Adèle shines bright like a Diamond in Norway...

Adèle pictures in Norway: Taken by the crew. Pictures at the yard: Priska van der Meulen

This yacht is one of the most beautiful sailing yachts designed by Hoek Design Naval Architects. The original builder was Vitters in 2005. Royal Huisman’s refit division Huisfit gave her a new dress, and she shines bright again – better than new through the upgrades.

The crew took some awesome pictures during the journey in Norway. The owners of Adèle are very satisfied with Huisfit’s work.

After the journey in Norway, she will be back in the Netherlands, then to Central America, the Panama Canal, South Pacific, and beyond (according to the captain).

Adèle is a real blue water cruising yacht. Her first owner was Jan-Erik Osterlund who traveled two years around the world with her. He published pictures from the journeys on his website. Also, the current owners use her extensively.

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and to me, it lies in the classic lines of yachts like the old Prince of Wales’s Britannia and Kaiser Wilhelm’s Meteor, or the America’s Cup yachts of the thirties – long overhangs, low freeboards, a flush deck and tall masts.” – Jan-Erik Österlund

In addition to the Norway pictures here some impressions when she came out of the shed, taken by Priska van der Meulen:

How important is it to program 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 in-depth 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.