While sailing yachts once dominated the world’s oceans, since the advent of the first motor yachts they have consisted of a shrinking portion of the world’s superyacht fleet. In recent years, however, the tide has begun to turn. With questions of “sustainability” and “eco-efficiency” abuzz across the industry, some yacht owners are weighing up their options and sailing yachts are garnering more interest.Photo: Carlo BaronciniOne shipyard that is synonymous with sailing yacht expertise is Royal Huisman, which puts forward a powerhouse triple threat: the new-build facility of Royal Huisman Vollenhove, Huisfit refit facility in Amsterdam and Rondal, the carbon fibre specialists of international renown. Founded over 135 years ago, Royal Huisman combines its archive of expertise with the pressure cooker of its innovation team which includes its sister Rondal, and the result is a company that not only walks the line between tradition and modernity, but pulls the two together in harmony. The yard also now turns its mind to motor yachts, and as the recent and lauded delivery of the 58.5-metre PHI has demonstrated.Photo: Tom van OossanenWe took a tour of the Vollenhove facility to get a feel for what Royal Huisman has on offer, with six projects currently under development, two of which are motor and one being the world’s longest sloop, there was plenty to see. One thing that unequivocally unifies Royal Huisman projects, both sail and motor, is the uniqueness of each yacht. Currently under construction is Project 404, a 59.7-metre Malcolm McKeon high-performance sloop with a retractable keel; Project 405, a 46.82-metre performance-cruiser sloop by Nauta and Reichel / Pugh that has pioneered the new “Featherlight” hull concept (more on that later); Project 406, a 52-metre sportfisher that will be the largest in the world; Project 407 is the rebuild of the 1930s motor sailor Atlantide; Project 408, the 65m Ketch Aquarius II, and finally Project 410 – the 85m New World Sloop from Frers Design. Photo: Royal HuismanInnovation

Each of these projects offers a unique solution to the owner’s specifications and Project 405 is a case in point for how Royal Huisman is primed to delve into its knowledge and create something special. The owners of 405 came to Royal Huisman looking for…