When it comes to electric sailboats, we can't help but mention the golden combination of the Vaan R5 and the Oceanvolt HP Servoprop electric drive. Winner of the 2024 Multihull of the Year, the Vaan R5 shines brightly over even all other contenders. The driving force behind this is the Oceanvolt HP Servoprop electric drive that swept the 2023 METSTRADE DAME Design Awards.
Since 2018, the Multihull of the Year Award has been presented by Multihulls World magazine in collaboration with the International Multihull Show, where the entries have been rigorously selected in four categories: cruising sailboats, high-performance sailboats, multihull motor yachts and multi-purpose catamarans. The Vaan R5 stands out from the crowd with its "refined design, excellent cruising comfort and great performance potential" and takes the top spot in the 2024 cruising yacht category.
The Vaan R5 is not only outstanding in design and performance, but also ahead of its time in terms of environmental protection. It is a green multi-hull that has always been committed to reducing its impact on the environment and contributing to the sustainable development of the ocean. This electric sailboat is undoubtedly a model of the perfect combination of maritime technology and aesthetics, and it proves that electric sailing can be so elegant and powerful.
Oceanvolt HP Servoprop的水力发电图表
Oceanvolt HP Servoprop (HP stands for High Power) was launched in the summer of 2023 with a patented technology that provides the most powerful hydroelectric power generation on the market. Just last November, this exceptional product was in a fierce competition for the DAME Design Award for yachts, winning not only the propulsion and power category, but also the 2023 DAME Overall Award, demonstrating its unrivalled charm.
The 49-foot (14.95-meter) Vaan R5 is an example of HP's Servoprop technology. It is powered by two 25 kW (≈ 35 hp) Servoprops electric engines with a battery storage capacity of 86 kWh. The electric engine can produce 5 kilowatts at 10 knots, while the R5, with a displacement of up to 70 tonnes, can easily achieve this with the help of its 125 square meters (1,350 square feet) upwind sail.
A blend of luxury and sustainability
In addition to hydropower, solar panels can also provide a peak power of 1.5 kWh. The boat can run on electricity for most voyages, and the batteries can also service kitchen appliances and water heaters. Of course, in order to cope with the challenges of long-distance voyages, the ship is also equipped with an 18 kW generator set to provide solid protection for every moment of the journey.
Founded in 2018 by sustainability entrepreneurs Igor Kluin and Nienke van't Klooster with the idea of blending luxury and sustainability through the clever use of technology and materials, Vaan Yachts is a staunch advocate of green initiatives who not only founded a green energy company in the past, but also co-founded a lobby group dedicated to sustainable economics. The company's motto is "Sail The Planet", which aims to promote an eco-friendly, sustainable lifestyle, while the R5 is designed for long blue-water cruises or family trips, with every detail exuding a commitment to luxury and eco-friendliness.
The aluminum hull of the Vaan catamaran under construction
Vaan Yachts' shipyard manufactures 12 to 18 metres (40 to 60 ft) aluminium luxury catamarans on the southern edge of the expanding Port of Rotterdam, and the R5, like all Vaan models, is made from recycled materials and is almost entirely recyclable.
The issue of recycling end-of-life cruise ships has been the subject of a lot of discussion. More than 95% of the composite fiber resin ship is eventually shredded and then burned. Vaan estimates that "in Europe alone, 80,000 ships are scrapped each year, and only 2,000 are properly dismantled." The remaining 78,000 were burned in incinerators, causing large amounts of CO2 emissions. ”
Unlike common composite boats, aluminum is a recyclable metal. Nearly 75% of the metal used to build the R5 comes from the recycling stream, Kluin explains, "We chose the aluminium boat because it can be reused. We use 50% to 75% recycled aluminium, which comes from Norway's Hydro, which operates Europe's largest primary aluminium plant. The aluminum we use comes from accessories such as window frames, car labels, traffic signs, etc. They have already been processed into a new hull material. ”
The yachting industry is often seen as a symbol of luxury and pleasure. Vaan Yachts, however, proves that yachting can also be environmentally friendly and sustainable. Kluin says the yachting industry can become a sustainability leader if it makes different choices. "By looking at different materials and designs, you can build a boat in a circular way. We chose not to use composites with limited reusability. "This choice not only reduces environmental pollution, but also gives the yacht industry hope for sustainable development.
In addition to the environmental benefits, the strength and durability of aluminum also bring unparalleled safety to the R5. When at sea, the R5's structural design can effectively prevent accidental collisions with floating objects, providing solid protection for crew and passengers.
In terms of design, the R5 takes the architecture of a monohull and combines it with that of an open catamaran. On this open catamaran, the helm station is located on the side of the rear bulkhead. The setting of the two helm stations provides the crew with a good handling experience regardless of the direction of sailing, just like on a monohull sailboat.
Vaan has cleverly designed a rear cockpit canvas bimini roof that not only provides shelter, but also offers unrivalled versatility compared to a fixed canopy. Most of the sail adjustment is done via a V-shaped base that sits between two steering bases on which two optional electric winches are mounted. In addition, the R5 offers a lifting option for the central panel, which brings more stretch to the space on board, allowing people to enjoy freedom and comfort during sailing.
Luxury and sustainability go hand in hand in the R5, highlighting the unique philosophy of the Vaan brand. The saloon area is spacious and bright, with wrap-around glass windows bringing natural light into the interior, creating a modern and welcoming Scandinavian style.
On Vaan's catamaran, you can not only see the insistence on environmental protection, but also the pursuit of comfort. Instead of traditional teak or synthetic, the deck is made of soft and comfortable cork, which allows people to walk barefoot on it with a natural warmth. The interior panels are made of FSC-certified European poplar, all of which are made from natural recycled fabrics, demonstrating Vaan's dedication to environmental protection.
A dining table elegantly placed on the port side and the kitchen on the starboard side complement each other to create a harmonious living atmosphere. Seats and furnishings are arranged smoothly along the perimeter, and each hull can be configured with one or two cabins with generous 1.55 m (5 ft) wide beds.
Vaan Yachts was one of the early adopters of electric propulsion for sailboats, having made it a standard feature on sailboats rather than an option since the launch of its first R4 in 2019. This annual multihull award marks the recognition of more electric sailboats in mainstream awards and competitions, with the Windelo 50 also winning the IMS Premiere category of the multihull awards. We'll take a closer look at this type of ship in a later chapter.
Vaan's brilliance doesn't stop there, as the R5, the company's second masterpiece, has been selected as a finalist in the sailing category of the 2023 Gustave Trouvé Electric Boat Awards, heralding its preeminence in the electric sailing sector. Nominations for the 2024 awards will open this summer. It is worth mentioning that in 2023, the R4 was also nominated in the sustainability category and successfully won the Hiswa Sailing Boat of the Year Award, which fully demonstrates Vaan's brilliant achievements under the concept of environmental protection and performance.