Smoothing out rolling motion

Large motoryachts are nearly always stabilised, particularly superyachts, where stabilisation is fitted as standard. Historic vessel refits can also lean towards a bit of extra stabilisation. ‘Well, they would have put it in had it been available…’ is the reasoning.

Most stabilisation systems use a set of underwater fins that protrude from the bilge area. A computer predicts the degree of roll via sensors and deploys a counterforce through the fins to dampen it down. The stabilisers themselves are so responsive that they also work at zero speed, so twitch back and forth when the yacht is at anchor – though they have been known to slap a passing swimmer.

Hydraulic or electric motors power the fins, but another system known as Seakeeper uses an internal gyro-stabiliser.

While some of us will enjoy the rough and tumble when under way, we usually prefer to be relatively stable at anchor. Superyacht charter guests paying upwards of £100,000 for a week afloat demand the least movement possible.

leFt even historic motoryachts are being retrofitted with stabiliser fins...aBoVe on modern superyachts they come as standard, often in multiple sets