ALL PHOTOS: Carlo Baronicini
Sea Eagle is the second of a limited-edition series of three sailing superyachts from Royal Huisman. But, she represents more than that. The 141-foot (43-meter) sloop was delivered to a Taiwan-based lover of the sea and racing. Her owner, Samuel Yin, plans a world cruise and occasional participation in superyacht regattas. In fact, Sea Eagle was one of the first yachts to sign up for the 2017 St. Barths Bucket. Besides being an expert sailor, Yin is a prominent businessman and philanthropist. He believes passionately that education drives social progress and that we should give back to society by sharing our knowledge. So, he’s making Sea Eagle available to Royal Huisman to present at various yachting events, to showcase its skill in building new classic and modern yachts.
Built entirely from aluminum, Sea Eagle stems from the success of the first yacht in the series. That was Blue Papillon, launched in 2013. Both she and Sea Eagle were penned by high-performance maestro German Frers. Her Rondal carbon fiber mast towers 187 feet (57 meters) and spreads over 10,764 square feet (1,000 square meters) of standing sail upwind. Underscored by a dark blue hull and “Chevy white” superstructure, Sea Eagle’s sleeks lines combine with a clean, uncluttered deck. They hint at a talent for speed and performance, belied by her elegant style and detailing.
On-deck areas are devoted to both work and play. The twin helm station offers a commanding view. Guests can hang out and socialize in the adjoining cockpit. It doubles as an awning-covered “teak deck and dining area.” Regardless, it’s perfect to simply enjoy the sea air while Sea Eagle plow through the waves or sits at anchor. The sloop also boasts an aft beach deck (above). The transom opens to reveal steps leading to a large platform. Thanks to a hydraulic ramp, a 17-foot (4.2-meter) Castoldi jet tender stows neatly in the transom garage, too.
The beautiful interior shares a layout conceived by Rhoades Young Design on Blue Papillon. Samuel Yin specified a linear, ultra-clean style for Sea Eagle. A generous overhanging coachroof shading the cockpit and the entrance to the main deckhouse softens any harsh transition between exterior and interior. Large-wraparound windows allow natural light to flood the space. Guests can chat or chill in the cozy conversation area, enjoy intimate suppers, or watch the navigation process. Below, guests are welcomed by a calm, low-key, yet sophisticated mood created by soft, gentle tones. Warm French walnut wainscoting contrasts nicely with white oak floors as well as both upholstered and birch wall panels. All of the furnishings aboard Sea Eagle were custom-crafted by Royal Huisman.
Guest accommodations for Sea Eagle span two magnificent twin cabins. The gym can be converted to an extra cabin thanks to Pullman berths. The full-beam, multi-level master suite (above) has its own entrance from the aft beach deck. This is a private, broad area split into different zones. One is a cozy tea area, with a settee to relax and watch TV. There’s a small office for business. And, there’s a rest area with two queen-size beds.
Like all Royal Huisman yachts, great attention has been paid to sound and vibration reduction. Three insulated doorways off a vestibule forward lead to the day head, the flexi-cabin/gym, and to the crew area. Speaking of the crew, those aboard Sea Eagle have impressive spaces. The meticulously kitted-out galley is astonishing. The engine room, meanwhile, has both fore and aft entrances for ease of access.
Sea Eagle is spending her first summer cruising the Baltic states. Visits are planned to the Norwegian fjords and thousands of Swedish islands. Come wintertime, she’ll head west to the Caribbean—and, of course, a hoped-for win at the Bucket.
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