Royal Huisman to build world’s tallest sailing yacht

Dutch custom superyacht builder Royal Huisman has unveiled details of Project 411, Noir, an 81-metre sailing yacht with the tallest sloop rig in the world.

When completed, Noir will rank among the world’s top ten largest sailing yachts and will feature the world’s tallest sloop rig, rising to 93 metres, with the yacht’s air draft exceeding the current tallest rig by about 4 metres.

M5, designed by yacht designer Ron Holland, is currently the largest single-masted yacht ever built, with a height of 88.5m at the top of its carbon mast.

Noir sailing yacht

Noir’s Malcolm McKeon design will feature McKeon’s contemporary styling with a reverse bow for maximum waterline length and a flying bridge for generous outdoor living space underway.

The confirmed details of Noir include its all-aluminium construction and 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 all her windows will be black.

Large areas of glass and folding platforms will keep guests connected to the sea. The yacht will carry a 14-metre tender, allowing coastal exploration and transport of guests and provisions without repositioning closer to a harbour.

“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 said the interior will complement the exterior styling and mix woods and other natural materials and textures for a relaxed yet luxurious 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 Royal Huisman 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.

“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.”

Royal Huisman has nearly completed work on the world’s largest sportfish yacht, Project 406, which has six decks. The yard is also working on an 85m sloop, currently known as Project 410, which is being described as the ‘world’s largest’ and will be delivered in 2025.