A Vitters sailing superyacht built in 2005 is now cruising the Arctic following an extensive refit.

The 55-m ketch Adele left Royal Huisman’s Vollenhove yard last month following an extensive refit by Huisfit, the shipyard’s division for superyacht refit, repair and renewal. 

The yacht is now in the Arctic, cruising Svalbard and Norway, after which she will return to Holland before continuing her journey to Central America, the Panama Canal, the South Pacific and beyond. 

Adèle was the first yacht to enter Huisfit’s extended refit hall last winter since its increase in capacity and that of the neighbouring paint hall. 

These extensions improved the workflow between construction and finish of yachts up to 90 m in one hall, 60 m 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, and air flow, temperature and humidity controls exceeding the stringent requirements of all major paint manufacturers, according to the yard.

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, and 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. 

Adèle’s captain Andre Engblom says the decision to carry out the refit in Holland was easily reached and based on the quest for outstanding 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,” says Engblom, who was involved in the original build at Vitters and has been on board since Adele’s launch. 

Engblom says planning for the project started 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 - the owner’s project manager during the Huisfit period - leading up to the refit was invaluable, both technically and financially, he says. 

“Being involved in the original build at Vitters meant that both Taco and I had in-depth 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.”


EXTENSIVE WORK

For the refit, Adèle underwent a complete mechanical upgrade which included replacing the PLC system, necessitating the removal of the engine room. The work list invariably expands during a typical refit 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 extra-tough glass reinforced epoxy (GRE) piping which is also Royal Huisman’s standard choice for new builds. Other items of work included:

• Service and complete overhaul of propulsion, generators, thrusters and other onboard systems.
• Climate control upgrade, including a new chiller, fancoils and ducting.
• Replacement of batteries.
• Changing existing lighting system to LEDs.
• Upgrade and replacement of electronics for navigation, communication, alarm and 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.
• Repainting and varnishing the hull, superstructures and rig.

Engblom says he and his crew enjoyed their time at 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.”