Spirit and BAR collaborate on electric flyer

Spirit Yachts and BAR Technologies are collaborating to deliver a fully electric, fully foiling 35-foot motor yacht.

Commissioned by the owner of the Spirit 111 sailing superyacht, it’s said the project will combine BAR’s high-tech efficiency and sustainability with Spirit Yachts’ classic aesthetics. The foilerwill have six seats in an open cockpit configuration with the ability to convert to a two-seater spider configuration.

Spirit Yachts is responsible for the styling of the vessel to ensure a distinctive, classic look, while BAR Technologies will bring its America’s Cup simulation and design expertise to deliver what it calls an optimal hull form below the waterline. Using foil technology to minimise hull contact with the water and improve both comfort and efficiency, the vessel will ‘take-off’ at 14 knots, and once flying, will cruise at 22 knots and a top speed of 30 knots.

“The trend for forward thinking, environmentally aware yacht buyers has driven exciting changes in the market, and we are proud to work with BAR Technologies to deliver the next step in classic yacht design,” says Sean McMillan, CEO and head of design, Spirit Yachts. “BAR’s background in high-tech racing made them the ideal partner for this project, blending heritage with technology to create a sophisticated yet modern vessel.”

According to BAR Technologies, reducing power consumption through holistically designed green vessel platforms is key to enabling the next-generation of future-proof classic yachts. The company will design and manage the vessel’s electric powertrain to facilitate a range of around 100 nautical miles and five hours foiling, after charging at the marina.

John Cooper, CEO, BAR Technologies, comments: “We are hugely excited to partner with Spirit Yachts to push the boundaries of modern classic yacht performance. There is significant market demand for sustainable leisure vessels, drawing innovation from the wider maritime sector, and it’s an exciting opportunity for BAR to collaborate with the sector’s leading yacht designers and builders. Sean and his team have a strong track record of designing beautiful boats, and we are looking forward to working with them to bring advanced foiling technology to the classic yacht world.”

A first order for the new vessel has already been received and is due for delivery in the second quarter of 2022. The vessel is being built at Spirit Yachts’ yard in Ipswich, on the east coast of the UK.