Watt&Sea Racing 600 Hydrogenerator – 600W, Variable Pitch Prop, 610mm (High-Speed Model)

Watt&Sea Racing 600 (Variable Pitch, 610mm) represents the pinnacle of marine hydrogenerator technology, specifically designed for racing and high-speed sailing yachts. Unlike the Cruising series, the Racing model is equipped with a variable-pitch propeller – a mechanism that automatically changes the blade angle according to water speed. This technology, borrowed from aviation and high-tech propeller drives, allows the generator to maintain optimal RPM and load at all times: at low speeds the prop “bites” the water with a larger pitch, and at high speeds it automatically fine-tunes to a smaller pitch to avoid excessive resistance and prevent overload. The result is steady power output over an exceptionally wide speed range – from around 5 knots (the onset of effective charging) all the way up to 25+ knots (speeds impossible for a fixed-pitch prop to handle).

This Racing 600W hydrogenerator is aimed at crews who demand maximum performance and reliability in extreme conditions. Many participants in round-the-world races like the Vendée Globe, the Ocean Race (formerly Volvo Ocean Race), and the Transat Jacques Vabre rely on Watt&Sea Racing models as their primary source of electricity, because it allows them to circumnavigate the globe without consuming a drop of fuel for power – a huge advantage in long races where self-sufficiency and weight are critical.

• Consistent power at any speed: With the variable pitch, the Racing 600 generates substantial charge even when the boat is flying at double-digit knots. At ~10 knots, where a standard fixed prop would normally need to be lifted to avoid damage, the Racing model’s adjustable prop simply adapts and keeps producing energy. This means throughout the race – from calm zones with 5–6 knots of wind to furious downwind surf at 20+ knots – your hydrogenerator is working and filling the batteries.
• Minimal drag – maximum speed: For racers, every fraction of a knot matters. The Watt&Sea Racing is designed to have an almost negligible impact on boat speed. Its hydrodynamic shape, smooth lines, and automatic prop pitch adjustment keep drag to an absolute minimum. In practice, when the generator is deployed, the difference in speed is hard to measure, yet the benefit of continuous power is enormous.
• Hydraulic prop pitch control: The Racing package includes a miniature hydraulic system that controls the propeller’s blade angle. It operates autonomously, requiring no input from the crew – it’s factory-tuned to maintain the generator’s optimal RPM. This system is reliable and fast-acting, designed to respond instantly to changes in water speed. Unlike purely electronic controls, the hydraulic approach is more resilient to extreme temperatures and vibration – critical for prolonged oceanic conditions.
• Light yet strong: The Racing 600W is built with an emphasis on strength-to-weight. The aluminum body is weight-optimized, and the 610mm leg is reinforced yet slimmed down where possible to reduce frontal area. Its weight around 6.3 kg makes it one of the lightest in its class, which is important for racing yachts. Despite the low weight, the unit is engineered to survive impacts with floating objects and constant pressure – it has undergone extensive testing.
• Enhanced monitoring capabilities: Like the Cruising models, the Racing 600 comes with a smart Bluetooth-enabled controller, which allows the crew (while helming or below deck) to monitor parameters: current voltage, charging amperage, battery state of charge, etc. This is extremely valuable for energy management during a race – the team always knows how much power they have and can plan the use of heavy consumers (ballast pumps, watermakers, electronics) accordingly. The controller also has configuration options that can be locked for race compliance or team preferences.