Spirit Yachts launches Spirit 30 electric yacht
by Spirit Yachts 11 Nov 2021 14:15 UTC
Award-winning modern classic yacht design and build company Spirit Yachts has announced the launch of its new Spirit 30. The 9.15m Spirit 30 is fully electric and is the first Spirit hull to have flax lay-up and bio resin incorporated into its build.
Responding to demand for a smaller Spirit design, the first Spirit 30 has now been handed over to her owner in the UK. The yacht will be on display at the upcoming Düsseldorf boat show from 22nd - 30th January 2022.
Spirit Yachts CEO and Head of Design Sean McMillan commented, "The Spirit 30 is the ideal yacht for coastal or lake sailing, or competitive racing. She has all the style and beauty of the larger Spirits, with the fun-factor of a fast and easy to handle day sailor. Everyone who sails her steps off with a big smile on their face."
Spirit Yachts Managing Director and Head of Production Mike Taylor added, "Not only is the Spirit 30 much-admired and a joy to sail, but she is also the most sustainable Spirit yacht to date. After several tests, we used flax fabric and bio resin on the non-structural elements of the hull, which have been very successful. The electric drive system is easy to operate and delivers simple, near-silent manoeuvring."
Mike Taylor added, "We are continuing our drive to lower the carbon footprint of all our yachts and as such the hull materials and the electric drive system on the Spirit 30 are now standard options for all Spirits."
The first Spirit 30 was constructed from responsibly sourced, FSC*-certified sapele ringframes and Douglas fir planking. The hull was then made water-tight using flax material, which was laid on the timber and sealed using PRO-SET bio resin.
The fully electric Spirit 30 has a Torqeedo Cruise 4.0 FP electric drive system powered by lithium ion batteries and a Torqeedo 650W battery charger, giving a range of circa 16nm at 5 knots. Increased range can be gained with optional additional battery capacity if preferred. The batteries are recharged by shore power or via solar panels that mount over the cockpit cover.
At 9.15m long with a light displacement of 1.7 tonnes, the Spirit 30 has options for a fixed or lifting keel and rudder. The yacht can also easily be transported on a road trailer adding to the versatility of this simple yet classically beautiful design.
With her uncluttered decks and all sail controls led aft, the Spirit 30 is set-up for single or short-handed sailing. Her light displacement, modern hull design, and performance rig and sails deliver speed on the water for competitive regatta racing. During commissioning in a wind speed of 18-20knots, Spirit Yachts recorded an upwind sailing speed of 6.8knots and 10knots off the wind.
Sean McMillan added, "Due to high levels of positive interest, there are now two iterations of the Spirit 30 design. The first version is the recently launched classic day sailor version, with a large cockpit and no interior living space. This original design has been progressed into a second version, which incorporates a small 'cuddy' berth and simple amenities for a weekend on the water."
Spirit 30 Specifications:
- L.O.A: 9.15 m
- L.W.L: 6.5 m
- Beam: 1.9 m
- Draft: 1.6 m
- Displacement: 1.7 tonnes (light)
- Ballast Ratio: 40%
- Rig: Fractional sloop
- Propulsion: Electric Drive, Torqeedo Cruise 4.0 FP sail drive pod
- Speed: 6.5 knots maximum 4 knots cruise