ON B ] ARD
TAKING SHAPE : PROJECT 404
HAVING BEEN IN THE MAKING FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS , A MAJESTIC STRUCTURE IS READY TO PROGRESS INTO THE NEXT PHASE OF ITS CONSTRUCTION AND INTO THE LIMELIGHT , AS THIS VERY SECRETIVE 59.7M / 196FT NO-COMPROMISE PERFORMANCE SLOOP REVEALS HER STRIKING ARCHITECTURE .
Today , Royal Huisman ’ s Project 404 took a major step forward with the turning of her impressive hull ; a spectacle proudly watched by her Owners and their design and build team at the shipyard headquarters in Vollenhove . Project 404 , aka MM597 , was designed by Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design and built by Royal Huisman ’ s craftsmen . In an inspiring new affiliation , Studio Liaigre — the French interior designers — excelled to create her interior , which is currently under construction at the shipyard ’ s joinery hall . Once completed , the yacht will comprise a wealth of innovative systems and onboard amenities ; developments which since the start of the project have been overseen by the Owners ’ Representative Gregory Monks .
Out in the open , the eye is immediately drawn to Project 404 ’ s iconic reversed bow and her sleek , powerful hull lines . At the request of her Owners , Royal Huisman tantalizingly kept her design a closely guarded secret , but this first airing of her Alustar aluminium hull unavoidably reveals a treasure of distinguishing features — disclosed by the cutouts which have been prepared .
There is a huge transom opening which , in time , will give access to an expansive , lavish beach club . It is already possible to imagine the floods of daylight which will enter the interior through the array of large and extra-large portholes .
The smart midship lazarette is guaranteed to catch the eye of all onlookers . With its boarding platforms giving access from both sides of the yacht , and storage for watersports equipment , Project 404 can rightfully be described as a unique and truly inspiring yacht .
Note , also , the contours of the carbon composite deckhouse , cockpit coamings and main sheet arch , all currently under construction ‘ next door ’, at the shipyard ’ s sister company Rondal .
Under the waterline are further innovations . To facilitate the yacht ’ s high-performance characteristics , Project 404 will have a lift keel , retractable propulsion , and twin carbon rudders . These will both make her a regatta winner , and take her to breathtaking long-range exploration destinations , worldwide .
The assortment of cutouts in Project 404 ’ s deck will soon be a fully flush surface ; its deck hatches appearing almost invisible at first glance . Practically unnoticed but all the more ingenious
© Royal Huisman
MAIN SPECIFICATIONS OF ROYAL HUISMAN PROJECT 404 / MM597 Type : High-performance sloop with retractable propulsion Length overall : 59.7m / 196 ft Accommodation : 12 guests and 10 crew Owners ’ representative : Gregory Monks Naval architecture : Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design Interior design : Studio Liaigre Builder : Royal Huisman Hull material : Alustar aluminium Superstructure : Carbon composite Classification : Lloyd ’ s Register — MCA Year of delivery : 2022
© Royal Huisman will be the large main tender hatch ; an opening for sail storage on the underdeck reels , lockers for Rondal ’ s carbon electric winches , and space for state of a the art deck equipment .
Malcolm McKeon comments : “ The hull turning at Royal Huisman signifies a pivotal stage in her build and that this construction has remained on schedule , despite the worldwide pandemic , is testament to the yard ’ s strategic , meticulous approach and the incredible dedication of the entire team ”.
© Royal Huisman © Royal Huisman © Royal Huisman
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