The 58-metre hybrid sailer Ethereal is preparing for her relaunch at Royal Huisman's Huisfit facility in Amsterdam following a major refit.
According to BOATPro, Ethereal checked into the yard in August 2023. Work encompassed "the latest technology updates" to future-proof her systems, the installation of new decks, an exterior repaint and an extended Lloyd's classification survey.
Equipped with an innovative, 500kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery bank, Ethereal was delivered in 2009 as the world's first hybrid superyacht. Exteriors and naval architecture are owed to Ron Holland Design, while the late Pieter Beeldsnijder is responsible for her classic, glossy interiors.
This is the second time the ketch has been brought to the shipyard for additional work. From 2020 to 2021 Ethereal underwent an extensive seven-month, in-water-refit that saw her programmable logic controller systems completely replaced (described as the yacht's "redundant nerve system" by Huisfit).
This project follows the completion of classic 1930s motorsailer Atlantide's two-year rebuild at Huisfit.
Earlier this summer, Royal Huisman turned the hull on an 85-metre build known as Project 410. Once delivered, it will succeed the 78.4-metre M5 as the largest single-mast yacht in the world.
Read More/37m Atlantide completes two-year rebuild at Huisfit