Ben and Alastair secured a last-minute spot in the ARC+ Transatlantic Rally. Their family-owned Bavaria Vision 46, initially for local cruising, required major upgrades for long-distance ocean sailing. With little time to prepare, they sought expert guidance from Osmotech and Advance Yacht Systems to create a self-sufficient, reliable setup for their Atlantic crossing and beyond.

The world of yacht power systems is evolving rapidly, driven by technological innovation, growing environmental consciousness together with a demand for smarter, quieter and greener solutions. As we enter 2025, yacht owners are looking at more sustainable power options to enhance their cruising experiences, whether navigating calm coastal waters or tackling more demanding long-distance journeys.

In the marine power world there are many misconceptions that circulate, one frequent belief is that air-cooling in generators is noisier than watercooling - leading many to overlook their benefits. However, Paguro’s air-cooled YANMAR powered generators defy this myth with advanced sound-reducing technology, delivering quiet, efficient operation that rivals, and often surpasses, water-cooled alternatives.

With extensive sailing experience, Hallberg-Rassy owner Richard Sharp will embark on the World ARC rally from St. Lucia this January. She will be more than prepared, not only with extensive provisioning and forward planning, but with a number of powerful pieces of equipment onboard, notably the Remoran hydrogenerator; a reliable partner in sustainable power.

When sailing away from shore, quickly and efficiently charging batteries is crucial to save fuel and reduce charging time. When planning for offshore sailing and long trips, improving your charging system can significantly cut the time needed to recharge batteries, making the process much easier.

Understanding the power consumption that your boat is likely to use daily can help you prepare for a long passage. By having a clear idea of your boat's energy needs, you can ensure that you have an adequate size battery bank on-board as well as sufficient power generation sources.

A good battery monitor is one of the most important devices you can invest in on-board your boat. Battery monitors are crucial to understanding the true state of charge of your batteries on a real-time basis and can provide you with real world benefits.

Mike Hutchinson, having completed the ARC+, plans to join the Oyster World Rally in his Oyster 53, “Distraction.” To reduce engine and generator use, he installed a Remoran Wave 3GS from Advance Yacht Systems in Falmouth. Mike chose Remoran because it’s a “beautifully made bit of kit” liking the looks of the unit compared to that of its competitors. “It looks so much nicer”, he says.

Using renewable energy on a boat has multiple benefits over engine use. It decreases environmental impact, lowers fuel costs, and reduces engine wear and maintenance needs. Additionally, it minimises engine noise, enhancing your cruising experience. Key renewable sources include solar, wind, and hydrogenerators, each with distinct pros and cons to consider based on your boat's needs and conditions.