Royal record breaker

Royal Huisman unveils details of Noir, which will feature the world’s tallest sloop rig.

26 April 2024

Dutch custom superyacht builder Royal Huisman enters record territory again with Noir, an 81-metre sailing yacht with the world’s tallest sloop rig.

Project 411, named Noir, has been conceived by a skilled owner and his team for world cruising and exploration.

The sloop rig on this Malcolm McKeon design will be 93 metres high. The yacht’s profile will feature McKeon’s contemporary styling with a reverse bow for maximum waterline length and a flying bridge for outdoor living space underway.

Noir is specifically sized to carry a 14-metre tender to allow coastal exploration and to transport guests and provisions without repositioning the yacht closer to a harbour.

At the time of launch, Royal Huisman's Twizzle was acclaimed for pushing the limits of what was considered possible for a sailing yacht.

The world's largest sportfishing yacht, the six-deck, Project 406 from Royal Huisman and Vripack yacht design, was delivered in 2024.

With six decks and a high tower, Project 406 is designed for an experienced owner passionate about fishing.

The 93-metre mast height on Noir lifts it to first place for the world’s tallest sloop, exceeding the current tallest rig by about 4 metres.

Details confirmed so far include that Noir will be an all-aluminium construction with auxiliary power supplied by electric drives. Rondal will supply the mast, boom, and integrated sailing system. In keeping with the code name Noir, all the deck gear and windows will be black.

When completed, the yacht will rank among the world’s top 10 largest sailing yachts. However, its 93-metre mast height lifts it to first place for the world’s tallest sloop, with the air draft exceeding the current tallest rig by about 4 metres.

“We are very pleased to be building again at Royal Huisman,” says 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.”

Details of the yacht’s interior are currently under wraps, but GCA Architects of Barcelona, Spain, are developing the design.

Designer Josep Juanpere Miret says the interior will complement the contemporary exterior styling and mix woods and other natural materials and textures for 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,” says CEO Jan Timmerman.

“I am pleased and humbled that we can highlight Royal Huisman’s 140th year of operation with the announcement of such a significant project.

He adds: “Of the hundreds of vessels our shipyard has delivered in its history, Project 411 will be our fourth yacht in the ranks of the world’s top 10 largest sailing yachts.”

royalhuisman.com

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