Adele’s Huisfit upgrade successfully completed
Adèle, the 55m / 180ft ketch launched by Vitters in 2005, has
left Royal Huisman following an extensive refit-programme by
Huisfit, the shipyard’s division for superyacht refit, repair and
renewal. The yacht has started an expedition to the Arctic,
cruising Svalbard and Norway, after which she will be returning
to Holland for a quick visit before continuing her journey to
Central America, the Panama Canal, the South Pacific and
beyond. The captain explains …
Adèle was the first yacht to enter the extended refit
hall last winter-season since it’s increase in capacity
and that of the neighbouring climate-controlled
paint hall. These extensions improved the workflow
between construction and finish of yachts up to
90m / 300ft in one hall, 60m / 200ft 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, airflow,
temperature- and humidity-controls exceeding
the stringent requirements of all the major paint
manufacturers.
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, 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. According to her captain,
the decision to carry out the renewal programme in
Holland was easily reached and based on the
following factor: the quest for outstanding quality.
Andre Engblom, Adèle’s experienced captain, was involved in the original build at Vitters and has been on board since her launch. Andre, who during the Huisfit acted as owner’s representative kindly answered the following questions about the recent upgrade and his time spent at Royal Huisman in Vollenhove.
How important is it to programme refit work well in advance to ensure the best outcome?
We started planning 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 [ed. the owner’s project manager during the Huisfit period] leading up to the refit was invaluable, both technically and financially.
Why the decision to refit in Holland as opposed to the Med?
In one word: 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.
What was the experience of your crew during their time in 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.In terms of determining the refit
schedule and work list, how significant
was it that you were involved in the
original build of the yacht?
Being involved in the original build at
Vitters meant that both Taco and I had indepth
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.
