Royal Huisman announces contract for record-breaking 81m sailing yacht

Dutch shipyard Royal Huisman has announced that construction will soon begin on an 81-metre sailing yacht codenamed Noir (or Project 411).

The sloop has been conceived by "a skilled owner and his team" and will be used for world cruising with his loved ones and closest friends. Once delivered, the all-aluminium build will rank among the 10 largest sailing yachts in the world.

Designed by Malcolm McKeon, the yacht will feature the world's tallest sloop rig at 93 metres.

Large areas of glass and folding platforms will maintain guests' connection to the sea, while a flybridge will provide generous outdoor living space when underway. In keeping with her namesake, all the deck gear and all her windows will be black. She has also been specifically designed to carry a 14-metre tender, as the owner's brief required coastal exploration and the ability to transport guests and provisions without repositioning the yacht closer to a harbour.

"We are very pleased to be building again at Royal Huisman," said Malcolm McKeon. "Having built our award-winning 59.7-metre Sarissa there, we are well acquainted with the shipyard’s engineering skills, innovations, and the level of craftsmanship."

Her interiors are being developed by GCA Architects of Barcelona, Spain, a firm best known for residential and commercial design. While details are undisclosed, designer Josep Juanpere Miret has said that the interior will complement the sailing yacht's "contemporary exterior" and provide a "relaxed atmosphere".

"The capabilities of Royal Huisman can be seen in various ways, with no doubt the most important proof point being that we are selected by knowledgeable owners as the builder for their incredible and unique yachts. I am pleased and humbled that we can highlight Royal Huisman’s 140th year of operation with the announcement of such a significant project," said CEO Jan Timmerman.

Noir will be equipped with electric drives, while Rondal will supply the mast, boom, and integrated sailing system.

This follows the launch of Royal Huisman's Project 406 in Amsterdam, also known as the world's largest sportfish.