Royal Huisman Begins Construction of 46m Project 405

Project 405 was commissioned by experienced owners who want the comfort and luxury of a superyacht while still maintaining a lightweight structure for racing purposes. The owners have taken a central role in the design and build process, gathering a trusted team to help create their vision, which will make 405 a unique and truly bespoke superyacht. Nigel Ingram of MCM Newport is joined by the owners’ professional race team in a consultative role, while Nauta Design and Reichel/Pugh have worked on the design and naval architecture respectively.

Very much an owner driven innovation, Royal Huisman has been entrusted with the build of this project considering its pedigree in the sailing yacht segment and its ability to turn an individual dream into reality. The shipyard has also been helped by “intelligent lockdown measures” which it swiftly adopted in March 2020. This has allowed operations to continue under close observance of the regulations, including measures to limit the number of people on site and adhere to social distancing. Project 405 has become the first project in Royal Huisman history to be signed without contact, following a process of video conferencing and telephone calls between the owners, their representative and the design/build team. A testament to innovation and resilience during difficult conditions, and a good omen for the future.  

Project 405 boasts a lightweight aluminium and carbon composite construction, which will compete fiercely with carbon yachts while retain the low sound levels of aluminium yachts. The sloop optimises the innovative use of materials with which Royal Huisman is well versed, while Finite Element Analyses ensure a great balance of proven and cutting edge, with target performance, excellent racing properties, and sound ocean worthiness as well.

It is truly an honour to work with the owners and this great expert team of designers to realise their lightweight superyacht,” said Jan Timmerman, CEO of Royal Huisman. “The team of Royal Huisman is proud that the owners and their team have selected us for this innovative lightweight construction which was cleverly developed by our inhouse R&D team, backed up with over 55 years of experience with aluminium construction. This latest superyacht order confirms Royal Huisman’s adage ‘if you can dream it, we can build it!'”

The Dutch yachtbuilder made a flying start to 2020 with the release of 81m Sea Eagle II from the Vollenhove shipyard. Project 405 promises to be another exhilarating project to come from esteemed yacht builder Royal Huisman, and she is scheduled to be delivered in 2022. We look forward to tracking her progress and seeing more of her design.