg / 137lbs pressurized hydrogen bottles powering the fuel cell can create enough electricity for an additional 72 hours of zero-emission operation.
Meanwhile, Cor D. Rover designed AERA’s asymmetrical profile atop twin hulls to be the perfect complement to the wing. It provides 7,470sqft of space for up to 10 guests in a primary suite on the main deck and four cabins below. And the yacht’s three deck levels – unheard of on even the largest sailing yachts – create unique experiential living spaces while reducing energy hungry HVAC systems through smart shading.
“The wing sail concept was really intriguing to me,” says Cor D. Rover. “During a couple of months of exchanging ideas, we were convinced that a catamaran was the perfect platform, both for a psychological approach to the fixed wing and for a cat’s inherent stability under sail. And on top of that, you get phenomenal decks.”
Cor D. Rover and his team’s fresh approach resulted in a variety of exterior spaces for different functions and different size groups. While most sailing superyachts have one exterior deck and sometimes a flybridge, AERA ups the attraction with three decks, plus a large stern section that can move between the main deck and water level to serve also as a swim platform or to launch the yacht’s tenders and watersports equipment.
CEO Jan Timmerman emphasizes AERA’s ease of use to be able to sail with confidence: “AERA represents more than technological advancement — it’s a complete redesign of sustainable luxury yachting that makes clean cruising irresistibly attractive to owners seeking both environmental responsibility and comfort.”
Now this is a yacht I’d really love to see go from concept to reality. Watch this space.