Royal Huisman, the storied Dutch shipyard known for pushing the boundaries of yacht design and engineering, has achieved a remarkable milestone in its 140-year history. The prestigious shipyard has successfully turned the hull of what will soon be the world’s largest sloop, a groundbreaking 85-meter (280-foot) yacht known as Project 410. This highly secretive project, which is shrouded in mystery and awe, represents the pinnacle of modern yacht design and engineering.
The hull turning of the Project 410 New World Sloop is not just another milestone; it is a monumental achievement that highlights Royal Huisman’s enduring commitment to innovation and excellence. This massive aluminum hull, stretching an impressive 61 meters (200 feet) in length, was carefully maneuvered out of the shipyard’s construction hall in Vollenhove, The Netherlands. The delicate operation involved lifting the hull mid-air using four cranes and turning it upright over a nearby canal—a logistical feat that underscores the complexity and scale of this extraordinary vessel.
The hull will now be placed back into Hall 2, which was extended specifically to accommodate this massive project. Here, it will undergo further construction, including the integration of its bow section, which is currently under development. The hull turning marks the transition from structural construction to the intricate process of outfitting, where the yacht will begin to take on its final form with the installation of its onboard systems and luxurious interior.
The Visionaries Behind Project 410
Project 410 is the result of a close collaboration between several of the yachting industry’s most respected names. The yacht’s overall concept, exterior design, and naval architecture are the brainchildren of Frers Design, a studio renowned for its innovative and elegant superyachts. The interior design, which remains a closely guarded secret, is being crafted by Wetzels Brown Partners, known for their sophisticated and timeless interiors that blend comfort with cutting-edge design.
The entire project is being overseen and executed by Royal Huisman’s in-house team of engineers and craftsmen, who bring decades of experience and expertise to the table. The fact that this project required the extension of Hall 2, one of the largest construction halls in the industry, is a testament to the sheer scale and ambition of Project 410.
Jan Timmerman, the CEO of Royal Huisman, expressed his pride in this achievement, noting that Project 410 is one of four of the world’s ten largest sailing yachts currently being built or under construction at Royal Huisman. This includes the renowned Athena, Sea Eagle, and another unnamed super-sized sailing yacht that will also join the ranks of the largest yachts upon its completion.
According to Timmerman, these super-sized yachts exemplify the unique advantages of large sailing yachts over their motorized counterparts. Not only do they offer the exhilarating experience of sailing—hoisting massive sails and cutting through the waves—but they also incorporate advanced technologies that enhance both comfort and sustainability. Royal Huisman’s commitment to green technology is evident in the design of Project 410, which will benefit from free wind propulsion and an energy-neutral mode capable of generating sufficient power for all systems while recharging batteries for silent anchoring.
This emphasis on sustainability is not new for Royal Huisman. The shipyard has been at the forefront of developing eco-friendly technologies, including the world’s first hybrid superyacht nearly two decades ago. The New World Sloop is set to continue this tradition, standing as a symbol of Royal Huisman’s dedication to creating yachts that are not only luxurious but also environmentally responsible.
The Future of Superyachts
The turning of Project 410’s hull is more than just a milestone; it is a glimpse into the future of superyacht design and construction. The New World Sloop is poised to become one of the most iconic sailing yachts in the world, combining unparalleled size with cutting-edge design and technology. Its secretive nature only adds to the intrigue, as the yachting community eagerly awaits further details and visuals of this extraordinary vessel.
As construction progresses, Royal Huisman’s sister company Rondal is hard at work producing the carbon boom, mast, and integrated sailing system that will allow this giant sloop to harness the wind with precision and power. These components are crucial to the yacht’s performance and will be instrumental in ensuring that Project 410 not only looks stunning but also delivers an exceptional sailing experience.
As Royal Huisman celebrates its 140th anniversary, the successful hull turning of the world’s largest sloop, Project 410, stands as a landmark achievement in the shipyard’s illustrious history. This project, with its blend of visionary design, cutting-edge technology, and commitment to sustainability, encapsulates everything that Royal Huisman represents. As the New World Sloop inches closer to completion, it is clear that this remarkable vessel will set new standards in the world of luxury sailing yachts, offering its owner an unparalleled expression of personal freedom and adventure on the high seas.
The maritime world watches with bated breath as Royal Huisman continues to push the envelope, transforming the dreams of a select few into reality with Project 410—a yacht that promises to redefine the boundaries of luxury and performance in the superyacht industry.
Photo: Tom Van Oossanen - Words Gabriel Parra
