If you subscribe to the Megayacht News newsletter, you’ve already read about the launch of Hanuman from Royal Huisman. Here’s your first look at the 138-footer as she lowered into the water in recent weeks.
There’s typically a good story behind an unusual yacht name, and this one is no different. Hanuman is a prominent figure in the Hindu religion, specifically a monkey deity (see below). He led an army of other monkeys to help Lord Rama defeat the demon king Ravana. Hanuman holds reverence in literature as a hero and for his strength, courage, intellect, and devotion.
A similar sense of devotion comes from the owner of the megayacht Hanuman. He’s Jim Clark, a repeat client of Royal Huisman. No doubt you recognize the names Hyperion and Athena, measuring 47 meters (154 feet) and 90 meters (295 feet), respectively. But in another way, Clark and Royal Huisman are actually showing devotion to the late Tommy Sopwith. This is because Hanuman is a replica of Sopwith’s famous America’s Cup J-class Endeavour II.
Inside, Hanuman will make guests feel like they stepped right into the 1930’s, with period furnishings, French walnut paneling, and other elements chosen by Pieter Beeldsnijder and Acanthus International. The latter specializes in antique art and architectural restoration and replication. Outside, teak will line the deckhouse, and a recessed gold cove stripe will accent the black hull.
Dykstra & Partners, the naval architecture team, has even designed Hanuman to perform faithfully to the way Endeavor II did. She complies with the rules of the J-Class Association, which permit modern approaches to sail area and build materials yet holds the line on historic design features. Hanuman therefore is built of Alustar (hull) and carbon-composite (deckhouse), with her mast and boom made of carbon. In addition, the mast and sail design are intended to act as a single aerodynamic shape.
Another interesting convergence of past and present is at the helm–specifically, for the display of navigation information. Omitting a flat-screen nav display would put Hanuman at a disadvantage when it comes to racing. (She’ll participate in J-Class Association races this summer.) Yet, installing one the way most shipyards do would ruin the classic quality. The solution? A pedestal that camouflages it, as well as the controls for the bow thruster and other items.
Hanuman should head out for sea trials in April. Shutterbugs, get your cameras ready. This is one re-creation that is sure to turn heads.
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