Project Ouzel Makes a Snowy Debut

When’s the last time you saw a superyacht slip out into the snow, rather than the sea? This might very well be the first time for some of you. It was a first for Project Ouzel—specifically, the hull of Project Ouzel. Early wintry weather in November coincided with her hull flipping.

Under construction in Maine at Rockport Marine, the custom 95-foot (29-meter) pilothouse sloop is a rarity in yachting, cold-molded wood and carbon fiber. Two woods comprise her hull, in fact, those being Douglas fir and western red cedar. They’re a specialty of Rockport Marine. The carbon fiber, meanwhile, provides strength in the yacht’s midsection, plus reduces weight. These factors, and especially Rockport Marine being in Maine, were of great importance to the owners in signing the contract.

After the hull flip, Sam Temple, the shipyard’s president, was happy with the proceedings. “There were no surprises other than some light snow,” he says. The yard’s TraveLift raised the hull and turned it, then transported it back into the build shed for interior component installations. “Ouzel is certainly on the larger end of the spectrum for us. I’m happy to say it all went smoothly,” Temple adds.

Rockport Marine flips the Project Ouzel hull — PHOTO: Billy Black

Tom Degremont of Langan Design Partners, responsible for Project Ouzel’s naval architecture, was on hand for the flip. He draws special attention to one particular benefit of the process. “It is the first time we all see the yacht right side up and outside,” he says, “as there isn’t much room left inside the building to stand back and appreciate her scale and lines.”

Since all structural bulkheads were in place for the hull flipping, Project Ouzel is next gaining a composite structural grid. It will convey the keel loads into the hull. “Above the waterline, she is a current interpretation of a classic pilothouse cutter,” notes the owners’ representative Peter Wilson, who’s also MCM’s co-founder and partner. “But below the waterline, she has a modern underbody featuring a high-aspect rudder and a generous 12-foot (3.65-meter) draft keel.” The owners intend to enjoy coastal cruising, long explorations, and possibly even racing.

While several technical steps will follow the grid installation, the owners are looking forward to the interior taking shape, too. Mark Whiteley Design has created a traditional-looking décor with the owners, with mahogany and white paneling. Notably, many of these interior components are already being made.

The next time Project Ouzel slips outside will be when her hull and deck come together. It has to happen outdoors due to her size and the limitations of the construction shed. Launch, though, is still some time away, in 2025.

Langan Design Partners langandesign.com

Mark Whiteley Design markwhiteleydesign.com

MCM mcmnewport.com

Rockport Marine rockportmarine.com