The world's tallest sloop: Royal Huisman builds a superlative sailing yacht
The yacht designed by Malcolm McKeon, build number 411, will have the highest slip rig in the world. An experienced owner and his team designed the giant for self-sufficient and worldwide cruising, in keeping with the shipyard's mission to deliver "the ultimate expression of personal freedom". McKeon's contemporary styling features a negative stem for a maximised waterline and a flybridge for spacious open-air living. Large expanses of glass and folding balconies ensure guests stay connected to the sea.
Project "Noir" has a 14 metre long tender on board, which enables shorter exploratory trips along the coast or the transport of guests and provisions - without having to move the yacht close to a harbour.
The Slup is one of the top 10 sailing yachts in the world
Some of the details of the superyacht are already known: "Noir" is built entirely from aluminium and is powered by electric motors in calm conditions. Royal Husiman subsidiary Rondal is supplying the mast, boom and all sail systems. In keeping with her code name "Noir", the entire deck equipment and all windows will be black.
After its completion in 2026, the aluminium giant will occupy 8th place in the Ranking of the largest sailing yachts occupy. However, with a mast height of 93 metres (305 feet), she is in first place among the highest slips, with her draught exceeding the current highest rigging by around four metres. Only the three-master's carbon fibre main mast, which rises 100 metres into the sky "Sailing Yacht A" (rank 1, top 200) trumps "Noir".
"We are delighted to be building at Royal Huisman again," explained Malcolm McKeon recently. "Having built the 59.7 metre "Sarissa" we designed there, we are very familiar with the shipyard's technical capabilities, innovation and level of craftsmanship."
Superyacht as a gift for the 140th anniversary of the Royal Huisman shipyard
Details about the yacht's interior are still under wraps, but the design is being developed by Barcelona-based GCA Architects, a studio known for its modern approach to residential and commercial buildings. Designer Josep Juanpere Miret reveals only this much: "The interior design will complement the contemporary exterior styling, with woods and other natural materials and textures creating a relaxed and exclusive atmosphere".
Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman is particularly pleased about the project, which coincides with the shipyard's 140th anniversary: "Of the hundreds of ships that our shipyard has delivered in its history, Project 411 is our fourth yacht to be among the top 10 largest sailing yachts in the world."
In addition to Project "Noir", the Dutch are working on two other spectacular new sailing yachts, the world's largest sloop at 85 metres in length, Project 410, with lines and an exterior design by German Frers and an interior by Wetzels Brown Partners from Amsterdam, as well as the 65-metre performance ketch "Aquarius II" designed by Dykstra Naval Architects with an interior by Godfrey Grey.
- Name: Noir
- Construction number: Royal Huisman Project 411
- Project name: Noir
- Type: Performance Slup
- Length: 81m / 264ft
- Construction and exterior designMalcolm McKeon Yacht Design
- Interior design: GCA Architects
- Owner's representative: Occam Marine
- Material: Aluminium
- Rig height: 93m / 305ft
- Rig and sail systems: Rondal
- Shipyard: Royal Huisman
