Ethereal:

Introduction

The 58 metre Ethereal began as an evolution of the design for the 43 metre Juliet. Our client, a good friend of the owner’s, had sailed on board Juliet on many occasions and considered her the perfect concept on which the design of his own yacht would be built.

Ten years after Juliet’s launch, the client brought together the original team of Royal Huisman Shipyard, Pieter Beeldsnijder and Ron Holland Design to work with him and his family in creating Ethereal. The client’s brief included using new technologies and research in fields such as bioengineering to create an energy efficient and eco-friendly superyacht.

This is a fascinating project for the Ron Holland Design team and we are enjoying our role in creating this beautiful yacht.

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Preliminary Specification

LOA:	58.04 m / 190.4 ft
LWL:	48.13 m / 157.9 ft
Beam:	11.4 m / 37.4 ft
Draught incl. keel:	4.90 m / 16.08 ft
Displacement:	475 tons
Ballast:	90 tons
Hull Speed:	16.8 knots

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Silent Operation

Once upon a time there was a thing called a battery boat. One could lie at anchor, sail for long periods and have total quiet – only the sound of water and wind. Lights and navigation equipment were the prime electrical consumers on board. Then along came bigger boats with less crew and the need for powered winches evolved. Soon followed air conditioning, power hungry refrigeration and a lighting plan fit for the most exotic home. The generator became the focal point and source of all manner of discussion relating to capacity and especially sound insulation. Whilst it was admitted that generator power had become indispensable, it had to run whisper quiet.

But a new dawn comes, and with it the reinvention of silent operation on board large yachts. In close co-operation with Ethereal’s owner, plans are afoot to incorporate a new form of battery technology which will equate to the possibility to allow a vessel such as Ethereal at 58m to literally motor out of the harbour electrically – stealth mode. A day of light sailing can also be accomplished on battery power as well as 8 hours of overnight silent operation with air conditioning. Battery technology has come a long way in recent years and with this new technology comes incredibly high power to weight and power to volume ratios, along with dramatically extended high power discharge and two hour recharge capabilities. Ethereal’s entire battery system will fit in a compartment of around 9 cubic metres while providing even more peak power than a similar size generator installation.

- Royal Huisman Shipyard ‘Shipyard News’ Summer 2005

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