Far from the coast, in the German Black Forest, a self-taught architect has been building his dream yacht for 25 years. Interparus tells about Hulg – an aluminum sailing yacht for long-distance travel.
Holger Brule and his special life path
So, meet Holger Brule, a man who dared to do what most people are afraid to even think about. Holger is a rare example of an engineer in the truest sense of the word. From a very early age, he was interested in the question of understanding the world through the empirical method.
As Holger himself says: “I always wanted to do everything myself and learn everything. How to build a refrigerator? How to weld metal? How to bake bread? How to build an aluminum yacht of a given length in your backyard? These are the questions that make my heart soar as a self-taught person. Learn from your mistakes and always move forward, figure it out – that’s my motto.”

Holger Brule with the Hulg under construction in the background. Source: free-hulg.com
Brule got acquainted with yachting quite early. At the age of 14, he got his yachting license, and as an adult, he crossed the Atlantic with friends. It was this adventure that became the key event in his life. On the official website, he recalls: “Before going out into the Atlantic, we had already bought a yacht. However, I continued to go to the marina to find that dream boat. This did not happen. Then the thought came to me: I need to build the perfect boat myself. So in 1997, I bought the plans for a 22-meter ocean yacht from the architect Kurt Reinke in Bremen. And the work began!”

The Hulg team discusses future plans. Far left: project founder Holger. Source: free-hulg.com
For the next 25 years, Holger combined work and boat building. It’s funny that this grandiose project is being implemented 500 km from the nearest sea coast – in the German Black Forest. Despite this, as of November 2024, work on the boat is almost complete!
The ideology of the yacht Hulg
The ocean yacht named Hulg is first and foremost a monument to extraordinary ingenuity and human labor. Holger Brule took a responsible approach to creating his dream yacht and therefore equipped it with everything necessary for a truly autonomous cruising yacht.
And although Hulg was not made by grey-haired shipbuilders who have built more than one or two boats in their lifetime, it is an exemplary example of the competent and appropriate use of modern technology.
Hulg Power Supply
All the yacht's systems are connected into a single chain using programmable logic controllers (PLC). Although Holger calls himself self-taught, his deep knowledge of electrical systems and automation allows him to be called a true professional.

Source: free-hulg.com
There are several power supply networks operating on board the Hulg:
- three-phase network 380 V,
- AC network 220 V,
- 24, 12 and 5 V DC networks.
The shore power supply is even adapted to the US standard (110 V). To provide electricity for long cruises, two wind generators and four mobile solar panels are used.
There are two battery packs on board, each with a capacity of 440 Ah and a voltage of 24 V. Additionally, diesel engines are capable of recharging the batteries, but due to alternative energy generation, the need for this is reduced to a minimum.
Hydraulics and automation
Hulg is equipped with about seven dozen hydraulic actuators that are controlled remotely. These actuators provide control over almost all equipment on board, including winches, furlers, windlasses and emergency pumps. The bow thruster is also designed with hydraulic and hydrodynamic optimization in mind, which increases its efficiency.

The inside of the bulkhead under the steering column. Source: free-hulg.com
All controls are centralized and located in the wheelhouse. It is reliably protected from bad weather, provides excellent visibility and allows the captain to control all the yacht's systems from one place.
Hull, Deck and Interior
For the construction of the yacht's hull, Holger Brüle chose AlMg4.5 aluminum, a particularly strong and corrosion-resistant alloy designed for use in marine conditions. This choice was due to the material's environmental friendliness and durability - the service life of aluminum in a marine environment is about 70 years.

A yacht in the backyard of Holger's house. Source: free-hulg.com
The deck is made with special attention to aesthetics and functionality. It is covered with 8 mm thick natural teak, under which there is a 6 mm thick aluminum support plate. This plate serves as a protective and stabilizing layer between the metal and the wood, which improves the durability of the structure.
The interior, like the deck, is generously finished in teak. The frame of the internal structures is made of pine wood, which adds warmth and coziness to the interior space.

Teak deck. Source: free-hulg.com
Holger paid special attention to the pantry, a vital element for long ocean crossings. It includes a washing machine and a separate dryer, which makes life on board much easier during long voyages.
Hulg cockpit and wheelhouse
The cockpit is organized in the best traditions of expedition yachts: a convenient large steering wheel and a set of winches, which are at the skipper's fingertips. The high profile of the cabin does not completely protect from the wind, but significantly reduces its impact, providing comfortable conditions for control.

Cockpit before teak deck was laid. Source: free-hulg.com
At the stern is a unique "tail" of the Hulg, which performs several functions at once. It houses antennas and wind generators, and also serves as a counterweight for two powerful hydraulic winches. These winches are designed to lift and lower the dinghy, as well as to fish out objects from the seabed. Additionally, the cockpit has space for installing a bimini, which is especially important for protection from the sun and rain. A little further along the deck is an electric lifting table, which adds convenience when working or relaxing on board.
The wheelhouse is the key element of yacht control. All automation and control systems are concentrated here. It is located almost amidships, which provides good visibility and access to equipment. This placement allows monitoring the condition of the vessel and weather conditions even in difficult sea conditions.

Hulg's chopping block. Source: free-hulg.com
Particular attention has been paid to the equipment of the wheelhouse for night watches. Double viewing glasses are equipped with a heating system that prevents fogging and condensation, providing uninterrupted visibility in all weather conditions. The skipper has a comfortable seat with electrical adjustment. This makes it much easier to stay behind the wheel for a long time and helps to set a comfortable position for controlling the yacht.
What's next?
After 25 years of construction, the Hulg yacht is finally in the home stretch. But this project is not just the idea of one talented self-taught engineer. Today, Hulg is a full-fledged initiative aimed at popularizing yachting and engineering creativity.

Part of the Hulg interior. Source: free-hulg.com
Holger has turned his yard into a real shipyard, where work is in full swing every day. Although he does most of the work himself, he often calls in experienced specialists for complex operations, such as metalworking.
To turn his dream into a more meaningful social project, Bührle launched the Free HULG initiative. This project allows all interested sailing enthusiasts not only to financially support the construction, but also to personally participate in the process. Volunteers help with the construction of the yacht, and in return receive benefits: discounts and the opportunity to pre-book the yacht after its launch.

Source: free-hulg.com
Right now, Hulg is in the final stages of construction. Holger is actively searching for suitable rigging. The exact launch date has not yet been announced, but the yacht has already undergone several test runs on nearby rivers. In the near future, Hulg should finally set sail and begin her long-awaited maritime history.
New video on the Interparus channel!
😍We are ready to present the second part of the review of our magnificent yacht GARNA. This part is entirely dedicated to the interior of the catamaran. At the end, a bonus awaits you - night shooting. Enjoy watching!
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03.12.2024
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