The Spirit 111 is the largest single-mast wooden yacht built in the UK since Shamrock V in the 1930s and is one of the world’s largest sailing yachts with electric auxiliary propulsion.
The yacht is powered by a Torqeedo Deep Blue Hybrid 100i system with four, 40 kWh Deep Blue batteries. The Deep Blue system charges the high-capacity lithium batteries with renewable energy by rotating the propeller shaft while the yacht is under sail. Under power, the Spirit 111 can travel at eight knots for up to 30 nautical miles on this harvested battery power alone – emission-free.
“The owner wanted the most environmentally friendly yacht ever built,” Sean McMillan, CEO, head designer and founder of Spirit Yachts explained. “We are very happy that Torqeedo supplied, installed and integrated an electric propulsion and energy management system that met our every need.”
Spirit Yachts managing director Nigel Stuart explained: “It is important to the owner that he can spend the majority of his time away from marinas enjoying sailing and anchoring in bays. Using electric propulsion to regenerate the batteries whilst sailing, the yacht will be able to operate for up to four days at anchor without having to plug into shore power or start the two onboard generators. When the yacht crosses the Atlantic, as long as there is adequate wind, she will not need to consume any fossil fuels.”
The Spirit 111 under sail. Credit: Spirit Yachts / Mike Jones
Stuart said: “Showcasing the Spirit 111 under sail and revealing her unique interior is a real milestone for the company. The yacht is incredibly complex in her design and engineering and we are very proud of what we have delivered. It’s been a challenging journey, which has given us the opportunity to innovate and gain insight for future superyacht and eco-focused builds.”
Stuart continued: “By partnering with suppliers and challenging ourselves to create customised solutions using the latest energy-saving technology, we have created one of the world’s most sustainable superyachts. From construction using responsibly sourced timber to carbon-saving systems whilst in operation, the Spirit 111 sets a new standard for reducing the impact sailing has on our environment.”
Deep Blue battery. Credit: Spirit Yachts / Mike Bowden
Every power-consuming component on board runs off the renewable energy captured by the Deep Blue Hybrid system, and all have been carefully selected to use minimal energy without impacting performance or comfort. The air conditioning is optimised for running on battery or shore power and the galley has been designed with ultimate efficiency in mind. The fridge and freezer were built with Cryogel insulation and water is heated using an on-demand Webasto system, ensuring no wasted water or energy. An emission-free electric Cruise 10.0 system powers the Spirit 111’s tender boat - the last piece in the puzzle that makes the Spirit 111 energy independent and climate-friendly.
One of the world’s most sustainable superyachts and its energy-saving technology. Credit: Spirit Yachts
The smart lighting system onboard has almost no light switches; motion sensors turn lights on and off during the day. At night, sensors under the beds detect if someone is up and light the way to the nearest ensuite. If a guest starts to go elsewhere within the interior, the system will deduce which way they are going and light the relevant areas.
Energy-efficient hydraulic winch on the Spirit 111. Credit Spirit Yachts / Mike Jones
The Spirit 111 is also efficient when it comes to manpower – it is one of the few superyachts that can be operated without a professional crew. Energy-efficient Lewmar hydraulic deck hardware and OneSails GBR (East) 4T Forte sails made from recyclable materials were fitted to a Hall Spar carbon fibre mast and in-boom furling to facilitate short-handed sailing.
McMillan commented: “A single-masted wooden yacht of this size that can be owner-driven is nothing less than a feat of engineering. The yacht’s impressive strength to weight ratio, a carbon rig and lightweight, performance sails will allow the owner to compete competitively in the Mediterranean regattas.”
More information:
Find high-resolution pictures at the: › Torqeedo Dropbox
Find the main catalogue 2020 here: › Catalogue 2020
The eco-friendly superyacht
- Sailboats
- Press Releases
- Tech