The hull and deck of Rockport Marine's custom, 29-metre sailing yacht known as Project Ouzel have now been joined and moved out of its build shed. Construction of the modern classic sloop was announced in August 2023 and it continues on schedule for its 2025 launch.
With the deck in place, the pilothouse superyacht was manoeuvred back into the building and positioned for the permanent bonding process between the cold-moulded Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar (a technique that Rockport Marine specialises in) wood, carbon fibre hull and foam-cored plywood-fibreglass deck. This combination reduces weight and internal volume and necessitates less framing compared to a traditional, plank-on-frame wooden yacht.
Project Ouzel’s owners are experienced sailors and previous owners of a 20-metre Baltic Yachts build. The brief was for a “modern interpretation of a classic pilothouse cutter”, which was assigned to Langan Design. The project is being overseen by MCM Newport.
Commenting on the construction update, Tom Degremont of Langan Design Partners said: “The hull-to-deck joint is one of the most critical connections on any yacht. The deck will be permanently screwed and glued to the hull structure, so the team at Rockport Marine has been carefully preparing the hull structure by fairing the surfaces at the joint for a sound structural connection. The inner bulwark installation will come next, while the teak cap rail will come later.”
Sam Temple of Rockport Marine also commented on the advancement of the project. He said: “While we know from experience to trust our work, there is always a measure of unfounded anxiety in a large move such as this. Beyond fit, the challenges were to keep the relatively thin deck panel from flexing under its own weight and to tuck the aft end of the deck into the bulwark tumblehome while fitting chainplates through pre-cut holes.
He continued: "All went smoothly almost to the point of dullness—the result of careful planning and excellent help on the rigging side from Cote Crane service. We are excited for the interior and on-deck work this step enables.”
Now that the deck is in place, the deckhouse installation will be the next milestone, where the Mark Whiteley-designed interior will be fitted. It was the designer's work on the 56-metre Aquarius and 36.4-metre Audrey the First that appealed to the owners. Renderings reveal a simple, airy and functional layout with a blend of contemporary and traditional yachting styles in the white-wood panelling, ample portholes and mahogany cabinetry.
According to MCM co-founder and partner Peter Wilson, the design is “a wolf in sheep’s clothing”. Project Ouzel touts a classic sheer line, low-profile deckhouse and generous overhangs while also benefitting from a performance-orientated rig and “modern underbody”, including a high-aspect rudder and contemporary keel.
"The Ouzel team meetings have a high degree of collaboration between engineers, designers, interior architects and the builder," said Rockport Marine president and third-generation boatbuilder Sam Temple. "This is a large and complex project for Rockport, so assembling the correct team around them, including structural engineers, technical experts and mechanical, electrical, mast and rigging specialists is the key to success. It is a true esprit d'equipe."
Powered by an EPA Tier-3-compliant engine and a “state-of-the-art” hydraulic power pack, Project Ouzel is anticipated to deliver more than 1,000 nautical miles under power at speeds over 10 knots.
Once delivered, the owners plan to use the yacht for exploration and coastal cruising, as well as potentially competing in a regatta at some point in the future.