Around the World in 100 Amp Hours: Powering Distraction with Remoran

When Mike Hutchinson set sail from Falmouth aboard his Oyster 53, Distraction, he wasn’t just embarking on a long-distance voyage—he was heading off on a full circumnavigation. Over 31,000 nautical miles later, after crossing three oceans with the ARC+ and Oyster World Rally fleet, Mike and Distraction have become a perfect example as to the power of thoughtful preparation and smart equipment choices.

At the heart of that journey? A single hydrogenerator: the Remoran Wave 3.

“It just sits on the back of the boat and delivers power to our batteries, mile after mile,” Mike explains. “It’s one of the simplest and most effective upgrades we’ve made.”

Seamless Power, Mile After Mile

Installed in Falmouth before departure, the Remoran unit has since travelled through the Canaries, Caribbean, Pacific Islands, Australia, Asia, and back across the Atlantic. For Mike, it quickly became an essential part of the yacht’s energy setup—delivering a consistent 90–100Ah per day under sail, without noise, fuel, or fuss.

With Distraction’s 24V system powering critical loads like refrigeration, navigation and Starlink satellite connectivity, the Remoran quietly covered much of their daily 200–300Ah requirement—alongside solar panels that added extra capacity.

“When it’s running, you just forget about it,” Mike says. “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. Zero maintenance.”

Even when things didn’t go to plan, the system held its own. After a late-night text to Advance Yacht Systems about the unit briefly cutting out, Mike awoke to find it tangled in a fishing net. He unscrewed the turbine blade, untangled the mess, reassembled it—and carried on sailing. That same unit went on to clock thousands more miles.

“Everything is about resource management. The Remoran just didn’t come up on the to-do list—it was always there, always producing power.”

Plug In and Go

While some hydrogenerators require careful integration or professional installation, Mike found the Remoran refreshingly straightforward.

“I’m not a marine electrician, but it just worked,” he says. “It was plug-and-play. I wired it into the existing busbar, alongside our solar controllers, and we were often seeing up to 18 amps going in.”

The ease of use became second nature—so much so that Mike could judge boat speed from the pitch of the hydrogenerator alone. “When we’re really flying, it howls—in a good way. It’s a reassuring sound.”  With a protection relay installed after one especially speedy downwind surf to the Scillies, the system has remained stable ever since.

Designed for Real Sailing

While aesthetics weren’t the only factor, they helped seal the deal. After seeing the Remoran at METS in 2022, Mike was immediately struck by its design and finish.

“It looked like a well-made bit of kit and felt like opening an Apple product—beautifully finished and thoughtfully packaged.”

But it wasn’t just good looks. Fellow circumnavigators using fixed units have found them underwhelming—too noisy, not enough power, or simply not durable enough. Many had been removed by the halfway mark! The stern-mounted Remoran, by contrast, could be easily lifted when not in use and remained reliable across all conditions.

“We put it on for a half-day sail. If you’re moving, you’re generating power—that’s a no-brainer.”

A Support System You Can Rely On

Of course, good kit is only half the story. For Mike, having the backing of the Advance Yacht Systems team throughout the journey made all the difference.

“The support has been fantastic. Rob and the Advance team have been brilliant throughout. They’ve gone above and beyond—shipping a spare rail to Australia, and even a loan unit to Antigua when we needed one.”

For sailors navigating time zones, long legs and remote islands, that kind of service is invaluable. And it meant Mike could carry on sailing with confidence.

“They’ve supplied several bits of gear for Distraction, and every time it’s been the right advice, the right products, and full support.”

What Mike Would Do Differently?

After nearly two years at sea, would Mike change much? “Not really,” he says. But when asked what he’d do next time, his answer was: possibly consider fitting two Remorans instead of one.

“It’s extraordinary, isn’t it, to find a bit of tech that just works like that. One headache taken away.”

His advice to other bluewater sailors is simple: think beyond solar. While it has its place, hydrogeneration delivers power when you're actually sailing—reliably, quietly, and without taking up deck space or time.

Looking Ahead

As Mike and his wife prepare to sail back to the Helford River via Bermuda and the Azores, one thing is certain: power won’t be a problem.

“There’s always a better way to do things, but we wouldn’t change much. It’s been amazing.”

In a world where tech often over promises and underdelivers, the Remoran Wave 3 has quietly done its job—day in, day out—for over 32,000 nautical miles. And in doing so, it’s become not just a reliable piece of equipment, but an integral part of one family’s journey around the world.

Thinking about your own offshore adventure?

Advance Yacht Systems supplies Remoran hydrogenerators and a full range of smart, efficient energy systems for bluewater cruising. Whether you're preparing for your first ocean crossing or a full circumnavigation, our team is here to help you sail further—with confidence.

🔗 Learn more about Remoran: https://www.advanceyacht.co.uk/remoran-marine-hydrogenerators