Royal Huisman to trial improved wing sail and fuel cell systems

Royal Huisman has unveiled AERA, a 50-metre catamaran concept developed with Rondal, Cor D. Rover Design and Artemis Technologies. The yard describes it as a platform to test wing sail and hybrid power technologies for yachts under 500 gross tonnes.

Known for delivering what is considered the first hybrid superyacht, Ethereal, in 2008, the Dutch shipyard now aims to lower barriers to sailing and reduce emissions through automation and alternative energy systems. The project builds on the yard’s 2024 Project Tidal Shift initiative, focused on ecological preservation through environmental, social and governance practices.

“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,” says Jan Timmerman, CEO of Royal Huisman. “For some sailing superyachts, running lines, hoisting and adjusting all sails can take half an hour or more… for a short cruise to the next bay, we understand that it may not seem worthwhile.”

By contrast, Huisman says AERA’s automated wing sail would allow the captain to set a destination, engage automatic trim and be sailing in less than a minute. “Without the challenge of operating a conventional sailing system… it is basically as easy as operating a motoryacht,” adds Timmerman. “And, with just two degrees of maximum heel, it is comfortable and safe for guests to move around the decks while the yacht is underway.”

The concept centres on a 35-metre unstayed wing sail developed by Rondal and Artemis Technologies. Measuring 245 square metres, it can rotate 360 degrees and depower fully while upright. Like the Dynarigs on Maltese Falcon and Black Pearl, and the furling rigs on Sailing Yacht A, it is designed to operate without shrouds or stays.

Huisman says the system is simpler and quieter than conventional rigs, with automated controls replacing sheets and winches. A two-year test programme of an eight-metre prototype preceded the scale-up.

“We are about decarbonising the maritime sector,” explains Dr Iain Percy, CEO and founder of Artemis Technologies. He notes that while Artemis continues to consult on high-performance sailing, much of its current work focuses on electric foiling systems for commercial vessels. “Our shared passion here was to take away the barriers to using the force of the wind to decarbonise.”

When wind is insufficient, propulsion will come from retractable 500-kilowatt electric drive units, supported by a 580-kilowatt-hour battery bank, hydrogen fuel cells, hydro-generators and HVO-fuelled gensets. According to the yard, this arrangement can power hotel loads for up to 72 hours at anchor with zero emissions.

The multihull design provides 694 square metres of exterior space, comparable to a 65 to 70-metre motoryacht, while keeping volume below 500GT. Cor D. Rover’s layout features asymmetrical decks and modular interior spaces linked by shaded walkways.

The yard has not yet announced a contract.

Click here to become part of The Superyacht Group community, and join us in our mission to make this industry accessible to all, and prosperous for the long-term. We are offering access to the superyacht industry’s most comprehensive and longstanding archive of business-critical information, as well as a comprehensive, real-time superyacht fleet database, for just £10 per month, because we are One Industry with One Mission. Sign up here.