brand’s knowhow. “As we don’t like any compromises
we decided to build the yacht ourselves,” Pototschnik
says. Adler tapped Nuvolari Lenard as design partner.
“We were looking for someone who had a lot of
experience, not only in design but in engineering,”
Vagacs says, “and basically we got introduced.”
Over 18 months, Nuvolari Lenard developed the
platform, with a vertical bow designed to increase
efficiency, came up with the distinctive look, devised
the layout, and created the luxurious interior design.
This carbon composite yacht has three cabins,
including a full beam owner’s suite, plus a compact
crew area, and offers a full package, with integrated
monitoring system, multiple cameras, floor heating,
iPad-controlled TVs and shades, Bose speakers and
Lumishore underwater lights among numerous
amenities. The masculine interior of the prototype
features brands such as Minotti and Armani/Casa
and subtle indirect lighting, again controlled by iPad.
For all the testing that went on, the production
schedule and the urge to show off the yacht meant
that the first Adler Suprema didn’t have a chance to
taste the ocean until a sea trial off Fort Lauderdale in
early November. The yacht had had its American
debut at the boat show, where the inquisitive CEO
invited feedback from visitors. “We are able to adapt
to the owners’ needs,” he says, which also means
adding boarding ladders for the American clientele
and a hardtop. The ability to choose interior décor is
a given. “You can sit down with Nuvolari Lenard, design your yacht
specifically to your needs, choose colors, materials, the equipment and
audio system... We are very flexible on this side.”
The real beauty, however, is to experience the boat in motion,
especially on a warm, sunny and calm day. One manual intervention in
the otherwise automated system is the switch from pure electric (from 0
to 600rpm) to hybrid mode, which requires pulling back on the throttle
to neutral. After this everything happens automatically. Above 600rpm,
or six knots, one engine starts to assist the 170kW batteries. “You have
fuel consumption but it is seven litres [1.8 gallons] per hour, so nothing,”
the captain says. Over eight or nine knots, the other Caterpillar starts
(consumption is then about 2.1 gallons). “And then over 12 knots, you
have both diesels and electric motors working. It’s fully automatic; if you
want to go from 12 to 30 knots, you only have to push the throttle,” he
says, demonstrating his point. The acceleration is super smooth and,
before I know it, the engines are at 1,100rpm.
At this point, and up to 1,800rpm, you have the option of two extra
modes: charging or boosting. Charging the batteries increases the fuel
burn, but it’s fast – 120kW per hour. On the flip side, using the batteries
to boost the diesels will deplete the charge but decrease fuel
consumption. At 1,700rpm (16-17 knots), consumption is 63 gallons per
hour but by using the boost mode it goes down to 50 gallons. Beyond 18
knots, the boat runs on full diesel and has the option to go fast.
Flat out, we could be in the Bahamas in two and a half hours and enjoy
noise and vibration-free time at anchor. But not today. Adler’s team is
busy growing its business, setting up dealerships in the Americas and
building boats. The next step, the 82ft, four cabin Suprema X, is already
under construction in Italy for a 2019 sail date. Adler Yacht is quietly
ready to make some noise.