Each week, we take a closer look at an outstanding yacht for charter. This week BOAT takes a closer look at the astonishing 81-metre Royal Huisman sailing yacht, Sea Eagle, exploring the features that make her an outstanding member of the charter fleet.
Since her launch in 2020, the 81-metre Sea Eagle has proven to be an extraordinary achievement in design, naval architecture and engineering. Amidst the pandemic, this three-masted schooner departed the shipyard and has seemingly been in constant motion ever since. She has circumnavigated the globe and embarked on epic journeys that would challenge even the most robust explorer yacht. This level of activity would come as no surprise to Dutch shipyard Royal Huisman, however, which aimed to create a practical and powerful sailing yacht that is remarkably comfortable and capable of carrying guests around the world under sail.
It’s this cocktail of credentials that makes Sea Eagle one of the most exciting sailing yachts on the charter market. Exhilarating acceleration that can be easily managed as well as a practical layout that appeals to a wide audience. It wasn’t until 2022, however, that the decision to make the yacht available for charter - and for this, several interior changes were made to make her super charter friendly.
Two years on, Sea Eagle remains as thrilling as ever, participating in regattas, exploring the most remote corners of the globe and consistently delivering exceptional service. This year, the magnificent yacht for charter is bound for New Zealand, where she currently has availability.
Key features
LOA: 81m
Builder: Royal Huisman
Year: 2020
Guests: 10
Crew: 15
Cruising: New Zealand
For 81 metres of aluminium to slice through the water in the way she does, there needs to be a great deal of creativity in the room. In this case, there was no question of that given that the build team consisted of a power pairing of Dykstra Naval Architects and Mark Whiteley Design.
Rigorous testing took place to ensure excellent handling, optimal waterline length and overall composition to get to the project we see today. She comfortably ticks 21.5 knots in a moderate breeze and despite a huge sail area of 2,580 square metres upwind, all three mainsails can easily be hoisted or lowered at once. She can also add another 972 square metres of sail area for off-wind sailing.
“Sea Eagle, although very much a ‘super’ yacht in her proportions, hasn’t lost any sailing performance,” says Tamsin Priestley of the Y.CO charter team. “Yes, she is large and very luxurious, but she can be under sail in no time at all and the thrill is definitely there. The combination of incredible sailing and the perspective it gives on some of the most remote, most beautiful destinations on the planet, with the amazing amenities and great service is unbeatable.”
When she’s not careering around a racing circuit, things are wonderfully relaxed on board - an atmosphere that is well promoted in her styling, which was also created by Mark Whitely.
As guests step on board, they are met by her flush decks and huge outdoor spaces before heading inside the main saloon, which is flooded with natural light. The styling is awash with a coffee and cream colour palate defined as elegant and understated. Spaces are open with plenty of space for gathering the full complement of guests in one place.
Life on board Sea Eagle
Accommodation on board is for 10 guests across five cabins. This includes two principal cabins on the lower deck, a VIP cabin, a double and a twin, as well as a convertible cabin in the gym. Like the rest of the interiors, the styling is light, with wooden touches and pops of blue.
Each morning, the crew will set up a vibrant breakfast buffet on the inside/outside bar on the main deck to kick the day off, whereas intimate dinners can be set up on the swim platform. For those looking for a wellness setup, guests can spend time in the fully equipped gym or have a serene massage on board.
“Sea Eagle is especially unique as a charter opportunity, not only due to her impeccable design and craftsmanship but the onboard experience is truly second to none,” says charter manager Fleur Tomlinson of Y.CO. “The crew are some of the most passionate I’ve come across, committed to excelling and evolving the onboard experience, so that guests – including her repeat charterers - come back each time to something really special, thoughtfully tailored and out of the box.”
Toy box
Windy SLR chase boat (new from 2025)
Jet ski
Wakeboard
Stand-up paddle boards
Kayaks
Seabob
Inflatable Funtube
Nautibuoy teak platforms
Dive gear
Snorkels and fins
E-Foil Flightboard
Electric surfboard
RS Neos dinghys
Kitesurf
Windsurf
Fishing chairs with gear
RYA Training Center with trainers
Where will Sea Eagle be cruising?
Sea Eagle is available for charter with Y.CO with a weekly rate of €550,000. From January to May, the yacht will be available in New Zealand before returning to European waters for a shipyard stint. She will then return to New Zealand and Australia in November where she will remain until March 2026.