Royal Huisman has confirmed that construction of an 81m (266ft) three-masted schooner, said to be the largest aluminium yacht ever build, has begun at its world class yard in Vollenhove, Netherlands.
The project, for an Asian client, is by the joint team of Royal Huisman, Dykstra Naval Architects, designer Mark Whiteley and Bart Kimman of Northrop & Johnson Asia.
Design work has taken a year to complete with Royal Huisman’s largest shipbuilding hall also upgraded as part of the preparations.
Now, the keel has been laid and the building frame for the main deck is under construction.
Features include a newly developed sliding Rondal door with individually operated moving glass panels between the cockpit and interior.
The flybridge steering stations give access to a hydraulically operated crow’s nest for a ride up the main mast and the deck design incorporates a recessed crew tender with the pocket suitable for use as a cockpit after launch. The design of the crew entrance on the foredeck ties in with the looks of the main deckhouse.
The hull has a hard chine and schooner rig is designed for good performance with sea kindliness, stability and comfort.
The carbon rig will be supported by carbon standing rigging. As Thys Nikkels of Dykstra Naval Architects explains, ‘the plumb bow, very long waterline, sleek hull and large sail area will give the yacht the required high speed and good performance’.
The yacht due to be launched in 2020.