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Suffolk-based traditional boat
builder Spirit Yachts has set to work on
an eco-friendly boat that will carry no
hydrocarbons on board. Due to launch
next year, the 44E will have solar panels
integrated into the aft deck in order to
charge the 16 batteries required to power
her electric drive system (topped up by
hydro-generation via the propeller while
sailing). The yacht will also have ultra-
thin solar panels built in to its recyclable
sails. Winches will be manually operated,
and cooking done on a non-hydrocarbon
spirit stove. spirityachts.comGlacial
AWARENESSRecently founded luxury
experiential travel and yacht
expedition specialist Pelorus
has added a new offering to its
portfolio in the form of a
superyacht trip to Antarctica.
Promising guests the
opportunity to experience
everything from abseiling
down ice cliffs to swims in
geothermic coves and
underwater submersible
safaris, the Antarctica odyssey
offers the chance to see and do
things that are only possible by
travelling to the “white desert”.
For the ultimate Antarctica
experience, look no further
than Oceanco’s concept for
Esquel—a 105m yacht with a
range of 7,000 nautical miles
and, more importantly, a pool,
wellness area and helicopter
pad. Once a willing buyer is
found, the spectacular designs
will be brought to life.
pelorusx.com; oceancoyacht.comSunseeker has returned to making
high-performance day boats after a
decade-long hiatus. The Poole-based
builder has become best known for
its ocean-going gin palaces, despite
the fact that founder Robert
Braithwaite—who died in March—
established the company on the
production of speedboats under the
Poole Powerboats name. The new
Hawk 38 features a hull by the
celebrated Italian racer and designer
Fabio Buzzi, who holds 43 water
speed records. A brace of Mercury
400R outboards can propel the
sleekly styled craft to a top speed of
62 knots and allow a range of 250
nautical miles. As the final Sunseeker
model on which he worked, the first
10 Hawk 38s will be dedicated to
Braithwaite and carry RB plaques in
the cockpit. Up to 20 boats will be
manufactured per year, each costing
£556,000. sunseeker.comLIKE A HAWK
HOW GREEN IS MY GALLEY
urtigruten, which operates an 11-day
cruise along the beautiful coasts of
Norway, now boasts the first ever
hybrid expedition ship. The MS Roald
Amundsen is set to become the first hybrid vessel
to navigate the Northwest Passage later this year.
Although its main power comes from low emission
diesel engines, a giant battery pack enables the
ice-breaking 140m ship to glide silently for 30
minutes in Antarctic waters. With capacity for 530
passengers, it also carries a science centre, infinity
pool, private hot tubs, underwater drones and the
tallest LED screen at sea. hurtigruten.co.uk➼
Computer gaming
tycoon Richard Hadida
celebrated his first year as
owner of Oyster Yachts by
launching a model called the
565 with a sail past beneath
London’s Tower Bridge. The
60ft, blue-water cruiser—
which starts at £1.45m—is the
first new design to emerge
since Hadida saved the
Southampton-based builder
from the administrators last
year. Described as a “pocket
superyacht”, the boat is
intended to be sailed by
adventurous couples and
young families rather than a
professional crew. It can
accommodate up to six guests
in three cabins. oysteryachts.comTAKE A BOW From an Antarctic
odyssey to eco-cruises and a pocket superyachtEn Route News
By Simon de BurtonThat’s the SpiritSIX GO SAILING
H
SEPTEMBER 2019 VANITY FAIR EN ROUTE
09-19-News-Water.indd 13 11/07/2019 08:53