Can a product that has written an important page of history be “renewed”, and therefore restructured in an innovative way? Definitely yes, but few expected the product in question to be a ketch. We’re talking about the Talisman, dated 1920, which is fully appreciated for its historical prestige.
The boat, at the time of its production, was powered by the wind: it was a 75-foot ketch, considered the first yacht with a steel hull built in the Rasmussen shipyard. Having sailed for 99 years, and looking back to its golden years, the new owner wondered if its classic design could be improved with today’s technology. To restore its system and appearance to its origins, while offering an extra touch, both in terms of elegance and sustainability, the new life of this yacht bears the name of Torqeedo: let’s see why and what has been renewed.
The renewal of the Talisman, thanks to Torqeedo
Faced a fire, and withstood a lightning strike, the Talisman was then conducted in 2019 at HCC Bådeværft, one of Torqeedo ‘s partners, in Denmark. Here it arrived battered, worn out by damage and the signs of aging.
The goal was one: to bring together a historical artifact with technological innovations. A mission that has been welcomed with open arms, as explained by Matthias Schubert, Commercial Director of the Torqeedo project :
“Torqeedo’s preferred refit partners are shipyards with specialised knowledge and training in Deep Blue’s integrated electric propulsion and energy management systems,” said Matthias Schubert, director project sales for Torqeedo GmbH. “They’re the best place to start your electrification journey.”
To make the transformation possible, Hauschildt Marine, a Danish company specializing in naval architecture and engineering, was called upon.
The Talisman goes high-tech
The basic characteristics of the vessel have been set clearly, starting with a Torqeedo 100 kW Deep Blue electric drive system, ready to replace the diesel engine. Furthermore, a 25 kW electric bow thruster was chosen, offering greater maneuverability. Deep Blue lithium-ion batteries were chosen for power supply, charged with renewable energy from the on-board solar panels, also using the electric propulsion as a hydrogen generator when the yacht is underway.
All materials and systems are important because they can guarantee a low environmental impact, which is one of the great concerns of our time. Every component and tool that has been removed from the historic composition of the yacht being restored has been assessed, cleaned, cataloged and repaired. At that point, the parts that could be used were kept, while those considered unusable, such as the sails, were recycled and are now stylish bags for guests as they go aboard the vessel.
The transition to the hybrid transmission
The Talisman relies on a hybrid transmission, starting with a capacity of around 120 kWh to sail on pure engine up to 189 nautical miles, taking advantage of calm weather and an average speed. However, should a longer drive be required, the Deep Blue system is supplemented with a standby diesel generator. This is managed completely by the central system.
Considering the presence of Torqeedo’s Deep Blue Hybrid drive, it is possible to say that the yacht is powered almost exclusively by renewable energy that is generated by the sun and the wind. Its power can be used at any time: both for propulsion, but also for the 24 V on-board power supply and also for operating devices with 230 V alternating current. This means that the “new” Talisman is completely free from the use of gas and petrol, and finally we recall that the outboard motor of the dinghy is in turn an electric Torqeedo.
This renovation of a classic 1920 yacht is an example of how many things can be done to recover prestigious pieces, focusing on environmental respect and innovation.
Restructuring to warrant other 100 years of life
Sails and sheets that are sustainably produced from 100% recycled PET bottles, to complete the design. This refit, as explained by Ole Jonge of HCC Bådeværft, represents a journey towards sustainability, respecting a project that has made it possible to work brilliantly on a historic product.
The 100 years of life of the Talisman have been canceled, or rather, they have been “honored” in the hope that it will offer great outstanding performances for the next 100.