Adèle, the 55m / 180ft ketch launched by Vitters in 2005, has left Royal Huisman following an extensive refit-programme by Huisfit, the shipyard’s division for superyacht refit, repair and renewal.
The yacht has started an expedition to the Arctic, cruising Svalbard and Norway, after which she will be returning to Holland for a quick visit before continuing her journey to Central America, the Panama Canal, the South Pacific and beyond. The captain explains …
Adèle was the first yacht to enter the extended refit hall last winter-season since it’s increase in capacity and that of the neighbouring climate-controlled paint hall. These extensions improved the workflow between construction and finish of yachts up to 90m / 300ft in one hall, 60m / 200ft in the other and together with the existing two halls enabling the yard to work on multiple yachts in parallel. Both paint halls are fitted with high-intensity lighting, airflow, temperature- and humidity-controls exceeding the stringent requirements of all the major paint manufacturers.
Designed for blue water cruising, following her delivery in 2005, Adèle’s maiden voyage took in the Norwegian fjords before starting the long journey to the Pacific Ocean. She was sold two years later, her new owners still cruise extensively to remote corners of the globe. Her busy schedule means the classic ketch covers huge distances over the course of the year, so maintaining her machinery, systems and rig — not to mention the handsome joinery, paintwork and varnish — in perfect working condition can be challenging to the crew. According to her captain, the decision to carry out the renewal programme in Holland was easily reached and based on the following factor: the quest for outstanding quality.
Andre Engblom, Adèle’s experienced captain, was involved in the original build at Vitters and has been on board since her launch. Andre, who during the Huisfit acted as owner’s representative kindly answered the following questions about the recent upgrade and his time spent at Royal Huisman in Vollenhove.
How important is it to programme refit work well in advance to ensure the best outcome?
We started planning 18 months in advance. This pre-planning process was really important from the perspective of ensuring accurate project management to avoid conflict between the various trades.
This in turn allows for seamless progression through the work list with optimal efficiency. The input of Taco Zwarts [ed. the owner’s project manager during the Huisfit period] leading up to the refit was invaluable, both technically and financially.
Why the decision to refit in Holland as opposed to the Med?
In one word: quality. The Dutch are renowned as boat builders and Royal Huisman is the epitome of a Dutch shipyard. The owners were proud to bring the boat to a yard with such a prestigious history and reputation.
What was the experience of your crew during their time in Vollenhove?
It was a rather damp winter, but the crew’s time in Holland was pleasurable thanks to the hospitality and great family atmosphere in the village, which carried over to the shipyard. Great friendships were made that will last well into the future.
In terms of determining the refit schedule and work list, how significant was it that you were involved in the original build of the yacht?
Being involved in the original build at Vitters meant that both Taco and I had indepth knowledge of Adèle right down to her foundations. This meant that together with Huisfit we had a winning combination; we brought vital past knowledge that Royal Huisman could draw on to carry Adèle elegantly into her future travels.
ADELE HUISFITAT A GLANCE
Adèle underwent a complete mechanical upgrade (as well as replacing the PLC system), which necessitated removing the entire engine room. The work list invariably expands during a typical refit project as unforeseen issues are uncovered and improvements can be made. This led for example to replacing all the main engine and generator exhaust hoses with extratough Glass Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) piping which is also Royal Huisman’s standard choice for new builds.
Other items on the work list included:
- Service and complete overhaul of propulsion, generators, thrusters and other onboard systems
- Climate control upgrade, incl. new chiller, fancoils and ducting
- Replacement of batteries
- Exchanging existent lighting system to LEDs
- Upgrade and replacement of electronics for navigation, communication, alarm & monitoring
- Repairs of the interior
- New teak deck and partial replacement of the caprails
- Servicing of hatches, winches and various deck equipment
- Painting of the inside of the hull and parts of the interior
- Repaint and varnish of the hull, superstructures and rig
UNRIVALLED EXPERIENCE
Adèle is not the only recent superyacht to take advantage of Huisfit’s services: SAMURAI (formerly Mari-Cha IV) was successfully delivered a few months ago after a radical transformation from strippeddown racing machine into a high performance luxury superyacht – the biggest composite conversion of its kind ever undertaken.
Huisfit continues to consolidate its reputation for unrivalled quality, competitive pricing and reliable delivery dates. Comprehensive infrastructure, outstanding customer service, exceptional crew facilities, and a location at the heart of the Dutch maritime services cluster, have also made Huisfit the obvious choice for superyachts such as Lürssen yachts Skat and EOS, as well as for various yachts built at Royal Huisman, including Hyperion and Antares.
