Since her launch in 2011, superyacht Aurelia has enjoyed smooth sailing, steadied by two Seakeeper M21000 gyros. Operating aboard the 37m Heesen motor yacht Aurelia for more than 11,000 hours and counting, the Seakeeper units continue to deliver quiet, dependable, as well as trouble-free service.

Heesen luxury yacht Aurelia with two Seakeeper M21000 gyros

According to Aurelia yacht’s captain, Guy Booth, “We rarely turn the gyros off while at sea. Other than an occasional anode change, and one visit from Seakeeper tech support to top-up some hydraulic oil, the system has hit 11,000 hours in two years without missing a beat. We love them.”

The Seakeeper stabilization system plays an essential role in providing the sort of experience customers expect from a premium craft. “Particularly for charter guests, who might not necessarily be used to bobbing about on the water, it makes a huge difference,” said Booth. “It’s one of the factors that potential charter clients look at when choosing a yacht for their holiday, and in this regard, our gyros have certainly helped us attract the clients, and meet their expectations.”

Not least among the gyros’ many benefits is the fact that they offer passengers a smooth platform for rest as well as play. “As much as people say they love yachting, what they really love is a calm, quiet night’s sleep. We’ve sat in rough anchorages many times, nice and flat, watching other, even larger yachts, bouncing around with the swell,” said Booth.

The gyros’ virtually silent operation is yet another plus, according to Booth. “One needs to actually stand next to the gyro in the garage to hear it.” Unlike with a fin-based stabilization system, “there are no noisy actuators beneath guest beds, which clients notice and comment on.”

Aurelia superyacht’s crew also appreciates the stable platform afforded by the Seakeeper system. “Everything is easier with the gyros engaged—cooking, serving meals and drinks, preparing guest cabins, or working in the engine room, bridge or deck,” said Booth.

Booth is confident that his vessel’s stabilization system is the wave of the future. “Fins are old-school, yesterday’s technology. Gyros take up little space and use very little power. They also improve hull performance and fuel economy, without the significant drag added by fins. With a completely sealed unit and all parts inside the boat, there’s no need for a haul-out to repair or maintain them, and no chance of damage from marina walls, fuel quays or other boats,” he said.

“Being a completely internal system, Seakeeper stabilizer systems offer many advantages over traditional fin stabilizers. Although little maintenance is required on the gyros, it provides crew peace of mind knowing service requires no haul-out,” said Andrew Semprevivo, Seakeeper director of global sales-recreational.

“We offer the most efficient and effective solution to reducing troublesome boat roll,” said Semprevivo. “Success stories, such as Aurelia, highlight this and provide us great satisfaction in doing what we do.”