Royal Huisman has unveiled a 50m / 164ft concept yacht, the culmination of a multi-year R&D programme to make yachting more sustainable and accessible.
AERA has been designed to incorporate the latest cutting-edge technologies and builds on the shipyard’s 2024 launch of Project Tidal Shift, an environmental awareness initiative focused on ecological preservation through environmental, social, and governance practices.
A collaboration with Royal Huisman’s sister company Rondal, designer Cor D. Rover and Artemis Technologies, AREA builds on the wing sail technology used in the America’s Cup and SailGP taking it into the world of superyachting.
Next-generation wing sail
“Is it a super-efficient sailing yacht with automated systems that make sailing easier, or a motoryacht that gets a big boost from wind to limit emissions to near zero?” asked a Royal Huisman spokesperson.
“Paired with remarkable computer control technology, this next-generation wing sail makes AERA as easy to get underway and operate as a motoryacht.
“Her radical-looking Rondal wing sail is more powerful and at the same time it will be less complicated, quieter, and easier to operate than traditional sails.”
The 245m2 / 2,640sqft wing sail by Rondal has been developed by Artemis Technologies and will be capable of rotating 360 degrees for sailing performance and to depower completely while staying upright.
The wing mast is rotated using two electric motors while hydraulic cylinders control the adjustable flaps to generate lift and forward momentum.
“We are about decarbonising the maritime sector,” explained Dr Iain Percy, CEO and founder of Artemis Technologies — a spin off from Artemis Racing.
“While part of Artemis Technologies is still involved in high-performance sailing through their consulting division, Artemis Applied Technologies, much of its work is in developing electric foiling technology for commercial vessels, an area that’s rapidly gaining traction.”
Initially an 8m / 26ft wing was tested for more than two years on a 7m / 22ft keel boat at the shipyard’s facilities in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.
In parallel, Artemis Technologies, Rondal, and Royal Huisman began scaling up.
We have designed AERA with simplicity and safety in mind, so you can sail with confidence.
Jan Timmerman
Preliminary Velocity Prediction Programs (VPP) predict AREA will perform in 15 knots of breeze, sailing close to a 45 degrees to true wind angle.
AREA is predicted to have a top speed of 14 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots.
“We know from research that sailing yachts don’t set the sails in full that much of the time, especially when they are going short distances between harbours,” said Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman.
“We have designed AERA with simplicity and safety in mind, so you can sail with confidence.”
Alongside the wing sails, other features of the superyacht include 670sqm / 7,212sqft of exterior deck space, spanning the 50m / 164ft length.
Commitment to R&D
The yacht has three decks, plus a stern section that can move between the main deck and water level to serve also as a swim platform or to launch the yacht’s tenders and watersports equipment.
The yacht has been designed to power the hotel load with a battery bank charged by the hydro generators, or low-temperature PEM hydrogen fuel cells.
Three 62kg / 137lbs hydrogen storage bottles give the 60kW high-efficiency fuel cell the ability to generate just over 3,000ekWh of electricity that can be stored in the battery banks.
When navigating under power, the propulsion will be from a pair of forward-facing 500kW electric RPS (retractable propulsion system) units.
”With AERA, we are showcasing our commitment to research and development to advance positive ideas and to attract prospective owners with a new type of yachting. Every mile sailed by wind is a gain for sustainability,” concluded Jan Timmerman.
