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Q&A with owner of Spirit 111 sailing yacht Geist

BOAT catches up with the owner of the new 33.9 metre Spirit 111 sailing yacht Geist , which was delivered in 2020. 

Why this design, and why Spirit Yachts?

I have owned a Spirit 52 for 10 years now, and I have never, for a single day, regretted owning her. I have spent wonderful times competing and enjoying her with friends, and I’ve sailed her solely with my wife, exploring those parts of the Mediterranean that remain untouched. I am very fond of the boat. During the 10 years of ownership, I have grown to implicitly trust and respect the team at Spirit Yachts – I knew they would listen to my ideas and I was confident they had the skills to execute the project. The 111 is a testament of love to the little 52. Now, I require more space to include family and friends, yet would not want to sacrifice performance, elegance or the way she immerses me in the elements.

• Behind the scenes: Step on board the new Spirit 111 sailing yacht Geist

What was the brief?

In most larger yachts, space is gained at the cost of detaching yourself from nature (a higher freeboard and bulwarks, for example). Being close to the water and to the environment is what drew me to yachts in the first place and this became central to my inspiration. I sat down with Spirit Yachts owner and founder Sean McMillan and discussed this from the early stages. He was keen to take on the design brief, and he gave me the confidence to push on with the project. The first drawings were very encouraging and gave me confidence that, together with interior designers Rhoades Young , we could carry the vision further. The aesthetics of the yacht, inside and out, were always of paramount importance, closely followed by the aim of being as self-sufficient as possible and minimizing the impact on the environment that inspires and motivates me.

Tell us about the yacht’s green ethos

The environment played a strong part in early discussions on the project. I spoke at length with Spirit Yachts’ managing director Nigel Stuart about the technology available. We compared the project and its goals to a “Tesla of the seas.” It was always very important to me that the yacht does not play a part in destroying her natural environment. Spirit examined the build, operation and end-of-life phases of the project to lower the carbon footprint at each stage. I enjoy being at anchor in a tranquil bay away from crowded marinas, so regeneration of the batteries was important to allow this self-sufficient way of living on board. We have generators as a back-up but I plan to enjoy her under power created from a day’s sailing.

What is the atmosphere like inside?

I didn’t want any clutter to distract from the beauty and warmth of the timber and Spirit’s craftsmanship. Light was key to the interior design and a lot of consideration went into how natural light could warm the interior and create a calm atmosphere. The daily pattern of natural light was balanced with the responsive lighting system so the interior would always feel peaceful and never interrupted by harsh, bright lights.

How did you want to sail her?

I wanted to be able to sail the yacht short-handed. I will have some support to start with, but the goal is to be able to cruise her with just my friends and family. I also love racing at the classic regattas on my Spirit 52, so the yacht needed to be similarly competitive with a performance rig and sails. I have been very impressed with her sailing so far; she is fast and beautifully smooth to helm.

What are your favourite things on board?

My favourite things are the details. I spent a lot of time considering the door handles, for example. When the doors to the VIP and master suites are closed, the curved door handles are at different heights, so they look like uninterrupted waves rippling over the timber. The ends of the salon seating, where the timber bends around to a very small radius and looks like it has grown that way over many years, is also fascinating.

How will you use her?

She will be used for cruising and exploring new and old destinations with family and friends. I will also race her at regattas.

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Spirit 111: a yacht of no compromise

Building the most eco-friendly yacht in the world. It was an assignment the British Spirit Yachts received   loud and clear . For the renowned boat builder however, the superyacht owners wishes were right up   their street . Integrating modern technology into classic designs is what has been driving Spirit Yachts for decades. Nevertheless, the Spirit 111 remained a challenging process with exceptional wishes. In more than one way.

The climate change discussion is a hot topic. Not surprisingly, more and more owners in the sailing community are rethinking their carbon footprint. An ongoing trend according to managing director at Spirit Yachts, Nigel Stuart: ”Certain owners are approaching us knowing they want an eco-friendly yacht.  In these cases, we work with the owners to deliver on their goals and suggest new ways in which we can innovate to make the yacht as sustainable as possible. Other owners come to us knowing they want a Spirit and as discussions evolve they realize what we are capable of and opt for more eco-friendly solutions.” The extent to which boats are made eco-friendly vary greatly. One owner opts for a near-total self-sufficiency, while others go for fuel efficiency. ”To whatever extent it is, it’s not hard to sell,'” Stuart says. ”Often the eco-friendly option wins on other credentials, such as cost or weight for example. Half the projects in the yard at the moment are electric drive yachts.”

In order to meet the eco-wishes of Spirit 111’s owner, Spirit Yachts collaborated with leading marine and automotive suppliers. ”We analyzed every aspect of the Spirit 111 and asked ourselves if we could approach it in a more sustainable way,” Stuart explains. “The electric propulsion system is the most innovative example. A Torqeedo electric propulsion system, using a 100kW engine, will propel the yacht silently for up to 40nm at eight knots from battery power alone. The propulsion system will regenerate the four BMW lithium battery banks by rotating the propeller shaft whilst the yacht is under sail. It is important to the owner that he can spend the majority of his time away from marinas enjoying sailing and anchoring in bays. By using electric propulsion to regenerate the batteries whilst sailing, the yacht will be able to operate for up to four days without having to plug into shore power or start the two onboard generators. When the yacht crosses the Atlantic, as long as there is the adequate wind, she will not need to consume any fossil fuels.”

Not only in the engine room, but also with regard to the interior, Spirit Yachts has made some remarkably durable arrangements. ”She has energy efficient interior systems, lighting and winches, as well as recyclable sails and of course she is built from sustainable timber.  The yacht will last 100 years, but if she ever does reach the end of her lifetime, her component parts can be recycled or re-used and her wooden interior and hull can be used for anything from furniture to fencing or even another boat,” according to Stuart.

However, anyone who sees the interior of the yacht will not immediately notice its durability. It is mainly the exceptional design that attracts attention. Everything is rounded. No line is straight. Everything fits seamlessly down to the smallest detail. In collaboration with the external design agency Rhoades Young, the exceptional ideas finally came to life on paper. ”Often interior yacht design is about maximizing the space to provide as much as possible in terms of storage, accommodation etc. Spirit 111 is the opposite; the interior has always been about  a esthetic and practicality,” says Stuart. ”The curved wooden doors were particularly challenging.  Not only creating the shape and fitting the doors, but also the ‘invisible’ door handles. Instead of a conventional handle, the doors have a notch or hole to place your hand in order to operate a sensor that opens the door automatically.”

With all of its eccentric demands, the Spirit 111 may give the impression of not being the most easy yacht to sail. Nothing could be further from the truth. Stuart explains: ‘Most of our owners lead busy working lives so they dream of being able to get away from it all with their family and friends.  Whilst our yachts look detailed and complicated, they are relatively easy to handle, so most Spirit owners go cruising with very little professional help or no crew at all. We strongly believe in encouraging people to go sailing in any way they feel comfortable. Enjoyment out on the water is the most important thing, whether you are an owner-driver with no support or if you have a skipper and full professional crew.’’

Whether the owner and crew will enjoy this Spirit 111 is no longer the question. Beauty, performance and sustainability come together in this 111-meter long high-performance cruiser. The integration of the Sailmon   Model E4 Silver Processor   purely underlines the wishes of its owner. ”Every element of the Spirit 111 has been chosen because it delivers the highest quality and performance. This is a yacht of no compromise.”

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SPIRIT 111 Spirit Yachts

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If you have any questions about the SPIRIT 111 information page below please contact us .

Measuring 33.9m (111'3") sailing yacht SPIRIT 111 is striking performance vessel built by the UK shipyard Spirit Yachts and launched in 2019. Spirit 111 provides accommodation for up to eight guests.

NOTABLE FEATURES OF SPIRIT 111: ~Largest wooden sailing yacht since 1930s S/Y SHAMROCK ~Custom carbon rig for excellent performance ~Interiors from renowned Rhoades Young ~Innovative interior design ~Abundance of exterior sunbathing space ~Air conditioning ~Wi-fi

Above deck, there is a spacious cockpit designed with aft-facing sofas on either side of the stairway to the interior salon, and farther behind are two seating areas with each curve around a raised semi-circular dining table. The helm station is placed aft away from the social area. Sunbathing space can be found to the aft and along the foredeck and there are uninterrupted views of the surroundings.

SPIRIT 111 Specifications

The lower deck contains a spacious circular lounge amidships that is lit by a skylight that at the same time ensures guest privacy. A sofa follows the curve of the forward wall while to port there is a spacious formal dining table. To the stern, there is a guest cabin with an en-suite bathroom, and two further guest cabins are placed forward, each containing a cocoon bed and an en-suite bathroom.

Yacht Accommodation

The accommodation sleeps a maximum of 8 guests.

Amenities and Extras

We do have available further amenity, owner and price information for the 33.9m (111'3") yacht SPIRIT 111, so please enquire for more information.

SPIRIT 111 Disclaimer:

The luxury yacht SPIRIT 111 displayed on this page is merely informational and she is not necessarily available for yacht charter or for sale, nor is she represented or marketed in anyway by CharterWorld. This web page and the superyacht information contained herein is not contractual. All yacht specifications and informations are displayed in good faith but CharterWorld does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the current accuracy, completeness, validity, or usefulness of any superyacht information and/or images displayed. All boat information is subject to change without prior notice and may not be current.

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Spirit 111 - Retro Classic Yacht with Incredible Interior

The spirit 111 is an awesome retro classic sailing yacht with incredible interior design and state-of-the-art technology..

The Spirit 111 combines the grace of classic sailing yachts but with modern technologies like hybrid propulsion with a 100 kW electric engine by Torqeedo, supported by four 40 kWh BMW battery packs. The boat can run about 30 nautical miles with the electric drive. The electric motor also works as a hydrodynamic generator to regenerate the batteries while sailing. Furthermore, there are two 25 kW generators as a backup solution.

Nigel Stuart, Managing Director of Spirit Yachts comments:

“It is important to the owner that he can spend the majority of his time away from marinas enjoying sailing and anchoring in bays. Using electric propulsion to regenerate the batteries whilst sailing, the yacht will be able to operate for up to four days at anchor without having to plug into shore power or start the two onboard generators. When the yacht crosses the Atlantic, as long as there is adequate wind, she will not need to consume any fossil fuels.”

Sean McMillan – founder and head designer at Spirit Yachts, created the elegant exterior design of the sailing yacht.

A wave-styled interior design

This kind of interior design is far away from this world and has been penned by Rhoades Young and the shipyard’s in-house team.

Rhoades Young partner Jonathan Rhoades commented:

“It was a joy to work with a client with an absolute passion for design. The brief was a combination of his love for furniture and organic architecture. The client had recently visited Antelope Canyon in Arizona and this was the catalyst for the idea of the warm soft flowing walls creating unique focal points within the room. Whilst appearing simple these twisting forms are co-ordinated perfectly with the beautiful skylights above creating a calm and tranquil ambiance. These elegant forms not only twist and peel to create counters but uniquely create the intimate backdrops for the highly detailed ‘steam pieces’ which blur the line between furniture and sculpture. It has been an absolute privilege to work on this project with the client and the craftsmen and women who created it.”

The systems of the hotel functions are optimized for low energy consumption. The Webasto air conditioning and heating system have two eco modes (and a maximum as well). The system is efficient enough to run the air conditioning also in the tropical areas over the night. Hot water is stored in a high density insulated tank.

The freezer and the fridge are custom-made equipment and using high-efficient compressors and CryoGel to hold very low temperatures.

Main Specifications of the Spirit 111

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Spotlight – Spirit 111: Spirited Away

BY Anna Cummins on 28 Apr 2021

At 34 metres, sloop-rigged sailing superyacht Spirit 111 is the largest build from Britain’s Spirit Yachts to date. The organic, flowing interior of this hand-crafted wooden yacht belies its cutting-edge technology and impressive eco-credentials

All images courtesy Spirit Yachts

It was a visit to a magnificent sandstone canyon in northern Arizona that formed the kernel of inspiration for Spirit 111 .

“The initial concept began with a large round capstan-style table in the centre of the interior,” recalls Sean McMillan, founder and head designer of British classic yacht builder Spirit Yachts in an interview with Asia-Pacific Boating . “The rest of the interior developed around this central circle and was inspired by the owner’s trip to Antelope Canyon. If you look at photos of the curved, organic shapes of the canyon you can see the synergy.”

The comparisons of Spirit 111 ’s interiors with the canyon – sinuous and smooth, somehow frozen outside of time – are clear. The 34-metre sloop-rigged sailing superyacht, launched in October 2019, is the largest single-masted wooden yacht built in Britain since Shamrock V in the 1930s and is the largest build from Spirit to date.

The impressive interiors were born from the Ipswich-based yard’s first partnership with design agency Rhoades Young.

The comparisons of Spirit 111’s interiors with Arizona’s Antelope Canyon – sinuous and smooth, somehow frozen outside of time – are clear

Antelope Canyon

Its impressive interiors were born from the Ipswich-based yard’s first partnership with design agency Rhoades Young, who worked with Spirit to draw up the initial concepts for the interior. The Spirit design team then worked closely with the owner to develop the drawings into final renderings.

The unique, curved interior is defined by sleek contours that bring the walls, bulkheads and furniture together in one flowing design.

Discreet doors and hidden storage ensure smooth lines and a contoured look. Even the door handles were hidden to meet the owner’s strict criteria: to open a door, a guest places their hand inside a hidden recess, and sensors detect the movement and release the catch to open the door. Each of these doors took a month to hand-craft – and there are eight of them.

Master cabin

The seating, which is hand-made from strips of American Walnut timber, took over 2,000 person-hours to build and was designed to complement the ebb and flow of the wooden interior. The smart lighting system onboard is controlled by sun sensors, which adjusts the brightness to ensure there is no difference between outside and inside, explains Spirit Yachts’ managing director Nigel Stuart.

“On the interior, there are no light switches at all – motion sensors will turn lights on and off during the day and during the night, while sensors under the beds will detect if someone is up and light the way to the nearest ensuite. If a guest starts to go elsewhere within the interior, the system will deduce which way they are going and light the relevant areas in a very soft yellow light.”

But while the flowing interior design remains a unique feat, there were plenty of challenges involved in balancing the yacht’s more practical considerations.

“The visual side of the brief made the importance of ‘hidden’ technical spaces even more acute, given the amount of systems and engineering on such an advanced yacht,” says McMillan. “The curves of the interior not only had to look seamless, but they also had to house the functional elements of the yacht and be accessible.

“As well as looking like a ‘work of art’, the interior of the yacht also had to comply to RINA’s exacting classification requirements. This marriage of practicality, safety and beauty to deliver on the owner’s brief made the project a thrilling challenge.”

The eco-credentials of the project were of prime importance to the overseas owner. As a result, Spirit 111 is not only incredible to look at, but is also one of the most environmentally friendly sailing superyachts ever built.

Master cabin ensuite. Each ensuite on Spirit 111 has a rounded, solid timber sink integrated into the worktop and power shower

A Torqeedo electric propulsion system using a 100kW motor propels the yacht silently for up to 30nm at eight knots from battery power alone. While sailing, the propulsion system regenerates the four BMW lithium battery banks by rotating the propeller shaft. All power-consuming components have been carefully selected to be highly efficient and use minimal energy without impacting performance or comfort.

Read more: How close are we to self-charging propulsion?

The air conditioning uses variable speeds with eco options via battery or shore power, and the galley has also been designed with ultimate efficiency in mind. The fridge and freezer were built with Cryogel insulation to ensure minimal power consumption. Water is heated only on demand, ensuring no wasted energy. Heated water is stored within high-density insulation and high-efficiency transfer coils for rapid heat transfer and temperature retention.

Stuart tells Asia-Pacific Boating that some of the construction techniques and processes used in Spirit 111 will be filtered down to make the yard’s current builds more efficient and sustainable.

“Our technical understanding and knowledge was enhanced by the 111 project, and it has made us look at new builds differently,” he says. “As a result of the 111, we now analyse the construction, operation and (hypothetical) end of life of a yacht and ask how we can reduce the environmental impact at each of those stages. We no longer consider an electric drive yacht or one with complex engineering or electrical systems as a challenge; it’s just the norm.”

Spirit 111 is also one of few superyachts capable of cruising without professional crew. Indeed, there is no dedicated crew accommodation on board. Guests have the choice of two double ensuite aft cabins or a starboard side double VIP cabin. The forward cabin holds the spacious master suite, complete with curved sofas built into the side of the hull, double bed and ensuite. All heads have rounded, solid timber sinks integrated into the worktop and power showers.

A single-masted wooden yacht of this size that can be owner-driven is nothing less than a feat of engineering – Nigel Stuart

Stuart recalls that the level of craftsmanship and skill involved in the build was “eye-watering”.

“Everything from the precision required to veneer the curved ‘pods’ for the beds to matching the grain of the timber for the walls and galley involved an incredible amount of skill,” he says. “It also became clear early on in the project that a major challenge revolved around all the yacht’s systems working harmoniously together to ensure minimum energy consumption without sacrificing the yacht’s performance or the luxury experience for those onboard. It was really important that all the key suppliers communicated and worked collaboratively.”

McMillan adds: “A single-masted wooden yacht of this size that can be owner-driven is nothing less than a feat of engineering. The yacht’s impressive strength-to-weight ratio, a carbon rig and lightweight performance sails will allow the owner to compete at regattas worldwide.”

The owner, who spends the majority of his time away from marinas, enjoys sailing and anchoring in bays. The electric propulsion system means Spirit 111 can operate for up to four days at anchor without having to plug into shore power or start the two onboard generators.

“When the yacht crosses the Atlantic, as long as there is adequate wind, she will not need to consume any fossil fuels,” says Stuart. “So far, the yacht has been cruising in Scandinavia and the Caribbean – and the owner is delighted with her!”

Technical specifications: Spirit 111 

Designer: Sean McMillan Interior design: Rhoades Young & Spirit Yachts Construction: Wood epoxy composite on stainless steel space frame LOA: 33.9m LWL: 24m Beam: 6.4m Draft: 4.05m Displacement: (Light) 58 tonnes, 65 tonnes fully laden Ballast ratio: 45% Sail area: 450 Sqm (working) Rig type: Fractional Bermudan sloop Engine: Torqeedo electric drive system powered by 4 BMW lithium battery 40kwh units. 2 X 25kw generators Keel: SG iron blade with lead bulb, ‘T’ configuration Rudder: Carbon composite spade type Rig: Fully custom carbon, keel stepped 

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Spirit 111 "Spirit" : Artful retro classic with a focus on sustainability

Sören Gehlhaus

 ·  01.08.2023

The essence of sailing is the constant confrontation with the elements. However, the larger the yacht, the greater the separation from the water. The distance increases with the freeboard not only geometrically, but also mentally. This equation was not what the "Geist" owner had in mind: "You gain space at the price of distancing yourself from nature. But it was the proximity to the environment that attracted me to yachts. This realisation became a central point of my inspiration."

It is not surprising that these words come from the mouth of a sailor who previously enjoyed a Spirit 52 for ten years. "I have never regretted it, not for a day, and have had wonderful times on her with friends or exploring the unspoilt corners of the Mediterranean with my wife. I like her very much."

It should be flat, slim and elegant

We are talking about a boat that was skilfully crafted from wood. When he made a detour to Spirit in Ipswich on the North Sea to entrust his beloved 52 to the shipyard crew for overhaul work, the idea of a larger yacht had already matured. However, the man had no intention of immediately enlarging from 16 to 34 metres. An extremely fruitful exchange took place and they ended up with 90 feet. A model was produced and presented. Sean McMillan, Spirit founder and designer, remembers: "He said she had to be more elongated, with the same width and the lowest possible freeboard. Basically, he told me to make her as elegant as possible."

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The owner's specification thus represented an alternative to the idea of more cabins, and the "Geist" owner also enthuses: "The long overhangs and the low freeboard were decisive for me. I wanted a flush deck so that the elegant lines are not interrupted. She looks majestic on the water."

The best of two worlds

J-Class yachts rely on a similar elegance formula. McMillan worked with Sparkman & Stephens ten years ago on a new J-Class for a potential US customer. "The boats are beautiful, but weigh 170 tonnes and don't exceed 14 knots. I've never been interested in replicas. I design elegant, contemporary yachts that can be sailed as well as possible," the designer explains. Like all Spirit models, "Geist" relies on a modern underwater hull with a fixed T-keel and free-standing spade rudder. Other signets from Spirit's classic line can also be found: the heart-shaped stern ends in a sloping flat batten, the superstructure rises very flat and is crossed at the sides by portholes and at the top by semi-circular windows that open up like a fan.

A comparison with the 30 metre long "Gaia", Spirit's first foray into the supersailer segment, which was launched 13 years ago, comes to mind. But McMillan waves it away: "I started with a blank sheet of paper and worked according to the Pure Thought design process, where there are no compromises; I draw the way I think is right in terms of looks and performance. When it came to the 111, this approach and the 52 resonated as a reference."

Three-month design phase and keel laying

The Spirit CEO designed the 52 for himself 15 years ago. There was one important restriction to consider with the 111: "The headroom had to be two metres, as the owner is quite tall. So I curved the cross-section of the deck slightly." This is not a design feature that catches the eye of the observer. It's a different story with the deck moulding: "It's the most important line - it determines how the yacht looks. I can't remember how many times I drew it for 'Geist'." He still uses the same method today, sometimes with Straklatte. During the three-month design phase, McMillan barely came out from behind the drawing board and only had his designs translated into a 3D model by Geist's own engineering department once they had been approved by the owner.

The wooden hull was then laid on the keel, always under the supervision of McMillan: "Someone has to oversee everything so that every little detail is perfect." The Spirit hulls are grown using a tried-and-tested process that is a mixture of moulding and moulded gluing. The 50 millimetre thick "Spirit" planking is made of Canadian Douglas fir, which is similar to pine wood. Cold-glued and using epoxy resin, four diagonal layers of khaya veneer wood, also known as African mahogany, were applied to the outer skin. The beautifully shaped wooden structure is crossed amidships by a steel frame, to which shrouds are attached on the deck side and the keel and mast are attached on the hull side.

Wood is the core of Spirit Yachts

Spirit Managing Director Nigel Stuart describes the wood procurement process: "We purchased all the material for the 111 directly from the source, had it sawn there and transported it in the longest possible lengths." The owner visited the shipyard regularly, and project manager Jens Cornelsen from Glückstadt also paid a visit to the Spirit halls about once a month on his behalf. "I enjoyed experiencing every phase of development. Wood is not only beautiful, it is also such a versatile building material. I got to know all the boat builders involved," says the owner.

The exchange became even more intense after Spirit had turned the hull and the interior was ready to be fitted out. One reason for this was the unusual source of inspiration: the curved canyons of Antelope Canyon, which the "Spirit" owner visited during a holiday in the US state of Arizona.

The classic "Geist" look with its penchant for overhangs only allows the living areas just over half of the overall length, which is fitting as the owner couple sails without a crew. British studio Rhoades Young Design translated the organic free forms of the canyons into a living environment below deck.

Rendezvous of the radii

The wooden boat builders purchased two sustainably reforested Sipo trees in West Africa for the entire interior. The mahogany-like wood is used for the walls and built-in furniture in the saloon, such as the kidney-shaped bench seat on the starboard side, which runs into the wall like a helix - while maintaining the grain pattern. The floor is made of teak, and apart from two transverse frames, none of the walls protrude upwards. Amidships is a semi-open seating area made of American walnut, classically moulded in 2000 man-hours using hot steam. The round glass table is fitted with a waisted foot ring made of 64 rods. The galley consists primarily of a coverable brass sink and an induction hob, which is ventilated through a window hatch. The worktop's sash moulding is a work of art in itself: The pleasing round profile winds in iridescent radii.

There are no cupboards, light switches or sockets, and thanks to the concealed handles, there are no (refrigerated) cupboards to be seen. The owner describes his aesthetic vision: "I don't want any clutter to distract from the beauty and warmth of the wood and the craftsmanship. The interior will evolve with the use of the yacht, but above all it will remain a clean space."

The transition to the forward owner's area is seamless thanks to a wall that looks like a steel sculpture turned into wood by US sculptor Richard Serra and actually represents a bulkhead. The double bed, which is integrated into a hemisphere and creates a cocoon-like cosiness, inevitably catches the eye.

Lighting effects and staging of the light sources

A bedside table flows out of the walnut headboard - the open bar construction creates indirect lighting effects. "The beds and the bench seat in the saloon are inspired by the furniture we have at home," reveals the owner, who requested wooden washbasins and shower trays for the bathroom. A double cabin is situated diagonally aft to starboard, which, in contrast to the two aft VIP cabins, has an angular shower instead of a cylindrical one.

As there are no windows throughout the hull, the owner and shipyard spent a long time thinking about how natural light could warm up the interior and create an inviting atmosphere. The owner: "The spectrum of natural light balances out a reactive lighting system so that the interior always feels peaceful and is never punctuated by harsh light." Like the intensity of the LEDs, the opening of the doors is controlled by sensors.

"That kept us busy for a good five months," says Nigel Stuart about the unforeseen increase in complexity. If the power circuit is interrupted, the door latches are released.

In addition to shape and material, sustainability is the big issue

Environmental friendliness played a major role at an early stage. After some discussion, the decision was made in favour of the all-electric version - with maximum autonomy. The "Geist" owner explains his self-sufficient life on board: "I like to lie at anchor in a quiet bay, far away from crowded marinas. We want to generate the energy we need on a day's sailing."

The consumers are kitchen appliances, hot water, heating, air conditioning and the Torqeedo drive train with a 100-kilowatt motor. This becomes a power supplier via the propeller and under sail, as Nigel Stuart confirms: "The system is still under development, but at peak times we generated 6 kilowatts. From the Solent to the east coast, it was a constant 3 to 3.5 kilowatts with an average of 25 knots of wind and 12.5 knots of boat speed."

It is powered by four high-voltage batteries of 40 kilowatt hours each from BMW's i-series, which together account for a good tonne of the displacement of 58 tonnes. Weight is saved, however, in the hull insulation, for example, which is no longer required thanks to the positive properties of wood. Lewmar's new hydraulic system for the winches requires 90 per cent less oil and is correspondingly lighter.

The green thread continues to spin

The watermaker runs with energy recovery, while the refrigerator and freezer reduce consumption thanks to special insulation. The diesel generators operate at variable speeds and only start up when needed. At 80 per cent capacity, they charge the batteries in two hours or supply power directly to the electric drive.

What about the loss of speed when the propeller is unfolded under sail and harvesting energy? Spirit Managing Director Nigel Stuart waves this away: "This is only a fraction compared to the power of the sails, which is equivalent to around 150 kilowatts. We're talking about four percent drag, which would be compensated for by optimised sail trim."

The sail wardrobe consists of a furling main, jib, staysail, reacher and gennaker, each with an integrated furling system. Project manager Jens Cornelsen chose the British offshoot of the Italian OneSails Group because it has experience with Spirit yachts - and the 4T Forte laminate is recyclable, which has even been ISO-certified. Incidentally, the material is also being used on two boats during the Vendée Globe single-handed world regatta that is currently taking place.

Sculpture suitable for regattas

The owner also wants to take part in regattas and sail with few hands. Nigel Stuart reports on the transfer from Gosport to Ipswich: "My three fellow sailors had never been on board before - but we were able to sail off without a one-day briefing. The autopilot was off, of course. It was the best sailing day of my life."

Sean McMillan agrees: "'Geist' is very easy to sail. In many ways she's like a big dinghy. You only become aware of her dimensions when you have to manoeuvre. All the functions work at the push of a button, but you don't want to rush things with the high forces in the rig." As a designer and sailor, Spirit founder Sean McMillan was naturally very keen to tease out as much performance as possible: "In 12 knots of wind, we reached a maximum boat speed of 14 knots on the beam. In the right conditions, well over 20 knots is possible."

That leaves the decoding of the name, which correlates perfectly with the white sailing dress and the elegance of the hull. "I talked a lot about the name with my wife and the Spirit team. I wanted it to be simple and original. 'Geist' refers to my German origins and is a tribute to Spirit for building such a special yacht," explains the owner, who is spending his first "Geist" season in the Caribbean. Always close to the water.

New Spirit 111 Unveiled: A Sailing Yacht or An Artwork?

Spirit Yachts unveiled its highly anticipated 34m sailing yacht, the Spirit 111 .  With eco features throughout and a stand-out interior design, the sloop-rigged yacht is the largest single-masted wooden sailing yacht to be built in the UK since Shamrock V in the 1930s.

At the request of her overseas buyer, the Spirit 111 has been designed and built in-house by Spirit Yachts to be one of the most environmentally friendly sailing superyachts ever created.

Spirit Yachts managing director Nigel Stuart commented, “ Showcasing the Spirit 111 under sail and revealing her unique interior is a real milestone for the company.  The yacht is incredibly complex in her design and engineering and we are very proud of what we have delivered.  It’s been a challenging journey, which has given us the opportunity to innovate and gain insight for future superyacht and eco-focused builds. ”

Spirit Yachts worked collaboratively with leading marine and automotive suppliers to deliver on the owner’s eco brief.  A  Torqeedo electric propulsion system  using a 100kW motor will propel the yacht silently for up to 30nm at eight knots from battery power alone.  Whilst sailing, the propulsion system will regenerate the four BMW lithium battery banks by rotating the propeller shaft whilst the yacht is under sail. All power-consuming components have been carefully selected to be highly efficient and will use minimal energy without impacting performance or comfort.

Away from marinas

Nigel Stuart explained: “ It is important to the owner that he can spend the majority of his time away from marinas enjoying sailing and anchoring in bays.  Using electric propulsion to regenerate the batteries whilst sailing, the yacht will be able to operate for up to four days at anchor without having to plug into shore power or start the two onboard generators.  When the yacht crosses the Atlantic, as long as there is adequate wind, she will not need to consume any fossil fuels. ”

Nigel continued: “ By partnering with suppliers and challenging ourselves to create customised solutions using the latest energy-saving technology, we have created one of the world’s most sustainable superyachts.  From construction, using responsibly sourced timber to carbon-saving systems whilst in operation, the Spirit 111 sets a new standard for reducing the impact sailing has on our environment. ”

The air conditioning uses variable speeds with eco options via battery or shore power and the galley has been designed with ultimate efficiency in mind.  The fridge and freezer were built with Cryogel insulation to ensure minimal power consumption whilst holding low temperatures. 

Water is heated using a  Webasto system , which only heats water on demand ensuring no wasted water or energy, and the heated water is stored within high-density insulation and high-efficiency transfer coils for rapid heat transfer and temperature retention.

The Spirit 111 is also one of few superyachts capable of cruising without a professional crew.  Energy efficient  Lewmar  hydraulic deck hardware and  OneSails GBR (East) 4T FORTE™ sails  made from materials that can be recycled are fitted to a  Hall Spars  carbon fibre mast and in-boom furling to facilitate short-handed sailing.

Spirit founder and head designer Sean McMillan commented: “ A single-masted wooden yacht of this size that can be owner-driven is nothing less than a feat of engineering.  The yacht’s impressive strength to weight ratio, a carbon rig and lightweight, performance sails will allow the owner to compete at regattas worldwide. ”

A unique, curved interior

The interior of the Spirit 111 was designed in partnership with  Rhoades Young , which is Spirit Yachts ’ first collaboration with an external design agency. Rhoades Young developed the initial concept for a unique, curved interior, which Spirit Yachts’ design team developed and brought to life in the final plans.

Rhoades Young partner Jonathan Rhoades commented: “ It was a joy to work with a client with an absolute passion for design. The brief was a combination of his love for furniture and organic architecture. The client had recently visited Antelope Canyon in Arizona and this was the catalyst for the idea of the warm soft flowing walls creating unique focal points within the room. Whilst appearing simple these twisting forms are co-ordinated perfectly with the beautiful skylights above creating a calm and tranquil ambiance. These elegant forms not only twist and peel to create counters but uniquely create the intimate back drops for the highly detailed ‘steam pieces’ which blur the line between furniture and sculpture. It has been an absolute privilege to work on this project with the client and the craftsmen and women who created it. ”

Spirit Yachts head designer Sean McMillan commented: “ The Spirit 111 has been completely customised throughout and as a result her interior is totally unique.  The design is a never-ending swirl of organic shapes, encompassing the practicalities necessary in a yacht but in a highly imaginative way. ”

The Spirit 111 owner’s representative, Marcus Wright, added: “ It was a great privilege to represent the owner’s interests and ensure we delivered a yacht that surpassed his expectations.  With the knowledge that Spirit Yachts can make absolutely anything in wood, it was a thoroughly enjoyable process to take Rhoades Young’s beautiful interpretation of an unusual brief and assist in the creation of such a work of art. ”

Down below, walls and bulkheads flow in an ‘S’ shape through the interior, which has a natural look and feel thanks to the combination of the exposed Sipo, teak and American Walnut timbers on show.  A bespoke, curved American Walnut seating arrangement takes centre stage in the open plan saloon-galley and C-shaped arrangements created from steamed timber curve over the beds in the owner’s and VIP cabins. Discreet doors with hidden, sensor-activated recesses, rather than visible door handles, ensure smooth lines and a contoured look throughout.

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• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Spirit Yachts: Inside the British yard behind some of the world’s most beautiful boats

• February 6, 2020

Few builders possess the power of seduction demonstrated by British wood epoxy experts Spirit Yachts. David Glenn reports

Spirit Yachts’s workforce with one of the laminated sapele frames of the Spirit 111. Photo: Emily Harris

Today, Ipswich-based Spirit Yachts is embarking on a new phase in its development, having recently launched a 111ft sailing yacht that exploits the benefits of electric propulsion, the latest high voltage lithium battery technology and smart control systems to reduce the need for fossil fuel power.

Like all Spirits, she was constructed in timber from sustainable sources and because of her light and easily driven hull she could potentially become one of the most efficient sailing yachts afloat. On the face of it she’s an eco-warrior’s dreamboat, which means she was scrutinised down to her last plank of Douglas fir before her launch last year. But more of her later.

A joiner marking out a below waterline area. Photo: Emily Harris

In spite of a full order book, Sean McMillan, founder of Spirit Yachts, whose distinctive design style and inherent skill as a woodworker are responsible for these luscious-looking yachts, is the first to admit that it hasn’t always been an easy ride: “It’s been a roller-coaster, but it’s also been a great experience,” he says.

McMillan’s passion for wooden boatbuilding, and dogged determination to retain a highly skilled workforce through thick and thin has put him and Spirit at the very forefront of modern wooden yacht building.

Raising the profile

Five years ago the Ipswich-based company was facing a tough market as the ripple effect of the 2008 financial crisis continued to hobble business. Refit came to the rescue, but only up to a point. “I knew that we could not afford to lose staff,” said Sean, who has always placed his boat builders at the heart of Spirit’s success.

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The directors also realised that running the company and designing the yachts (as well as not being able to resist some hands-on boat building), was too much for one man to handle. So they appointed Nigel Stuart as managing director. He came from Discovery Yachts and quickly raised Spirit Yachts’s profile.

Together with the Brexit effect and the consequent fall in sterling, making British products considerably more attractive, things began to look up. Today the company has an enviable, trend-bucking order book.

Fling in timber

The Spirit 52D Oui Fling racing in the Solent in July 2017. Photo: Emily Harris

After just a seven-month build period Spirit launched one of its more remarkable modern classics in the summer of 2017, the completely stripped out Spirit 52D for high profile, serial racing yacht owner Irvine Laidlaw, who was keen to add a modern classic to his fleet of Highland Flings. The D incidentally stands for ‘Distilled’.

On her first outing at the Panerai British Classic Week in Cowes, Oui Fling , surely the ultimate wolf in sheep’s clothing, dispatched the opposition in short order. Her victims included Sean McMillan (sailing his own Spirit 52, Flight of Ufford , which is anything but stripped out) who couldn’t quite catch Fling on handicap!

Laidlaw’s boat, which apparently touched 16 knots in the Solent, weighs just 6.8 tonnes – extraordinary for a wooden 52-footer – and is two tonnes lighter than Flight .

In addition to Oui Fling ’s exploits, the announcement of the 111ft sloop contract was a massive boost, in fact a potential game changer for Spirit. Sean McMillan believes she is the largest wooden yacht of her type built in Britain since the J Class Shamrock V was launched by Camper & Nicholsons in 1930.

The Spirit 111 is, of course, a largely wood epoxy build, but incorporating a high voltage lithium ion battery-powered electric propulsion system and smart electrical management. Together with an original interior by world renowned designers Rhoades Young, and the appointment of a specialist project manager in the form of the highly experienced German Jens Cornelsen, this yacht places the company firmly in the superyacht league.

Spirit Yachts put its toe in the water with larger yachts when the 100ft Gaia was launched in 2007, but there were issues, especially in race mode upwind, when her timber hull deflected marginally more than anticipated, making it difficult to keep rig loads stable. The structure was re-worked back in Ipswich and Gaia returned to the circuit in good shape.

100ft Gaia is soon to be eclipsed as the yard’s flagship. Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

Refreshingly, Sean McMillan is not afraid to admit that he and the company have had to learn lessons over the past 27 years. With limited scantling and engineering information available from classification societies for modern wood epoxy construction, Spirit has, at times, had to feel its way along the design route. Today, with what they call their ‘file of evidence’ containing historic calculations and structural data, they are con dent about tackling just about anything.

For the Spirit 111’s structural engineering, there was input from Sean McMillan, his experienced in-house naval architect Lawrence Peckham, composite structures expert Gary Scott-Jenner of Ipswich firm Synolo Design, and the classification society RINA.

Work involved 30 laminated sapele ring frames over which Douglas fir planking was laid and then finished with quadruple diagonal layers of 3mm mahogany veneer. There is some local reinforcement in carbon fibre and the entire structure will underwent epoxy saturation for structural integrity, impact resistance and longevity.

A rendering of the new Spirit 111, which will be the largest wooden yacht built in the UK since the J Class Shamrock V in 1930

The owner of the Spirit 111 had an unfortunate accident with his previous yacht, a Spirit 52, when he hit a rock at eight knots while sailing in the Baltic. The yacht took in no water but a number of ring frames were cracked, so she returned to Ipswich for repairs to include‘ sistering’ or doubling up the frames in question.

Demonstrating his faith in Spirit, while visiting their offices to check progress on the 52’s repairs, the owner caught a glimpse of a previous design Sean McMillan had been amending. Not long afterwards the deal for a boat that would be more than twice the size of the Spirit 52 was on the table.

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Highly stylised furniture

SPIRIT 111’ REACHES THE PIVOTAL HULL ROLLOVER STAGE

As one of the largest single-masted wooden yachts to be built since the 1930’s, at 34m long and with a beam of 6.4m, the Spirit SY111’ was the biggest rollover we have ever undertaken.

Removed from its ‘strongback’ and brought out of the yard the day before, our specialist team orchestrated a two day operation with the utmost precision to turn her recently completed hull over. She was lifted and rotated in the air using four cranes on a wet February day, but with wind speeds relatively low, we were able to undertake the rollover safely and successfully in half an hour.

The construction of the SY111’s hull began with the build of laminated wooden ring frames along with a duplex stainless-steel central reinforcement cage. This was placed upside down onto a timber strongback before the centreline structure and beamshelves were fitted. The fore and aft planking was then bonded to the ringframes followed by quadruple-diagonal veneers, which were epoxy-bonded at 45° under vacuum before the hull was finally covered with an epoxy glass sheath.

With the launch set for 2019, the elegant, sloop-rigged superyacht will feature unmatched eco credentials throughout the yacht’s systems from the air conditioning, galley equipment, generators and water heaters to the innovative electric drive system. This yacht will be set up to consume the lowest amount of power possible. The SY111’ will also be capable of sailing without a professional crew due to her pioneering deck arrangement.

Now that the hull is settled the right way and safely back inside the workshop, our world class team of boat builders are excited to start work to create her complex interior.

Keep an eye on our website for more news on this exceptional superyacht .

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