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Building 65m yacht Aquarius II

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Lessons Learned: Building Royal Huisman's 65m Aquarius II

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> has announced the turning of sailing yacht Aquarius II at their shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands. Project 408, Aquarius II is the larger sistership to the 56-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5848" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aquarius56.0m (183'9&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2018">Aquarius</a>, measuring an impressive length of 65-metres. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263150/image/large-e01ad0efbe7ff10114d3afa226f51cca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263150">The performance ketch yacht features naval architecture and exterior design from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dykstra Naval Architects (Company)">Dykstra Naval Architects</a>, alongside interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4404" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mark Whiteley Design (Company)">Mark Whiteley Design</a>. Godfrey Cray is the owner’s project manager, with this being his third <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> build after <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5667" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ngoni58.15m (190'9&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2017">Ngoni</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5848" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aquarius56.0m (183'9&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2018">Aquarius</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263205/image/large-13e65b48a611c6bae836318fc5371adb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263205"> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263151/image/large-78606f3fff74a6aa883df3765cd98aa8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263151">Aquarius II promises a bigger, better sailing yacht than her sistership. With a volume increase of nearly 45 percent, Aquarius II benefits from a fourth guest stateroom, generously-sized staterooms, living spaces, and a more extensive gym providing space for more fitness equipment.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263204/image/large-989570829d731d5336b85dc1b659349e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263204"> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263152/image/large-45990d8eb8e96b3ef34da060567bd105.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263152"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263149/image/large-d183074e051dc68ae6472f3e3dd1f063.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263149">This size increase also offers a larger galley and one more crew stateroom so that crew can enjoy a good living and work environment.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263155/image/large-26d0b8aba096c5238cf827f97295ba5c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263155"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/263157/image/large-86f3ec9de0823fcce90ce8f143f1cc83.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/263157">Another highlight of&nbsp;Aquarius II is her owner’s deck, which contains offset stairs that allow for a wrap-around sofa and lounging configuration. Royal Huisman continues to focus on quality and reliability, ensuring that Aquarius II’s sailing performance remains efficient and easy to drive despite her size.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219070/image/large-3b18b783da40a12b93dbc56a0d8f5e8b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219070">

Royal Huisman turns the hull of 65m sailing yacht Aquarius II

Royal Huisman has announced the turning of Aquarius II at their shipyard in Vollenhove.

While sailing yachts once dominated the world’s oceans, since the advent of the first motor yachts they have consisted of a shrinking portion of the world's superyacht fleet. In recent years, however, the tide has begun to turn. With questions of “sustainability” and “eco-efficiency” abuzz across the industry, some yacht owners are weighing up their options and sailing yachts are garnering more interest.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/51196/image/large-9d5c7f67c60baacba8126df54f1600d8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/51196">One shipyard that is synonymous with sailing yacht expertise is <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a>, which puts forward a powerhouse triple threat: the new-build facility of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> Vollenhove, Huisfit refit facility in Amsterdam and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/458" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rondal B.V. (Company)">Rondal</a>, the carbon fibre specialists of international renown. Founded over 135 years ago, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> combines its archive of expertise with the pressure cooker of its innovation team which includes its sister <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/458" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rondal B.V. (Company)">Rondal</a>, and the result is a company that not only walks the line between tradition and modernity, but pulls the two together in harmony. The yard also now turns its mind to motor yachts, and as the recent and lauded delivery of the 58.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7555" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Phi58.5m (191'11&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2021">PHI</a> has demonstrated.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206279/image/large-169407980f622094f726bcfbedce1068.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206279">We took a tour of the Vollenhove facility to get a feel for what <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> has on offer, with six projects currently under development, two of which are motor and one being the world’s longest sloop, there was plenty to see. One thing that unequivocally unifies <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> projects, both sail and motor, is the uniqueness of each yacht. Currently under construction is Project 404, a 59.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4373" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design (Company)">Malcolm McKeon</a> high-performance sloop with a retractable keel; Project 405, a 46.82-metre performance-cruiser sloop by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/521" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Reichel / Pugh Yacht Design (Company)">Reichel / Pugh</a> that has pioneered the new “Featherlight” hull concept (more on that later); Project 406, a 52-metre sportfisher that will be the largest in the world; Project 407 is the rebuild of the 1930s motor sailor <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/260" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantide37.28m (122'4&quot;)Philip & Sons1930">Atlantide</a>; Project 408, the 65m Ketch Aquarius II, and finally Project 410 – the 85m New World Sloop from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6718" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Frers Design (Company)">Frers Design</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/174198/image/large-26290b9dcb7f698279e5f91ab1870d66.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/174198">InnovationEach of these projects offers a unique solution to the owner’s specifications and Project 405 is a case in point for how <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> is primed to delve into its knowledge and create something special. The owners of 405 came to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> looking for a light, strong but fast performance-cruiser that could stand her ground in regattas, but also offers a comfortable and homely interior for her guests. Rather than compromising on outfitting materials, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/521" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Reichel / Pugh Yacht Design (Company)">Reichel / Pugh</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta</a> worked together with the shipyard team to pioneer a new hull construction method, known as Featherlight – a high-grade mix between aluminium and carbon.&nbsp;Offering a reduction of up to 11 percent for the structural weight, whilst maintaining the stiffness and structural integrity of the hull, Featherlight combines the strength of carbon and the stability and low noise levels offered by aluminium. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> team is quite happy with the final product, which took sixteen iterations to perfect, and we can expect to see the Featherlight form, and versions of it, on many future sailing and motoryacht projects.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223059/image/large-d4a89d221fd746b61d75c72e515b9f52.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223059">While Featherlight has been one recent innovation, it doesn’t stop there. As we walked through the shipyard’s various construction and assembly halls, the interior cabinetry and furniture of various vessels were being crafted and assembled in full-size mockups to ensure the absolute accuracy of the design. Visible between the layers of wooden panelling is a central section of aluminium grating that, like the Featherlight hull, enhances the stiffness of the yacht and adds additional stability to the vessel while also lightening the interior structures.It's impossible to mention unique innovations without touching on Project 406, the custom 52-metre sportfisher. The hull of the vessel has benefitted from the testing and innovation of the Featherlight construction and while some might question how <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> came to win a commission for such an unusual concept, it is that uniqueness that made <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> the perfect choice. The hull is now in an advanced stage of construction and standing above her, one really gets a sense of how she has been inspired by the sailing yachts the yard is famed for. A sleek hull and graceful sweeping profile line, the yacht’s owner's team visited Royal Huisman during the construction of PHI and it was that experience that won them over to the shipyard. Both motor yachts have low profiles (though Project 406 has five towering decks her hull form is low and slender), and are set to be truly unique within the global fleet. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/231619/image/large-00c0dcf79723ddec03205f10ea43830e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/231619">Walking through <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a>’s Vollenhove shipyard, the facility has been carefully and efficiently organised so that the halls are arranged around the central heart of the business: the carbon and carpentry halls. The transition between <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/458" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rondal B.V. (Company)">Rondal</a> is so fluid in fact that you are unaware when you move from one to the other, creating a sense of absolute unity. Arranged in this way, the team has direct access to each of the projects and can move between them, collaborating with colleagues and ensuring standardisation of quality control. And at the same time a unique experience for clients, who will have the pleasure of seeing all the main aspects of their yacht under construction.Tradition and ModernityWhile <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> is still famed for the construction of classic yachts, under the hull the yachts are far from classic as they are outfitted, like their contemporary counterparts, with the latest technology. Vessels such as Aquarius II, the construction of which is just about to begin, may have classic lines and a traditional aesthetic, but she is set to be an all-powerful racing yacht with a large battery pack for peak shaving, and one that surpasses her 2018 sistership, the 56-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5848" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aquarius56.0m (183'9&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2018">Aquarius</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/79808/image/large-b8be32e57f3cead21022f300d8a94fa5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/79808">Aquarius II is an interesting project, with the owners returning after only four years, not only to the shipyard but to the entire design team, and requesting the creation of a near-identical yacht, “only” 11 metres longer. With performance at the heart of the new project, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> and the team will work tirelessly to deliver a vessel that replaces the current <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5848" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aquarius56.0m (183'9&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2018">Aquarius</a> and packs even more of a punch in terms of performance. It's worth noting that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5848" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aquarius56.0m (183'9&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2018">Aquarius</a> won her class in the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St Barth Bucket - 2019">2019</a> and <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="St Barths Bucket Regatta - 2022">2022</a> St Barths Bucket, so she’s not shy when it comes to ability. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/20256/image/large-a492c3668674190d0f40ec09091492c7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20256">Despite its over 135-year heritage and reputation when it comes to modern classics, the current order book demonstrates that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> has more than just one string to its bow. According to the team here it is that same heritage that enables the yard to straddle the gap between traditional and modernity and to execute both sectors to the same impeccable standard. The 58-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5667" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ngoni58.15m (190'9&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2017">Ngoni</a>, otherwise known as “The Beast” is a great example of a highly distinctive superyacht that holds her own in terms of both performance and luxury. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/20261/image/large-7ce0939ee84c2e7759ef932882039f0b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20261">The outfitting of Project 404 is another excellent example. Her hull is now adorned with a striking and modern colour and as we toured the yard her mainsheet arch was in the spray room, days away from assembly onboard. With huge hull windows and a massive foredeck with a gentle camber that’s home to a large hidden tender storage, the superyacht is set to be an extremely luxurious vessel. She even features a walk-in beach club, something we are familiar with from 40-metre-plus motor yachts but certainly not many sailing yachts.Project 405 is both a floating home and a formidable competitor. She features a retractable keel offering a shallow draft and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/458" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rondal B.V. (Company)">Rondal</a> has pioneered a carbon trunk for the keel that reduces the amount of space needed and lightens the load. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/177436/image/large-d68f1691331710cbe2235c802c64e46a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/177436">Both 404 and 405 demonstrate how well <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> is equipped to funnel its expertise into contemporary cruising or performance projects, while also using that experience to further advance its motor yachts.Defining the futureAs one of the few shipyards in the world pioneering within the sailing yacht sphere, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> holds responsibility for the progression of yachting. When the yard first released the news in March that it had won the contract for an 85-metre sloop, it shared a tiny insight into the nature of the vessel. Not only does her name “New World” hint that the yacht will be something special, the drawing released implies that she is set to be different. Posed on a backdrop of wind turbines, the contemporary lines and name of the yacht suggest that sustainability and efficiency lie at the heart of the project. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/167125/image/large-fbd5aa512fed9d5574b5185fd7f777b9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/167125">While the shipyard remains tightlipped about the vessel, it has mentioned that it is working hard with the design team of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6718" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Frers Design (Company)">Mani Frers</a> and Gillian Brown of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/598" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wetzels Brown Partners (Company)">Wetzels Brown</a> to employ recycled and low-impact materials throughout the vessel. This goes to the heart of what <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman&nbsp;</a>has been working on since the delivery of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ethereal58.04m (190'5&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2009">Ethereal</a>, the world’s first hybrid-electric superyacht, in 2008. The shipyard recognises that sailing yachts may well be the best option in order to future-proof the yachting industry and it is therefore striving to make advancements in the sustainability of its vessels and construction processes.&nbsp;With many yacht owners seeking alternative and possibly more sustainable solutions to the normal yachting lifestyle, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> is one company driving revived interest in the possibilities offered by sailing yachts.This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news/superyacht-times-newspaper-issue-39" target="_blank">Issue 41 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>. To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Sailing Innovation at Royal Huisman

SuperYacht Times went to see the Royal Huisman team at work and find out how the historic shipyard continues to build world class sailing yachts.

At the shipyard: Sailing Innovation with Royal Huisman

Strong headway has been made with the construction of the 34.9-metre explorer yacht Project Fox at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> and she’s on course to meet her delivery date of 2023.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220718/image/large-158509db47bdb762e5a7a4bc4aff6355.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220718"> Project Fox seeks to be a trailblazer in the explorer yacht segment. She offers an interior and exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6663" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Q London (Company)">Q London</a> laid onto a hull by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diana Yacht Design B.V. (Company)">Diana Yacht Design</a>, a 3,600 nautical mile range, 295 GT of interior volume and accommodation for up to eight guests. James Ratcliffe, Managing Partner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6663" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Q London (Company)">Q London</a>, explained that he stuck to a clean, minimalist interior design that’s flexible and easy to customise, to keep her appeal high for a wide range of potential clients. In lieu of traditional teak, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6663" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Q London (Company)">Q London</a> opted for the more sustainable substitute, designed by Tesumo.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220717/image/large-f799c97d07d211a4a2b0ff37a67c1f26.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220717"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220715/image/large-6b30f54aa3d456d4505380ee7e090ed1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220715">But what makes Project Fox truly unique is that her design pivots on her 103.5 square-metre main deck aft, which boasts heaps of space for tenders, toys and all the paraphernalia necessary for adventure. When deployed, the spacious main deck is versatile and can cater to an all manner of needs. Even at just 34.9-metres, Project Fox&nbsp;is self-sufficient, meaning an owner won’t need a trailing shadow or support vessel for their excursions. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220710/image/large-cc89bd7e28b1d194d05fbefa6ae9c00e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220710"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220713/image/large-54153d4e5d1e3d1d3eb0b81b8abc34ce.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220713">“Experience is the new currency. So a yacht that can deliver an experience that others can’t is becoming an increasingly relevant topic,” Sherwood added. “Project Fox proves that you don’t have to spend an 80-metre budget to have a yacht that will take you to interesting places anymore.” Even at 34.9-metres then, Project Fox is expected to rival the likes of the 76.9-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6668" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="La Datcha76.9m (252'4&quot;)Damen Yachting2020">La Datcha</a> by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachtin</a>g and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4539" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ulstein Verft AS (Company)">Ulstein Verft AS</a>’ 88.51-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6031" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Olivia O88.51m (290'5&quot;)Ulstein Verft AS2020">Olivia O</a>.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53850" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="In-build 35m Pendennis superyacht Project Fox offered for sale (2021-10-07 13:15:00 +0200)">In-build 35m Pendennis superyacht Project Fox offered for sale<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220696/image/large-ea50e65d80c851c51891d57cd60f2afd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220696"></a>For the team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a>, the understanding that the ability to go anywhere takes a top priority for owners today. A third of the projects currently underway at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis&nbsp;</a>fall into the explorer category, and for Project Fox herself, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> sought to create a trans-Atlantic explorer that can truly exploit any of the world’s oceans with safety and comfort in-mind. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220694/image/large-29171d16b4b81dfcfa454c7cc6852dec.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220694">“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> is a great shipyard for Project Fox,” Ian Sherwood, Yacht broker at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a>, said. “Trying to find the synergy between someone who wants to build a boat and the yard that will build them their dream is really important. Lots of yards can build good boats, but to find that chemistry between owner and shipyard is really important.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220668/image/large-b1820e2f761af9badadbf2c1da9a10e3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220668"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220661/image/large-155d328f678fa62caba3fb5214f96128.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220661">It’s fair to say that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> is proper – and I mean proper. Proper quality, proper people and proper Cornish. This tradition, this visceral heritage, permeates its walls (and waters) and is very much present at every turn. The shipyard clung to the southern peninsula of the small rock, commonly known as England, began life in 1989 and has built, repaired, restored and refitted a plethora – quite literally, too – of motor and sailing yachts from bygone years. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220673/image/large-c7f8946b9662e58554058caf34439069.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220673">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54060" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard: Reinforcing the legacy of British yacht building (2021-11-17 14:30:00 +0100)">Pendennis Shipyard: Reinforcing the legacy of British yacht building</a>As we meandered around the wet basin, Mike Carr, Chairman and Joint Managing Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a>, mused whether we actually “own yachts, or if really we are their custodians, passing them on through generations,” as we looked at a century’s worth of yachting history, spanning three vessels: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a>’ 58.83-metre war veteran <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/534" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marala58.83m (193'0&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1931">Marala</a>, which was launched in 1931; the 58.83-metre expedition yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/697" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Seawolf58.83m (193'0&quot;)J. & K. Smits Scheepswerven N.V.1957">Seawolf</a> built and delivered by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/20" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="J. & K. Smits Scheepswerven N.V. (Company)">J. &amp; K. Smits Scheepswerven N.V.</a> in 1957; and a contemporary yacht built this side of the century.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/5859/image/large-92d0373c83c4cbf42bf3ad0ec011f2b6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/5859">Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52929" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Restoring 59m Marala: Everything you need to know about the Pendennis project (2021-05-17 11:30:00 +0200)">Restoring 59m Marala: Everything you need to know about the Pendennis project</a>Project Fox is a true point in case, and upon the backdrop of tradition, heritage and pride at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a>, there is just as rich an offering of modernity and innovation for future-oriented yacht designs.&nbsp;

Pendennis' Project Fox construction update

Strong headway has been made with the construction of the 35m explorer yacht Project Fox at Pendennis.

A new era of exploration: At Pendennis with the 35m Project Fox

For our latest ‘how to’ topic, we contacted some of the top brokers in the industry, to find out the five most important things to consider when buying your first sailing yacht.&nbsp;<ul><li>To go cruising or to go racing</li><li>Make sure your sailing yacht can travel all destinations you want</li><li>If you want to charter your yacht or to make her private, think of it beforehand</li><li>Determine the water toys you need to bring on board</li><li>The nostalgia of an old vessel vs. the excitement of writing your own history with a new sailboat</li></ul><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/91366/image/large-1245d7205eb829b64cc4a5051a8f7fa0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/91366">What type of sailing are you looking to do - cruising vs. racing?&nbsp;Racing and cruising vessels have a unique set of characteristics and specifications and they often come with a vastly different price bracket. High-performance vessels are often more technically advanced and more challenging to sail, demanding more crew and investment. This should be a consideration.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199745/image/large-a22583e5d033f7cb731f1397953b8d0d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199745">Tim Carbury of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser</a> commented, “I think everyone wants a boat that sails properly. Today, most sailing yachts are designed with some sort of performance or sailing ability in mind. The large <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a> yachts are a good example. Most clients want to buy something that is primarily for cruising, but has the ability to go regatta sailing.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/184003/image/large-e10f1e01e19053174bcb01ffc12398a6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/184003">Where is the Intended sailing location? Where you want to sail is a major factor when buying any yacht, but especially a sailing yacht. Keel depth is an important consideration when thinking about your desired cruising ground.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/34512/image/large-f57624dac272d7bb2f3f194353a78863.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/34512">Nick Hill, Partner at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2220" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hill Robinson (Company)">Hill Robinson</a>, commented, “Many first time big yacht owners buy sailing yachts to do a circumnavigation – which means long term planning for reliable engineering and easy maintenance to traverse large expanses of ocean.”Henry Smith, Partner &amp; Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cecil Wright & Partners (Company)">Cecil Wright &amp; Partners,</a> remarked, “If you are going to spend a lot of time sailing in shallow waters around the Bahamas you will need to consider the draft and it’s quite possible a number of yachts with a fixed keel will be ruled out. Should you opt for a fixed keel, a draft of 4.75m is about optimal, enabling a yacht to enter most popular ports around the world. Should you want a lifting keel then you will need to factor this into the not insignificant cost of a new build and this will likely be reflected in the asking price of a brokerage yacht.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/85211/image/large-78c4406d954cabb70e22eea5cbb9d86a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/85211">Do you intend to charter your yacht or is this going to be a private, family vessel?Yachts entering the charter market demand different focal points than vessels used solely for private sailing. Vessels which are too individualistic will struggle in the charter market, and a yacht which has been tailored for north Atlantic exploration, won’t thrive in the Mediterranean.&nbsp;Tim Langead, Sales Broker at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a>, commented, “The sailing yacht market is almost the opposite of the motor yacht market, in that the majority are private. Whether you are planning to charter a yacht is an important consideration from the beginning of the motor yacht purchasing process, however it’s a question that comes much later when buying a sailing yacht.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/116021/image/large-6773709c37095d55868027bd7feae5b2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/116021">Nick Hill added that crew accommodation is also an important factor. “The majority of sailing yachts have a single accommodation deck, so crew interaction is often inevitable, and the level of service tends to be more informal, simply due to the space and facilities available.”What is the yacht equipped with, such as diving equipment, toys - this can determine size:Henry Smith of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cecil Wright & Partners (Company)">Cecil Wright &amp; Partners</a> commented, “We don’t generally see sailing boats with large inventories of toys – there just isn’t space. The toys we tend to see are smaller sailing dinghies, electric surfboards and similar. However, the era of the chase boat is creeping into sailing yachts now and they are becoming more common. In one instance I have worked on recently, we equipped a chase boat as a mobile dive centre where the owner can rest and enjoy the trappings of his sailing yacht between dives without the need to return to the sailing yacht itself.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/75048/image/large-0d5f3ab5a64d13750bb5164a0c013402.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/75048">What are the advantages and disadvantages of used vs. new sailing yachts?With differing lead times, costs and options for customisation, the difference between any type of new and used yacht is consistent, but sailing yachts have their own particular advantages and disadvantages.&nbsp;Tim Carbury remarked, “Some of the buyers I work with appreciate the provenance of a sailing yacht. There is quite often a lot of nostalgia with sailboats – some owners love the idea of knowing that the boat is 30 years old and has been round the world a few times and been upgraded by different owners along the way. Of course, sailing yachts have different areas of wear and tear to motor yachts, and for some owners, a new boat with fresh rigging and sails is what they want.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/20256/image/large-a492c3668674190d0f40ec09091492c7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20256">Finally Tim Langmead of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> added, “The big advantage of buying a used sailing yacht is, of course, the price. On the flip side, you inherit the previous owner’s issues. Technology is moving so quickly, especially in terms of rigging, masts and sails, that you risk being behind the tech curve if you buy a ten-year-old yacht.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/176999/image/large-3f74abf5753478a8fe01350cc650c509.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/176999">

Top tips for sailing yacht ownership

SYT chats to industry professionals to find out what you should consider before you buy a sailing yacht.

Five things to consider before buying your first sailing yacht

The 58-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5667" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ngoni58.0m (190'3&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2017">Royal Huisman</a> super sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5667" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ngoni58.0m (190'3&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2017">Ngoni</a> is for sale for the first time since her delivery. The superyacht, which was launched by the Dutch shipyard as The Beast in 2017, features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/577" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubois Yachts (Company)">Dubois</a> and she carries a ‘one-off’ stamp, meaning that her design is never to be repeated in the industry. She is a fine example of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a>’s world-class standard of craftsmanship.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/20258/image/large-2481895fc10e1bd771eee6be345dd7ea.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20258">Her owner requested that the shipyard “build him a beast”, and the 58-metre sailing yacht for sale, certainly performs. She has a 400 ton displacement, with two submarine anchors, a fully retractable bowsprit and a lifting keel made from solid aluminium, able to support nearly 100 tons of fin and lead bulb weight.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/20266/image/large-e3bf5d5ccb94b658b04e0ad0cc5aea7b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20266"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/20265/image/large-55f3a44cd9a692586cdb3a64ecc09a3d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20265"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/20268/image/large-9a84e86c4dbdea9fc6103190c4b63936.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20268">The yacht for sale has a mast made from single full-carbon, which was built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/458" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rondal B.V. (Company)">Rondal</a> and rises to 71-metres in height. In addition, she features a boom with an internal furler designed to carry her <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/758" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="North Sails (Company)">North Sails</a> mainsail. Her entire rigging is made from carbon fibre by Carbo-Link which reduces the weight of the rigging by 70 percent.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/20269/image/large-f24a613743b1f06a0a5c82265236ac2a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20269"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/20270/image/large-ce26a28077ee02a47ca55d2f599e8f70.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20270"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/20261/image/large-7ce0939ee84c2e7759ef932882039f0b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20261">The previous Managing Director Roemer Boogaard of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> commented just before her launch, “We are very proud that we are building <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5667" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ngoni58.0m (190'3&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2017">Ngoni</a>,” he said. “Not only because she is <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/577" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dubois Yachts (Company)">Ed</a>’s last superyacht project, but also because she is a perfect example of innovative design, efficiency in tandem with simplicity, performance without compromising accommodation, clever engineering and bold styling – she is going to be stunning and iconic. We like to think that Ed would have been as proud as we are.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/20255/image/large-2ef7982685068f1d4344ef3bdb1a56c6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20255"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/20259/image/large-15f7ecf77a26cc0e2545a216bbaa73a8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20259">The sailing yacht for sale can accommodate as many as six guests between her three guest cabins.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/19111/image/large-3a94bb144867f850b485e4b0f241436f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/19111">

Sailing yacht Ngoni for sale

The one of a kind super sailing yacht Ngoni is now on the market, for the first time since her delivery in 2017.

Royal Huisman’s super sailing yacht Ngoni on the market for the first time 

The latest edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper is out now and available for purchase. This issue we’re excited to be shining the spotlight on the sailing yachts of the world - from discussing design with the creators of the most technical regatta-favourites, to exploring the thrills of sailing yacht ownership with two passionate sailors.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/34353/image/large-8d7094fffbc382f5fbe4c31361df302a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/34353">When you look at the dwindling numbers of new build sailing superyachts or, indeed, the number of quality sailing vessels on the brokerage market, you would be forgiven for thinking that the sailing industry is in trouble. This issue has taught us that it certainly isn’t doom and gloom when looking to the future of the sailing yacht market, however.&nbsp;Many of the designers we’ve spoken to for this issue agree, stating that some of the most exciting developments in the world of yachting are coming from the sailing sector. Within our first pages we take a look at Oceanco’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.0m (347'9&quot;)">Black Pearl</a> and Royal Huisman’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/48296" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="In Pictures: Royal Huisman turns its largest hull to date (2018-03-23 15:30:00 +0100)">Project 400</a> - &nbsp;clear demonstrations that there is, indeed, more innovation than ever when it comes to these technical vessels, proving that sailing does not have to be ‘traditional’, and certainly does not have to be boring.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/30362/image/large-96cea5ddfc18be40910007e485c96008.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/30362"> <img src="/uploads/store/photo/30000/image/large-ff4b1d81478d724dd2f6164a06f8a14f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/30000">Two sailing yacht owners who further prove this point are Paola Trifirò and Tony Todd. With Mrs Trifirò’s latest sailing yacht, the 32.6m Vitters-built <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5917" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ribelle32.64m (107'1&quot;)">Ribelle</a>, she pulled out all the stops to ensure the delivery of not only a high-performance racing yacht, but a luxury home-away-from-home, with all the creature comforts one would want when cruising. Mr Todd, owner of the Custom Baltic 112 Liara currently in build at the Finnish yard, further proves this point, incorporating the very best technical innovations onboard for a yacht that will perform in regattas but, most importantly, will host himself and his wife on an extensive, comfortable trip around the world.&nbsp;IN THIS ISSUEOwnership - Paola Trifirò, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5917" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ribelle32.64m (107'1&quot;)">Ribelle</a>&nbsp; Ownership - Tony Todd, Baltic 112 Liara in build Designing Sailing Superyachts: Philippe Briand, Andre Hoek, German Frers, Malcolm McKeon Market - 10 Questions with Burgess’ Jonathan Beckett Closer Look - Royal Huisman’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5667" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ngoni58.0m (190'3&quot;)">Ngoni</a> Construction - Richard Hadida comments on what’s next for Oyster Yachts Construction - The future of Perini Navi Construction - Rebuilding Classics: Looking at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5491" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.62m (129'12&quot;)">Endeavour</a> 30 years on And more!&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/34357/image/large-970c4d3f34e045ddf5617ecadefc978b.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/34357"> <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title=""><img src="/uploads/store/photo/23641/image/large-5807815e2703721ae6618b7a54d59cdb.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23641"></a> So, luxury cruisers, high-performance super speed demons, and everything in between, the sailing sector is an industry with a lot to give to clients. Without further ado, <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">order your issue now</a> and jump into this special sailing edition of the SuperYacht Times.

Latest edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper shines the spotlight on sailing

With the delivery of Ngoni, Royal Huisman once again proved themselves worthy as a world leader in the creation of custom super sailing yachts. Unlike anything to come out of the Dutch shipyard’s sheds, Ngoni carries a one-off stamp never to be repeated in the industry. An example of world-class design, fine craftsmanship and intelligent engineering with this Beast, what you see is what you get: pure, raw, unrestricted power.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/19112/image/large-fec88821b3f8110d5c97f561ace5e4d9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/19112">What has become a brand in its own right as a result of the extreme interest received by sailing enthusiasts around the world, the name Ngoni may originate from a world completely opposite to that of the the luxury yachting scene, but at the same time perfectly carries the identity of the ship and what she is about. Taken from the Nguni clan’s members today residing in south-central Africa, these tribes were known for their fierce warriors, brute strength and cunning tactics out on the battlefield – all of which are personalities that have been engrained in Ngoni’s personality through her all-star build and design team.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/20256/image/large-a492c3668674190d0f40ec09091492c7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20256">The design itself is one that will be envied by other owners for the rest of time. As Ed Dubois’ last work, the yacht represents a special significance for anyone lucky enough to have met the biggest name in super sailing yacht design and an individual that has been paramount to the advancements made in this field of luxury yachting. Certainly one of his most daring designs - together with the 66-metre sloop Aglaia (now Anatta) - Ngoni demands attention no matter from which angle she is viewed.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/20257/image/large-296b921140e8fbd7815b2becbf0e6c8b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20257">Along with Royal Huisman and Dubois Naval Architects, the remaining build team members include long-time captain and owner’s representative Lain Cook and project manager and former America’s Cup sailor Godfrey Cary. With a combination of valuable owner experience and race-course know-how, these two served as the tip of the Ngoni spear during the build operations while working with the experienced Royal Huisman team.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/19111/image/large-3a94bb144867f850b485e4b0f241436f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/19111">For the interior of the project, the owner’s go-to custom furniture design house, Rick Baker Ltd was given an opportunity that put them in slightly deeper waters than what they are accustomed to. As Rick Baker and Paul Morgan’s first superyacht project, the team was given the task to design the interior of Ngoni according to the layout provided by Dubois and Huisman. The British studio rose to the challenge and finished guest spaces with a high level of luxury in a fun and quirky way set to match the contemporary style of Dubois’ exterior.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/19110/image/large-9f345745a54dd266e5a80bf1928254c6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/19110">In many ways, for all involved in the project, Ngoni was a balancing exercise in realising the experienced owner’s vision. Racecourse performance with long-range comfort, high-tech components that are reliable and low maintenance, a sleek design with plenty of hidden storage and added amenities – it all came down to the expertise of the respective engineering and design teams with a little bit of real-world advice from the project management side to make it all work.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/19114/image/large-dda877c49eee1a69f0efc90b2e82cb7f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/19114">Not forgetting the beautifully sculpted double-curved glass deckhouse or stylish swept tail transom, the single most distinguishing feature of Ngoni’s exterior has got to be the reverse sheer of the bow which not only acts as an ultra cool styling feature but, as the Dubois team found out during initial structural analysis, provides increased strength to this vulnerable part of the ship. This vital boost in rigidity gave the naval architects and designers the confidence to cut several large hull and deck openings and mount a 75-metre-high carbon sloop rig on such a slender hull whilst keeping everything in position and performing at its peak at any angle of attack.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/20260/image/large-fa57cb9996ded87830193e2fb5e40b50.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20260"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/20259/image/large-15f7ecf77a26cc0e2545a216bbaa73a8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20259">Controlling such a beast requires precision and that is exactly what her crew have at their disposal via each helm station. Pieces of art in their own right, from here Ngoni’s crew have look out over a clean deck and low profile deckhouse with excellent visibility over all manoeuvres on deck and any surrounding boats in the water ahead. Dangling just above is the 24-metre performance furling boom with a curved tail that echoes the style of Ngoni’s curved stern.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/20262/image/large-72969d13abb3a9001eac9dd252ab01e1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20262">In addition to a comfortable aft-facing seating space in the aft cockpit, there is a spa pool on the foredeck along with another large deck opening where Ngoni’s tender is stowed in.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/19109/image/large-8d29d2b0c989facd5beef4557586d041.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/19109">The sunken main cockpit provides a stylish sheltered retreat from both the sun and wind and becomes the perfect hideout for those looking to be outside when underway. Small retractable sliding glass panels close the gaps between the deckhead and superstructure to create a wind-free area for dining at anchor.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/20264/image/large-7ce482afb138abf69711a9db2c7f0cfb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20264"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/20266/image/large-e3bf5d5ccb94b658b04e0ad0cc5aea7b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20266">Moving into the saloon, one notices the single-level entrance that is revealed as the glass doors slide open. No toe-bumping or head-hitting obstructions here, just one uninterrupted inviting space that looks over the salon, past the observation lounge and onto the foredeck.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/20265/image/large-55f3a44cd9a692586cdb3a64ecc09a3d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20265">The masculine style of the interior is offset by the gentle curves of the surrounding glass windows and touches of vibrant colour which becomes even more apparent as one heads below deck. “The use of vivid resins, combined with sculpted metal surfaces, was to give an overall fluid feel throughout, however, each area was to retain its own design identity,” comments Rick Baker.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/20269/image/large-f24a613743b1f06a0a5c82265236ac2a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20269">Skylights in the deckhouse create a dramatic scene as the soft sunset light filters through.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/20270/image/large-ce26a28077ee02a47ca55d2f599e8f70.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20270">A central spiral staircase to port leads down to the accommodation deck where a full beam master suite, a twin and a double guest cabin awaits. The owner’s brief asked for a flowing and curvy interior that did not conform to traditional standards. Rick Baker’s approach to the process hit the mark with an abstract, yet functional, use of space. Royal Huisman’s in-house team of craftspeople gave life to this design from manufacturing to assembly and detailing.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/20272/image/large-c038d42b00c10d19b5407fc0dddcc7b1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20272"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/20273/image/large-17db0b9db23c5c61cba0260fb13718c4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20273">The master suite, located right below the two helm stations, has its own private staircase to starboard and puts the owner in the heart of the action on deck at a moment's notice without having to pass any guest spaces.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/20277/image/large-0b5809495e247d8b4ce196a6745170b4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20277"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/20278/image/large-730045871575f96715ca07dcdd9ce9b2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20278">Separating the master suite and the two guest staterooms is a private study area to port and a workout area on the starboard side. A large eye-level porthole provides fresh air during workouts and a stunning view during an early morning rowing session.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/20274/image/large-f4708cb56c240ac80d42899a84caffb4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20274"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/20276/image/large-fdc7b4b9a2fdc426505120f8a76fe8ea.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20276">As guests get ready to depart the yacht for a fun night on the town, Ngoni’s crew easily prepare a side boarding platform that is connected to the deck via a self-levelling passarelle.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/20261/image/large-7ce0939ee84c2e7759ef932882039f0b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/20261">Photos by Jeff Brown / Breed Media

Superyacht of the Week: Noble Ngoni

2017 has been a good year in terms of large sailing yacht launches with 16 sailing superyachts taking to the water over the last 12 months. Here we look at just some of the most notable of those yachts.SevenPerini Navi’s 60-metre sailing yacht Seven was the largest launch in this market segment of 2017. She became the 62nd vessel to be completed by the Italian brand and follows in the footsteps of 60-metre sisterships Seahawk and Perseus3. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/11840/image/large-66d64410d3e854020fd57a9a2c675c30.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/11840">Get to know Seven better, <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/launched-perini-navi-s-60m-sailing-yacht-seven-in-the-water" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here</a>.NgoniIn March this year, Royal Huisman prepared its new 58-metre full aluminium yacht, Ngoni for launch at the shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands. Her eye-catching plumb bow, sleek glass deckhouse and sloping aft staircase are just some of the exciting exterior features of the yacht.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/7092/image/large-305d5e95dda9bc89c321b21a55278e0c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/7092">Learn more about Ngoni <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/superyachts/ngoni-58m/news" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here</a>.Pink Gin VIA milestone in sailing yacht building was accomplished this year when the largest carbon fibre sloop was launched at Baltic Yachts in Finland in April. Shortly after the launch, Pink Gin&nbsp;was stepped with her 68-metre-high carbon sloop rig which was built by Rondal in the Netherlands.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/10733/image/large-7541a6438529a7bc91c05847067c8741.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/10733">Get a closer look on board <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/superyachts/pink-gin-vi/news" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here</a>.RibelleAnother full carbon launch from this year was the 32.6-metre Vitters sailing yacht, Ribelle. Her contemporary design is that of Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design with Rémi Tessier responsible for the interiors on board.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/13339/image/large-25d19fc9f03f456807922c38163746b9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/13339">More about Ribelle <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/superyachts/ribelle/news" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here</a>.TangoThe latest Wally sailing yacht, Tango, was launched in the summer of 2017 as the 30.5-metre Mark Mills-designed Wallycento took to the water in Savona. Wally also worked with well-known design house Pininfarina on the race car inspired interior of the project.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/16083/image/large-63a4ee82ffef8e0141bba60fd635ce6b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/16083">See Tango in action <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/superyachts/tango-30m/news" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here</a>.AquariusRoyal Huisman’s 56-metre classic ketch was launched last month, signifying the end of an intensive construction project for the Dutch shipyard. With her old-school exterior from Dykstra Naval Architects, Aquarius is filled with modern day, yet reliable technology that will safely serve the owner on the vessel’s intended world cruises.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/16794/image/large-38b0507fda6e9893acae1c96491e9d22.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/16794">More about Aquarius <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/in-pictures-new-56m-sailing-yacht-aquarius-launched" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here</a>.Svea&nbsp;The only super J Class yacht to be launched in 2017 was the impressive 43.6-metre Vitters sailing yacht Svea. Code named J-S1, Svea was built using the original drawings by Tore Holm from 1937 which was redesigned and updated by Hoek Design.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/4241/image/large-d0c58bd43e773ef37ed8072414c49339.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/4241">See Svea <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/superyachts/svea-44m/news" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here</a>.Lot99Nautor launched its first Swan 95 S sailing yacht in May this year as a high-performance yacht with exceptional cruising capabilities. The Finish shipyard worked with German Frers on the design of Lot99 that was created for live-aboard conditions as well as good racecourse performance. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/19092/image/large-371d9fe2d7f8dd019a08fbf64637ec55.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/19092">See Lot99 in action <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/superyachts/lot99/news" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here</a>.Sorceress&nbsp;From the stormy waters around Cape Point came a new sailing yacht named Sorceress this year from South African builder Southern Wind. Sorceress is the first of her kind in the shipyard’s new cruiser-racer SWS96 mini series which was built for an experienced sailor. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/7410/image/large-822713e55377311540f9b96d998823cd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/7410">Everything about Sorceress <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/superyachts/sorceress/news" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here</a>.

The super sailing yachts of 2017

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/166460/image/large-4c557404f112a8f12f3628e22bf8fb90.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/166460">

Boadicea, Garçon and Ngoni in Beaulieu sur Mer, France

Recently seen anchored together outside Beaulieu sur Mer in the South of France are the three Dutch-built superyachts Boadicea, Garçon, and Ngoni. Nearly two decades separate these vessels, each built with vastly different purposes. Boadicea was launched at Amels in 1999 and has undergone several refits and rebuild stages since then to keep her looking as new. To the right of her is the multifunctional yacht support vessel Garçon which is well known to supply the 87-metre Lürssen motor yacht, Ace with tender, crew, provisioning and air support when needed. In the foreground is Royal Huisman’s brand new 58-metre sailing yacht Ngoni. This high-tech machine is the design work of the late Ed Dubois and was launched in April this year, now cruising the Med for the first time.

Three Dutch superyachts on the French Rivera

Since her launch in April this year, Royal Huisman’s ultra modern 58-metre sailing yacht Ngoni has been undergoing harbour and sea trials in the Netherlands ahead of her delivery this summer.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fE2X6PqstuQ" width="560"></iframe>

The Ed Dubois-designed sloop is fitted with a single full-carbon Rondal mast that rises a staggering 71 metres into the air. Attached to this is a custom in-boom furler that is designed to carry a square-head main sail by North Sails.

The video gives us a glimpse of Ngoni’s interior that has been styled by Rick Baker and Paul Morgan which clearly matches that yacht’s bold and innovative exterior.

Video: on board sailing yacht Ngoni during sea trials

Earlier this week, Royal Huisman moved its hyper-modern 58-metre sailing yacht project known as The Beast outside of its build shed for the first time since construction started in January 2015. Nearly ready to set sail, Ngoni is expected to be launched soon with her mast to be stepped and final outfitting to take place ahead of her much anticipated first sea trials out on the North Sea.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/164769/image/large-9242d01e197d61571a9daea72b392400.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/164769">

Designed by the late Ed Dubois, Royal Huisman is very aware of the influence this project will have not only on the shipyard itself, but indeed the entire industry. Managing Director Roemer Boogaard explains: “We are very proud that we are building Ngoni,” he says. “Not only because she is Ed’s last superyacht project, but also because she is a perfect example of innovative design, efficiency in tandem with simplicity, performance without compromising accommodation, clever engineering and bold styling – she is going to be stunning and iconic. We like to think that Ed would have been as proud as we are.”

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/164770/image/large-a3e679500afee4ed9e6db96ecb9e845f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/164770">

Ngoni’s aluminium hull is styled with a dramatic plumb bow on top of which a sleek and streamlined deckhouse is placed. Her expansive foredeck houses a hidden tender garage and a spa pool near the base of the mast. Her lines converge at the stern where a grand staircase leads down to the swim platform.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/164771/image/large-aff0fd06f5949b65201f08627a1ee25e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/164771">

The yacht is to be fitted with a single full-carbon Rondal mast that rises a staggering 71 metres into the air. Attached to this is a custom in-boom furler that is designed to carry a square-head main sail by North Sails. Holding the mast in place is a carbon fibre rigging system by Carbo-Link – a performance option that provides a drastic weight saving of nearly 70 percent.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/164772/image/large-8776a19bb76f6284fd1f9e3b902bdf66.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/164772">

Two submarine anchors and a fully retractable bow thruster ensures a clean profile below the waterline. An impressive lifting keel milled from solid aluminium is able to support nearly 100 tonnes of fin and lead bulb weight.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/164773/image/large-c1307aa6210c390e8755cdfe12c344bb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/164773">

The yacht's interior styling is by Rick Baker and Paul Morgan and is said to match the boldness and innovation of Ngoni’s exterior.

58m sailing yacht Ngoni revealed for first time

Think of quality, custom-crafted, Dutch-built sailing yachts and Royal Huisman immediately springs to mind. Operating at the top of a fiercely competitive market segment driven by owners in search of the latest in innovation, comfort, and safety, and, indeed, one that is facing the struggles of a declining interest from today’s pool of superyacht owners, one can truly understand why the shipyard’s overpowering can-do attitude has become so important. To, not only survive, but also excel in this sector and retain its pedigree that is echoed in the Royal stamp of approval that the shipyard carries, Royal Huisman has adapted to and managed to breach the field of superyacht refits like no other Dutch yard has. We met up with the team that is keeping this ship pointing in the right direction to uncover the latest developments in the former fishing town of Vollenhove.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/164225/image/large-a9589683d3b60d1a51b7531ae60c2dd6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/164225">

It’s a surprisingly sunny and pleasant December morning as I am guided through the bustling build and assembly halls of the Royal Huisman shipyard. This is what Santa’s workshop must look like, I tell myself, as we enter the in-house carpentry division and hit by that familiar, warming smell of timber. The shipyard is in overdrive. Two new-build projects need to be delivered within the next 12 months and the start of the facility’s largest undertaking yet, the recently-signed 81-metre Project 400, is just around the corner.

It wasn’t always like this, though, when operations first started in the town of Ronduite in 1884. For three generations, the company spent its time constructing wooden sailing boats for the region’s fisherman. Like many shipyards in the area, when the Zuiderzee was cut off and the fishing industry virtually disappeared overnight, the company started to shift their focus to recreational vessels and yachts. The sailing yacht racing scene was next with projects commissioned to compete in the Whitbread Round the World Race (now Volvo Ocean Race), and it was Wolter Huisman - the grandson of Royal Huisman’s founder and face of the company for several decades - who steered the company to set its sights firmly on the luxury yachting scene, with tens of sail and motor yachts delivered to date.

The Huisman name was at the centre of this operation for over a century and it has only been over the last few years that the family has stepped back from the day-to-day running of the shipyard and taken on a more ambassadorial role. Today the face of the company is carried through the shipyard staff and family of Royal Huisman owners, according to Managing Director, Roemer Boogaard. “The face of Royal Huisman was and will always be the workforce of the shipyard, who all share the same passion for perfection. Together with the owners and their teams we create exceptional yachts, that are unique in their design and quality.”

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/164226/image/large-cbbec082020d8167f852cfca68f42d96.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/164226">

2017 will be a busy year for the shipyard as two quite different 50+ metre sailing yachts will be rolling out of its sheds. The first, Ngoni. This ‘Beast’ measuring 58-metres is set to be one of the most anticipated yachts of the year with her next-level onboard systems and racing-attack prowess. The legendary Ed Dubois designer tag she wears will make her all the more special - a fact that Boogaard is very much aware of. “We are very proud that we are building Ngoni,” he says. “Not only because she is Ed’s last superyacht project, but also because she is a perfect example of innovative design, efficiency in tandem with simplicity, performance without compromising accommodation, clever engineering and bold styling – she is going to be stunning and iconic. We like to think that Ed would have been as proud as we are.”

As important is the signing of the new contemporary schooner project, as she is known to the outside world, or Project 400 amongst shipyard staff. This 81-metre commissioned by an Asian client is set to test Royal Huisman’s engineering team and build crew to the limit. For Commercial Manager, Britta Bunkenburg, it’s a challenge they are ready for but also one she feels the industry is in desperate need of. “It is fantastic news for us. It proves what type of product we are capable of delivering, and that owners trust us to build these types of yachts. But as important, it serves as a positive sign for the state of the sailing yacht market. Motor yachts are dominating the luxury superyacht sector and for a large sailing yacht such as Project 400 to be ordered will certainly have an encouraging effect on the sailing yacht market.”

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/164227/image/large-868cc93083283832d2e8a37577ed65d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/164227">

Boogaard agrees, and openly discusses the shipyard’s plans to protect not only the sailing yacht industry, but also the shipyard’s interests. “The best strategy to increase the market share of sailing yachts is to continue promoting, selling and building sailing yachts. However, as we are all fully aware, the market is indeed changing – the requirements for a yacht are now different which has impacted the purchasing behaviour. As a shipyard we try to adapt to these changes without forgetting our heritage.”

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/164228/image/large-84da66eaef8f29b31511977e6ef663ae.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/164228">

One of these adaptations is the establishing of a dedicated after sales and refit department catered not only to the Royal Huisman fleet, but indeed any yacht, motor or sail, wishing to receive a northern European-standard superyacht makeover. This step was officially taken in 2010 when the mighty 91-metre Lürssen sailing yacht EOS arrived at Huisfit for the first time for an intensive period of maintenance and cosmetic works. The 72-metre motor yacht Skat soon followed and the shipyard’s skills were proven when the Atlantic speedster, Mari-Cha IV, emerged last year from an intensive rebuild as the stealthy Samurai.

Today Huisfit has become a vital part of the business for Royal Huisman, and although humbly deemed an in-house service by the company, has truly grown to become recognised as a brand on its own.

These organic developments over the past five years would naturally lead to room for expansion at some point, and the recently-announced deep water facility access in Emden, Germany, is a result of that growth. The man in charge of Huisfit operations, Bert Tromp, tells us more. “It was at the 2015 Monaco Yacht Show when the team of Emden Dockyard came to us and spoke about the location. Soon after we received an enquiry from Athena who was interested in a possible refit. This made us consider the offer from Emden and we visited the shipyard. We were very impressed by the facilities.”

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/164229/image/large-8ec5f5a7819cb279018df0db4566e1f3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/164229">

So impressed, in fact, that six months later Huisfit now holds exclusive access to over 300,000 square metres of facility space that includes two enormous dry docks able to accommodate vessels well over 120 metres in length and covered refit facilities. But as Tromp explains, it was a combination of elements that made the decision to partner with Emden a no-brainer. “We did our research in the Netherlands,” he says. “We looked at a few locations but none ticked all the boxes, and we would be limited in some form at each of the sites we visited. Emden offers us nearly unrestricted capabilities. Not only in terms of space, but also the ability to cater to more than one project at a time along with much needed planning security. With the rising demand which we have been receiving at Huisfit, we felt that having that security that allows us to operate with complete flexibility was crucial.”

But was ‘exporting’ the trusted Royal Huisman brand across the border ever an issue? “It was never a hindrance, no,” explains Bunkenburg. “The location, first of all, is the same distance as reaching certain areas within the Netherlands. In today’s age the borders between countries, especially in northern Europe, are so fluid. All operations will be overseen and largely carried out by the Royal Huisman team, and the surrounding area allows us to draw on a very large pool of highly skilled sub-contractors to deliver a northern European service.”

This article was featured in the SuperYacht Times newspaper. Subscribe <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">now</a> and never miss another issue.

<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank"><img alt="[no-lb]" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/164230/image/large-83f5864fc7d476ceaaeafdf114b98bee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/161506"></a>

Insight: Why 2017 is the year of Royal Huisman

First introduced during the 2014 Monaco Yacht Show as ‘the Beast’, the 58 metre sailing yacht now known as Ngoni is well under way at Royal Huisman’s shipyard in Vollenhove with just under a year to her launch date arrives in spring 2017. Royal Huisman have opened its sheds to the industry for the first time since construction started in January 2015 to get a glimpse on the current state of the project.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/164531/image/large-fd9df705d700685845c66968fdc97afc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/164531">

Designed by the late Ed Dubois, Ngoni reflects the owner’s intense pursuit of speed as well as true ocean-going cruising in absolute luxury. As said in his own words: “I want to get off the wheel after a day of sailing feeling completely knackered from the excitement of hands-on fast sailing,” this is one owner not afraid to get involved in the action.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/164532/image/large-6bc607b702183e961391fd804325347b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/164532">

Ngoni’s aluminium hull is styled with a dramatic plumb bow on top of which a sleek and streamlined deckhouse is placed. Her expansive foredeck houses a hidden tender garage and a spa pool near the base of the mast. Her lines converge at the stern where a grand staircase leads down to the swim platform.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/164533/image/large-f21b2c36c2bb40b23b46374de000fe25.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/164533">

The yacht is to be fitted with a single full-carbon Rondal mast that rises a staggering 71 metres into the air. Attached to this is a custom in-boom furler that is designed to carry a square-head main sail by North Sails. Holding the mast in place is a carbon fibre rigging system by Carbo-Link – a performance option that provides a drastic weight saving of nearly 70 percent.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/164534/image/large-a7f8f2d235f0cf5de1e7392b9c4152e5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/164534">

Two submarine anchors and a fully retractable bow thruster ensures a clean profile below the waterline. An impressive lifting keel milled from solid aluminium is able to support nearly 100 tonnes of fin and lead bulb weight.

<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRoyalHuisman%2Fvideos%2F1052581998152749%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="560"></iframe>

Details of the interior styling by Rick Baker and Paul Morgan are currently restricted, but is expected to match the boldness and innovation of Ngoni’s exterior. “When you look at our past projects it is very noticeable – aside of company standards – that none look or behave alike. Instead, they exemplify the nature of bespoke yacht building,” says Alice Huisman.

Build update: Royal Huisman’s 58m sailing yacht Ngoni

Dubois Naval Architects, founded in 1977, has been at the centre of world yacht design for many years. I met up with Ed Dubois, at the Monaco Yacht Show, where his latest project, a 58 metre sailing yacht with Royal Huisman, was unveiled.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151186/image/large-15447a9806f7d931b148f1e25073a6f2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/142310">You started your career in the mid-70s as a naval architect. Was styling already part of your job?Yes, I loved the look of boats from age, well, nothing. It was the look of boats was as interesting to me as the hydrodynamics, both were equally compelling. I always wanted to design boats which were pretty, and I used to design model boats to begin with. I lived in south London, and designed and built model racing yachts which were taller than me, and sailed them around the pond in Kensington Gardens, which was built in the Victorian era for model boat racing. It’s huge. So I used to sail in there, and it’s only three foot deep.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151187/image/large-e81db5c08193786ba8773153dc18730f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/151187">So I was designing model boats when I was seven, eight, nine years old, and didn’t actually sail or get in to a proper sailing boat until I was ten. So it was a compelling thing. I’ve got three sisters, and they used to call me the ‘boat bore’. We’re a musical family. My father was a pianist, and he made his children into musicians. There was no boating background, I don’t know how I got into it. My mother was in the navy in the Second World War - she could actually speak to me in German Morse code because she was listening to German submarines. But she thought boats were a good thing, and I think she encouraged my interest.What made you decide to set up your own company?I was desperate to design boats which won the major offshore races. Olin Stevens was my hero as a designer, and I knew he’d done it and I just thought it was the natural thing to do.When did you expand it, bringing the brokerage part into the business as well?That was much later, that was 2001. That wasn’t really something I necessarily wanted to do, but we were encouraged to do it by some of my repeat clients who said, you know, you design the boats, you see them being built, you know them. I said, yes, that may be, but I didn’t really want to do brokerage. Then we found ourselves helping the brokers sell the boats I had designed as a duty to our repeat clients. We were spending a lot of time helping, and actually it was getting in the way of designing boats, so we decided to create Dubois Yachts Ltd, the specialist Dubois charter and brokerage company, a sister to Dubois Naval Architects.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151188/image/large-4c4a628aad842190bdb489a8157404aa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/142131"> Is there not a conflict of interest, being a designer, and a broker?I’m not – I’m a designer, I’m not a broker. I have a broker who manages Dubois Yachts and it’s run independtly of the design studio. We’re not competing with the other brokers, we’re working hand in hand with them, and if they have a boat which I designed and they want some help technically, we can do that. The brokerage business was very successful in the boom years between 2001 and 2007, and then it clipped away. We kept it going as a service to our clients, and look forward to building it up again in the coming 12 months.Looking at your designs, you can always tell when a yacht is by your hand. Is that something your clients ask for?Our first superyacht was Aquell II in 1986, 1987, and that was a very different look at the time. We developed that style because I liked it, but it happened to strike a chord with our client base too. It is important to me that people recognise our style. I see the design of Dubois yachts as architecture on the water.You also don’t want to do interior design?I don’t want to do interior styling. But we are responsible for the interior space planning on Dubois yachts. The styling, I’m not really trained to do that. I might do it later, I don’t know, the industry already has many interior experts..You’ve built so many sailing yachts. Does that help you when you’re designing a motor yacht?With space planning and styling. Motor yacht hulls are simpler than sail boat hulls, but they nevertheless are a lovely thing to draw.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151189/image/large-1c5f1c15ec84f91b37c4a1fa1338900c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/151189">You’ve just done Como and there is another 46 metre under construction at Feadship, project Mandarin. A while ago there was also a 90 metre which you released?That’s right, that’s for a potential client who has at the moment gone on hold, so that is not happening yet.<strong style="text-align: -webkit-center; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; background-image: none;"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151190/image/large-1dd80238868c0dcdd05bc08a5279bcb2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/144834">I can imagine that a motor yacht that size with the volume and the extra work that creates, has a great impact on your studio?Not really. No more impact than doing a 50 metre. It’s a space planning exercise and as you get bigger, yes there are more opportunities, but I don’t think it occupies too much more time.There’s been talk for a long time of a 100 metre sailing yacht you have designed. I don’t think the sale has been signed yet?No, it hasn’t. The owner is well-known to us, he has paid for all the research and development and it’s a big project. He’s waiting for the right time. He’s quite able to press the button himself, but there are other issues involved there. It may well happen towards the end of this year.Is a boat that size with a rigging that size still something you would encourage clients to do? Does it not get too big?In 1987 everybody told us we were crazy doing a boat that was 37 metres long, which was Aquel II. Now 37 metres is considered small to most<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151191/image/large-2a524cc5ca968d129a26395ef9bc317c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/151191">You must receive a lot of invitations to sailing events around the world. How do you decide which events to attend?The regatta scene has exploded, it’s true, I remember doing the St Barths Bucket in the year 2000 and there were just four boats. It was one race around the island, and in fact one boat went around the wrong way, but they gave him a prize for originality. It was so relaxed and charming. Now as you know its 40 boats plus, the boats are becoming more and more competitive. I follow the regatta scene because I enjoy it, my roots are in racing. Some people with some justification say to race these big boats is slightly crazy, nevertheless it’s there so we have to do it. I love the competition. We’re all alpha male types, and we all want to win.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151192/image/large-6d448783e2519d5ff3ce6ceba78d4511.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150791">Your latest project at Royal Huisman reminded me of Aglaia with the curved windows. Was that something the client had seen and liked?<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151193/image/large-f425f20f0a9cdac6a7c31091e67aa6f1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/151193">Aglaia was a big statement, and that was what that particular client wanted. I put my own take on that, the client has given me free range to do that, but the real thing with the new design we’ve done with Huisman is we’ve put an inflected sheer on it.Think of a bridge. The centre will always be higher, not lower, so the bricks are compressing as you put the load on it. It’s the same with the molecules in whatever material you’re using. I did just that with the boat I was designing in June this year. You’re always worrying about longitudinal strength, particularly when they’re jumping off waves and you’re suddenly supported by the ends, with nothing in the middle and there’s 100 ton of keel and a mast pushing down. It’s a massive load. Then you make it worse by cutting out big holes in the deck to put the tenders in and so on, you’re taking all of that material out of the deck which is where you want the material. So I thought we must fight this. Aglaia needed a lot of metal to add strength. When I ran the calculations on this boat with the inflected sheer, there was a 12% increase in stiffness with no more material and no more weight. We were even able to take some weight out of the structure by doing this, and still keep enough stiffness.What did the client say when he saw it?The client just loved that look. He wanted us to design the boat, and we had a design underway. But inspired, I went into the studio one Sunday afternoon and altered the sheer line. I presented that design to him a week later and he said, that’s it. That’s when he signed the contract with Royal Huisman.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151194/image/large-b877f785672b1e87f3250e6dce5df917.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/151194">What can we expect from you in the future?More. We’ve got some new talent in the team - two young guys.I’m no longer young but I’m fit and healthy, I’m excited about bringing up a younger team. I’ve also got Peter Bolke in the studio who has been with me for 22 years, he’s fantastic. He has charge of the operation under me. So more of the same in the future, and bigger and better.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/G6Uo5Fmfjso" width="560"></iframe> You are the name of the company. Have you ever thought about what happens if you retire or sell the company?I don’t want to do that, but of course those possibilities are always there. I’m not planning on doing that just yet, I love it. I’ve been doing it since 1975, we launched the first boat on May 1st 1976, so that’s 38 years ago.It’s my life. There are plans for the future of Dubois and I’m not planning on disappearing any time soon.Dubois Naval Architects Reference list of delivered yachts so far:2014 <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4573">Escapade</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5632">Como</a>2013 <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4019">Ganesha</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4242">Mondango 3</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3847">Encore</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2495">Twilight</a>2012 <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3355">Ohana</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3401">Loretta Anne</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3617">Penelope</a>2011 <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2519">Turquoise</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2631">Aglaia</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1782">Sarafin</a>2010 <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2463">Zefira</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/796">Twizzle</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1626">Lady B</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1625">Kokomo</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2532">Imagine</a> Damahwil <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1638">Bliss</a>2009 <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1684">Salperton</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/401">Mondango 2</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2284">Nostromo</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2972">Masteka 2</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/146">Valquest</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3401">Tats</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4577">Alcanara</a>2008 <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/495">Inmocean</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/583">XOS</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/66">Red Dragon II</a>2007 <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/494">Artemis</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/22">Nirvana</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/409">Polly</a>2006 <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2011">Ganesha I</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1226">Prana</a>2005 <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1001">Ad Lib</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1640">Janice of Wyoming</a>2004 <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1218">Ludynosa. G</a> Genuine Risk <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1892">Drumbeg</a> Margaret Ann <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/721">Tiara</a>2003 <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2098">Moonbird</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1483">SQN</a>2002 <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/227">Drumbeat</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3813">Espiritu Del Xarey</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2143">Destination</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/821">Squall</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1521">KOO</a>2001 <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/842">Silvertip</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1323">Silver Dream</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1454">Timoneer</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/994">Mosaique</a>2000 <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/411">Nuberu Blau</a>1996 <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/694">Tenaz</a>1995 <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3089">Sovereign</a>1994 <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3065">Caroline I</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1520">Double Trouble</a>1993 <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/766">Genevieve</a>1992 <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3452">Mariposa 3a</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2186">SeaQuell</a>1991 <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1495">Imagine</a> FullPelt <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2670">Eclipse</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1966">La Cattiva</a>1987 <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2671">Philkade</a>By Maarten Janssen

Interview with Ed Dubois

Dubois Naval Architects and Royal Huisman unveiled more details about the latest order at the Dutch shipyard, project Beast. The yacht, which measures 58 metres, features a dramatic sheer line and sculpted bow that offers innovative lines combined with seaworthiness, while a moulded glass superstructure and crisp stern shape add further to the look of what is an inherently progressive design.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150791/image/large-b25ca4a1f28203d23d11ee2dd6708d1e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150791">Tank testing of the yacht, will soon take place at the Wolfson Unit in Southampton, UK, using a 6 metre model.“The bigger the model, the more accurate the results, because you can scale everything except the viscosity of water,” says Dubois. “Our aim is to reduce the wetted surface to minimise drag, while still retaining good stability. The hull lines will be finalised by November following the results of the tank tests.”<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150792/image/large-06da74335769b1f55cdb47ea4aebede3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150792">The yacht will have a 71 metre mast by Rondal, and a high-aspect sail plan.The eclectic interior design is by Rick Baker and Paul Morgan with signature furniture pieces by Francis Sultana.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150793/image/large-68d4fc4adba6c8510da46173aa2ebd5f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150793">“Given their reputation for excellence, Royal Huisman was the owner’s choice of shipyard from the very start,” says Ed Dubois. “This is a thought-provoking design that does not take for granted the marriage of high performance, style and comfort. She’s a design that marks a fresh and progressive turning point in our long and successful history. This is some yacht, inspired by a client looking for the next new, new thing; a dream project for both designer and shipyard.”"A great client, a great design team, and a great project,” confirms Alice Huisman. “Everything about this project has our name on it: Royal Huisman is the perfect fit for every aspect of the project and the requirements to build it.”<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150794/image/large-5c36544c36c41dc6a59960487e6218f3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150794">“The owner is a highly experienced yachtsman and offshore racing sailor,” says Ed Dubois. “He wanted a high-performance, go-anywhere cruising yacht that not only looks excitingly different, but is also beautifully built and luxuriously comfortable.”By Maarten Janssen, photos by Justin Ratcliffe and Hans Westerink