Spirit Yachts’ new superyacht
One of the most innovative superyachts of modern times was lowered into the water in early October. The Spirit 111, the largest single-masted wooden yacht built in the UK since the 1930s, has a sensational interior by Rhoades Young and was designed, built and launched at Spirit’s Ipswich yard.
It also embodies the latest thinking on reducing environmental impact. The 111ft (34m) sloop features an electric propulsion system, which uses a 100kw Torqeedo motor to propel the yacht silently for a range of up to 40 miles at eight knots using battery power alone. The propeller shaft rotates when the yacht is under sail to charge the four BMW lithium battery banks.
“The yacht will be able to operate for up to four days without having to plug into shore power or start the two onboard generators,” Spirit’s managing director, Nigel Stuart, explains. “When the yacht crosses the Atlantic, as long as there is adequate wind, she will not need to consume any fossil fuels.”
Stuart has been instrumental in pushing sustainability in the company. As well as being fashioned from responsibly sourced timber, the Spirit 111 employs smart energy-saving technology and systems throughout.
However, it is perhaps the interior that will cause the greatest stir. It is fashioned from twisting forms, including bulkheads that flow in an S-shape. Curved American walnut is used for the seating in the saloon and steamed timber creates C-shaped cocoons over the main berths, “blurring the line between furniture and sculpture,” declares Rhoades Young partner Jonathan Rhoades.
The Spirit 111 is capable of being owner-driven and sailed without professional crew. We cannot wait to get aboard her this winter and will report back on every detail.