Royal Huisman has announced not one, but two important new projects in collaboration with the renowned Dutch naval architect Andre Hoek. Hoek and his design team are responsible for the exterior styling as well as the naval architecture and, together with the yard, the structural design of these projects.
This plumb-bowed Classic Pilot Ketch has been highly optimised for performance. Her long waterline, lifting keel with trim tab and carbon spade rudder are complemented by a powerful, fully-roached sail plan supported by a complete carbon fibre rig package. Intensive CFD tank and wind tunnel testing is already underway as Hoek Design seeks to leverage its extensive knowledge of such projects to fully realise speed and handling potential.
Fine exterior lines and proven sea-keeping characteristics will combine with luxurious and spacious accommodation to create an exceptional yacht with the ability to go anywhere in comfort, style and security. Serious attention will also be given to achieving high levels of energy-efficiency in developing her systems, with an equal commitment to maintaining a design aesthetic that faithfully acknowledges her sailing forebears.
A unique interior design will be crafted by the equally renowned Redman Whiteley Dixon design team. Material selection will be based not only upon design aesthetics but upon the inherent potential as a renewable resource.
With this project in its design infancy, the yard looks forward to presenting future updates through to her 2014 delivery. The owners’ project management will be undertaken by Prior Yacht Management, with the Monaco office of YCO overseeing contractual and operational matters.
48 metre yard number 393
The owner of this project was drawn to the Hoek Design team by its reputation for creating modern classics and, more specifically, by the traditional concept the team proposed for this project. Not satisfied with these factors alone, the client drove the design with added developments and refinements to the hull lines of this impressive sloop to reflect the specific objective to enjoy cruising as well as “gentleman’s racing”.
Her elegant hull shape, counter stern, sloping deckhouses and numerous other traditional features speak of civilised and leisurely sailing in a romantic former era. Yet her moderate draft underwater lines, cutter carbon rig and efficient sail handling systems will be extensively optimised for performance – Project 393 will be more than capable of holding her own in the present day. With naval architecture from Hoek Design and a magnificent interior to be conceived by Rhoades Young Design, Project 393 with owner’s project management by MCM (Newport) has the credentials to make her mark wherever her ocean tracks may take her.