Advance Yacht Systems advice: How to generate and store power when completing long sailing voyages

Managing power is one of the most important considerations for long-distance cruising. Refrigeration, navigation electronics, autopilots and communications all place steady demands on your batteries, and the longer you spend away from marinas, the more essential self-sufficiency becomes.

Sailing that powers itself

For long-distance sailors, hydrogenerators have become one of the most effective ways to generate electricity under sail. Under sail, the Remoran Wave hydrogenerator produces a steady flow of clean energy, quietly charging the batteries as your yacht moves through the water.

Unlike solar panels, the Remoran Wave hydrogenerator continues to work at night or under cloud, and unlike wind turbines, it still delivers output when sailing downwind. The result is a consistent and near-silent source of renewable power that complements other onboard systems.

Mike Hutchinson, skipper of SY Distraction, has logged more than 31,000 miles with a Remoran Wave hydrogenerator on his transom:

“It’s quiet, it’s reliable, and we’ve done 31,000 miles without touching it — apart from once clearing some polyprop from the propeller.”

That dependability is what appeals to so many cruisers. Once installed, the Remoran Wave hydrogenerator simply works — quietly maintaining your batteries mile after mile.

Why a generator still matters

Renewables can cover a surprising amount of daily load, but there are times when demand is higher, conditions aren’t favourable, or your yacht is at anchor or in harbour. A generator provides consistent power output regardless of weather, sailing speed, or battery state.

A generator becomes particularly valuable in several common situations:

• Higher demand: When onboard systems such as air conditioning or other domestic equipment are running, a generator provides the additional capacity required.
• At anchor or in calm conditions: When the Remoran Wave hydrogenerator cannot operate and solar or wind output is limited, a generator ensures that batteries can still be fully recharged.
• Fast recovery: After days of limited renewable input, a short generator run restores charge quickly and helps avoid deep battery discharges.
• Quiet efficiency: A dedicated generator means you don’t need to run your main engine for power — reducing noise, vibration, and unnecessary engine hours.

Compact Paguro diesel generators, powered by YANMAR engines, are built for quiet operation, low vibration and efficiency — making them ideal for yachts where space and sound levels are tightly managed.

Looking beyond generation: using power efficiently

Producing electricity is only part of the picture. How that power is managed and used on board makes the real difference. Even with reliable renewables or a generator, inefficient systems can quickly drain your reserves.

Efficient equipment helps keep demand low. Frigomar inverter BLDC air conditioning reduces electrical load by eliminating inrush current and adapting output to temperature, making it easier to maintain comfort with limited power.

Reliable charging is just as important. Cristec chargers and shore-power units deliver safe, consistent charging for different battery types, protecting onboard systems and ensuring available energy is used effectively.

Together, efficient appliances and dependable charging allow every amp-hour to go further — helping your yacht stay comfortable and self-sufficient wherever you cruise.

The role of lithium batteries

Batteries are at the core of every yacht’s electrical system, storing and delivering the energy produced by renewables or a generator. Modern lithium batteries have reshaped this part of the system. They charge faster, hold voltage more consistently, and provide more usable capacity between charges than traditional lead-acid batteries. This results in longer intervals between charging and quicker recovery when power is available.

Their efficiency makes lithium a natural partner for renewable sources such as hydrogenerators, solar and wind, where charging conditions can vary. Lighter in weight and compatible with modern charging technology, lithium systems make it easier to manage onboard energy and maintain reliable performance over time.

Lithium storage continues to evolve, offering greater efficiency and easier monitoring for onboard power management. Fogstar’s Drift range combines LiFePO₄ cells, an integrated Battery Management System and Bluetooth monitoring for steady, efficient performance, with optional heating for use in colder climates. Designed for long service life and marine use, the Drift range provides dependable energy storage, while the Drift PRO models add full Victron integration for seamless communication with compatible charging and monitoring systems — a practical advantage for yachts using connected onboard power networks.

Finding the right balance

For most cruising yachts, the most dependable power setup combines both renewables and a generator. Each contributes in different ways:

• Renewables — The Remoran Wave hydrogenerator, supported by solar panels and wind turbines, provides low-impact charging for navigation systems, refrigeration, lighting and communications. These systems operate quietly and without emissions, reducing the hours a generator needs to run.
• Generators — Deliver higher-capacity power when required, recharge batteries quickly and support equipment that exceeds the output of renewables.

A well-matched lithium battery bank links these sources together, storing energy efficiently and making it available when conditions change. By combining renewables, a reliable generator and modern lithium storage, yachts can achieve quiet, efficient and resilient onboard power — allowing you to live comfortably and travel further without depending on shore power.

Looking ahead

As onboard technology continues to evolve, energy management at sea is becoming more efficient and less dependent on fuel. Advances in solar panels, wind generators and hydrogeneration are making it easier for yachts to stay self-sufficient for longer periods, while improvements in battery storage and charging systems reduce the need for prolonged engine or generator use.

For most sailors, the goal is no longer choosing between renewables or conventional power, but designing a balanced system that suits their boat, usage and comfort needs. The result is quieter, cleaner and more capable cruising — powered by a combination of technologies that work together, rather than compete.

To learn more about onboard power solutions or discuss your yacht’s setup, contact the team at Advance Yacht Systems.