UPDATE, OCTOBER 21, 2015: When christened, this sloop, a.k.a. the Beast, will be named Ngoni. There’s a same-named performance sloop built in 1999 (as Pink Gin) that has cruised the world, so it’s logical to assume they share the same owner.
Read on for the original article.
This whisper of a rendering is all that Royal Huisman will reveal for now of a superyacht sloop whose keel will be laid in January. The high-performance 58-meter (190-footer) is set for delivery in 2017 and has earned the nickname “Beast,” thanks to her owner.
The name is fitting. The shipyard had quite an interesting statement to announce the news. “What do you say when a client goes on a rampage, comes to you and says, ‘Build me a beast. Don’t build me a wolf in sheep’s clothing. This has to be an edgy and innovative weapon; fast and furious.” Royal Huisman and Dubois Naval Architects also say that the sailing yacht will pose a welcome challenge. Ed Dubois of the design studio explains, “This is a thought-provoking design that does not take for granted the marriage of high performance, style, and comfort.” He adds, “This is some yacht, inspired by a client looking for the next new, new thing; a dream project for a designer.”
Though the rendering doesn’t reveal the full edgy aesthetic appeal, note the plumb bow and sculpted house. The superstructure is set to be molded glass. That is certainly a departure for both Royal Huisman and Dubois Naval Architects.
Tank tests are ongoing to finalize the slender hull form for the twin-helmed Beast. For now, we know she’ll have a high-span lifting keel. Of course, Royal Huisman’s sister company, Rondal, will construct the mast and deck hatches. Creature comforts will include a hot tub forward and sunning space aft. The latter will lead down to an articulated swim platform that folds out to create a terrific extended deck area. There’s also a tender garage.
The London-based furniture and interior designer Francis Sultana is outfitting the Beast’s rooms. These include a library, sauna, and gym all within the master suite. There are also two guest staterooms and an indoor-outdoor saloon. Sultana is known for mixing 20th and 21st-century elements (think Art Deco and thoroughly contemporary in the same room, for example). Some items will be custom-made by two additional UK-based firms: the furniture team at London-based Rick Baker and lighting designers at The Light Corporation. The latter has created custom lighting designs for yachts previously.
Royal Huisman pledges to reveal more at the Monaco Yacht Show.
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