Q&A With Malcolm Hutchison: Stepping Into Innovation

This article was featured in the yachting magazine Numarine Insight.

The state-of-the-art systems crafted for the perfect onboard experience represent the signature of Numarine yachts. Technical Director Malcolm Hutchison talks to Numarine Insight about the innovative engineering process behind the scenes.

Born in Totnes, Devon, UK in 1962, Malcolm Hutchison always led a life by the sea, pursuing professions that offered the freedom of being on the water, including the Navy, and later on, in yachting. He joined the passionate Numarine team in 2010; he has been working as the Technical Director ever since.

When did you discover your passion for yachting?

MALCOLM HUTCHISON: As a boy, I had a dinghy and lived very close to a large river in Devon, UK. I would spend time on the water and fishing. I think I just enjoyed the freedom of being on the water, and the transition into yachting came during my training for the merchant navy, the thought of spending my life at sea in a commercial environment was quickly transformed after a visit to the London Boat Show in 1980, as it seemed so much nicer to get involved in yachting.

We would love to hear the story of how you joined the Numarine team.

MH: I joined Numarine in 2010; I was working for a UK brand that had business dealings with Numarine for several years. That relationship had ceased a couple of years earlier but I had always admired Ömer Malaz for his passion and dreams, and had commented before that I would like to work with someone that passionate about yacht building. One day in 2009 I got a call from Ömer. I arranged to visit him in November and started the following January. His passion is as strong now as it was then. This allows us to develop as people and with our yachts.

Numarine is renowned for using state-of-the-art systems to offer a unique owner experience. Can you give an example of this?

MH: Our new 30XP will be a diesel electric yacht, using the latest Azimuth drive systems with electric motors driven by several generators as well as batteries. This will mean greater fuel efficiency and cleaner running for the yacht with the option of silent running into marinas when required. It also means compliance with the latest IMO regulations. Onboard experience at anchor can be silent when powering the yacht from the batteries with clean water swimming around the yacht. This, when boosted with Solar panels, can maintain the yacht noise-free for most of your time at anchor.

What about the future of these systems?

MH: As battery systems develop in the transport sector, we will be able to offer better longevity and more power increasing the opportunity to run emission free and in silence.

I had always admired Ömer Malaz for his passion and dreams, I had commented before that I would like to work with someone this passionate about yacht building… this allows us to develop as people and with our yachts.

MALCOLM HUTCHISON

Can you tell us about the new Data Driven Electrical System?

MH: At Numarine, we use three different principal systems depending on the yacht size. On our 22XP, we use mainly conventional systems with electronic monitoring for basics like fuel and power management. The EPLEX system used on the 26XP allows for monitoring and system control via a screen at the helm or iPad as you walk around the yacht. This is easily manageable by the owner or crew. Models 30XP up to 45XP have full PLC systems monitoring and controlling the yacht. This is a more professional system and mainly crew controlled. With PLC systems, we can also dial-in remotely and make updates or check system function anywhere in the world providing you have an Internet connection.

How about your first cruise?

MH: My first proper cruise was from Port De Cap d’Agde in the South of France up to Golfe Juan near Cannes. It was a delivery cruise on a new 55’ yacht that was still not fully commissioned. We had fantastic weather and a beautiful trip along the coast but with no navigation equipment and a very basic paper chart onboard. Arriving at Golfe Juan we were met by the yacht surveyor who asked us how we managed to get through the narrow channel into Golfe Juan without equipment and with only a copy of The Sun newspaper. He was amazed we had not run aground. Well, we had waited until a sailing yacht was entering and followed them in. After all, if they could make it with a keel then we were sure we were okay.How about your first cruise?

First boating memory?

MH: I first started with a dinghy on the river Dart in Totnes, at 12 years of age. My father purchased a 12’ dingy as a project for me to clean up and use for fishing. I would spend all the time I could on the river just going up and down, fishing, camping, and exploring creeks and inlets.

Venturing into the unknown or rediscovering your favorite destination?

MH: Definitely, venturing into the unknown and exploring by far.

Destination for getting off the beaten track?

MH: Well, away from the sea, off-road to explore new locations, although I still like to be close to water, rivers and lakes especially.

Best destination in the Med and why?

MH: I can’t say I have a real favorite in the Mediterranean yet as I am still exploring. However, Göcek in Southern Turkey is a wonderful area, and I’m always happy to be there.

Interested in learning more about Numarine Yachts? Contact Alex G. Clarke, who is ready to answer any questions and start your journey to owning a new yacht.

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