Start saving now – Spirit Yachts unveiled its highly anticipated 34m sailing yacht, the Spirit 111. The sloop-rigged yacht is the largest single-masted wooden sailing yacht to be built in the UK since Shamrock V in the 1930s. Source: Timberbiz
“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 managing director Nigel Stuart said.
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 to propel the yacht silently for up to 30nm at eight knots from battery power alone.
While 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.
The Spirit 111 is one of few superyachts capable of cruising without a professional crew.
“A single-masted wooden yacht of this size that can be owner-driven is nothing less than a feat of engineering,” Spirit founder and head designer Sean McMillan said.
The interior of the Spirit 111 was designed in partnership with Rhoades Young who developed the initial concept for a unique, curved interior.
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.
The shower in Spirit 111
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 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,” Spirit 111 owner’s representative, Marcus Wright said.
One of the three bedrooms
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.
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. The smart lighting system onboard complements the soft warmth of the wooden interior.
With no requirements for crew accommodation, 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.
