Is Sky the limit?

Royal Huisman proudly reports that the superyacht Sky is in preparation: a press release mentions the very highest mast for a superyacht, coupled with a retractable keel.

Many of our readers have followed our coverage of the Bayesian’s accident. Besides aspects of seamanship, the very high aluminum mast and the retractable keel seemed to play a role there. Reason enough to contact Royal Huisman. The shipyard spokesman reported that Royal Huisman has been building sailing yacht that obviously meet all classification and stability requirements for many years, and that certainly applies to this high-profile vessel as well. Royal Huisman’s policy is to not comment on other builders, designers and crews. The provisional conclusions in the New York Times provide cause for future consideration and discussion with our readers too: Sky will have a carbon, more lightweight mast and her future owner and crew will surely be focused to close hatches when bad weather can be expected.

The world’s tallest sloop

SKY, a rare opportunity for a visionary owner: a pedigree 81 meter sloop crowned by the world’s tallest mast. Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design developed the ambitious naval architecture and the contemporary, head-turning exterior styling. Winch Design created the elegant and inspiring interior of this super-sized sailing yacht.

The carbon rig by Rondal will have an air draft of 93 meters which equals the towering height of the Statue of Liberty from ground to torch. With the design and the majority of engineering already completed, SKY is ready to build: A Spring 2030 delivery — rather than the customary six or more years for the full process from architect briefings, multiple design meetings until delivery — means SKY turns ambition into ownership easier and sooner.

SKY is created for world cruising with strong sailing performance. Her long waterline, lift keel, full aluminum construction with optimized weight distribution, combined with a powerful Rondal rig, will make SKY a true XXL superyacht. She sails faster than the wind and faster than a similar length motoryacht. At the helm, the controls, integrated sailing system and twin carbon composite rudders will provide the maneuverability and simplicity of a performance sailing yacht under 50m.

The sky is the limit

Royal Huisman’s SKY will have the world’s tallest sloop rig, topping the current record-holder by about 4m Rondal will supply the carbon mast, boom and integrated sailing system for handling her square top sailplan with ease and safety. Her rig will be a defining feature both under sail and at every anchorage. Below deck she can carry a large, 12m tender, plus a crew / rescue tender, two water scooters and additional water sports equipment like sea bobs, bikes, sup boards, kayaks, extensive scuba setup. This wide assortment avoids the need for a separate support vessel.

Future proof

The propulsion is based on electric azimuthing propeller pods and four main generators, which are combined with a battery bank that facilitates for silent, fumeless, zero-emission operation and peak-shaving. The innovative and proven Royal Huisman system architecture – marked with Lloyd’s “Hybrid Power” certificate – will be capable of regenerating energy during sailing.

Source and pictures: Royal Huisman

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