Why surge when you can slide? Delivered in 2017 but just recently made available to charter, Home is a hybrid yacht that “gives the sensation of gliding along, as opposed to being driven or pushed,” says captain Mike French.
Silent cruising (essentially putting the vessel in electric mode) is activated at the press of a button, just prior to turning off the main diesel motors, and the near soundless operation—producing only 46 decibels in the master stateroom—kicks in immediately. There is one drawback, however, according to French: “Silent mode is quite slow [top speed is 9 knots], so if you’re in a hurry, it may not be the right way to travel. But, if you’re intent on enjoying the peaceful ambience of the sea, it amplifies the experience.”
This form of propulsion is also most effective when traveling in calm waters, such as the flat and clear stretch along the Bahamas and the Tobago Cays in the Caribbean. Mediterranean hot spots like Italy’s Amalfi Coast also provide the ideal setting to take advantage of all that Home offers—and it’s scheduled to be cruising there this summer.
“If you’re intent on enjoying the peaceful ambience of the sea, [electric mode] amplifies the experience.”—Captain Mike French. Jeff Brown
The boat’s fast-displacement hull form, designed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects and built by Dutch shipyard Heesen, is powered by 840 hp main engines paired with two water-cooled DC electric-shaft motors that give Home a top speed of 16.3 knots (similar to non-hybrid Heesen yachts of the same size).
This hybrid superyacht—with a minimalist interior created by Italy-based design team Cristiano Gatto—is staffed by nine crew members and accommodates 12 guests in six contemporary en-suite staterooms, including a main-deck master suite with full-height windows and lots of natural light. Onboard amenities (a gym and hot tub, among them) are complemented by aquatic gear for hydroflighting, paddleboarding, or getting towed behind the tender.
Home’s minimalist interior was created by Italy-based design team Cristiano Gatto. Jeff Brown
At 12 knots, the craft has a transatlantic range of 3,750 nautical miles. Naval architecture by Van Oossanen ensures good seakeeping capacity.
Home is available for charter through Yachtzoo for $240,000 per week, plus expenses, in the Bahamas and Caribbean for winter and $295,000, plus expenses, for the Mediterranean in summer.
