A few weeks ago, Piet Brouwer’s engineers were asked to repair the electrical system aboard the 37,2-metre Vitters sailing yacht Ghost, which had been hit by a lightning strike. The full electrical installation had been fitted by Piet Brouwer during the construction of the Ghost yacht.

37m Vitters superyacht Ghost with new electrical system by Piet Brouwer - Photo courtesy of Vitters Shipyard – Max Ranchi

A powerful lightning strike hit the standing rigging of superyacht Ghost, causing severe damage to different parts of the electrical system. Although the damage was considerable, fortunately no one got hurt, and, by acting quickly, the crew was able to prevent further consequences for the yacht. At the time of the incident, Ghost was on her way to the Caribbean. The yard in West Palm Beach (Florida) was the nearest reputable shipyard and the crew of Ghost decided to have the haul-out and repair operations carried out there.

Sailing yacht Ghost - upview - Photo courtesy of Vitters Shipyard – Max Ranchi

The choice of Piet Brouwer elecrotechnology for the repair of the electrical systems was simple, as the Urk-based company originally built the system and therefore knows it in detail. The engineers first scrutinised the damaged system to determine which parts were still working well and which had to be replaced. This allowed all the necessary parts to be ordered so that the Ghost yacht could quickly continue her trip to the Caribbean.

Piet Brouwer team working on Ghost Yacht

The service battery bank was damaged so badly that it had to be completely replaced. Since batteries of the type OPzV weigh 680 kg and can only be produced in Europe, it was a real logistical challenge to get them onboard in time. After the necessary paperwork was completed, the batteries were eventually delivered by air.

During the start-up of the system, all components were carefully monitored by engineers from Piet Brouwer electrotechnology. Luxury yacht Ghost is now once again in top condition and ready to sail the world seas.