The 47-metre high-performance cruiser Nilaya has departed from Royal Huisman’s facilities in Amsterdam following sea trials on the North Sea and subsequent delivery. Project 405 was transported earlier this year from the yard’s newbuild facilities in Vollenhove in preparation for launch and the installation of its carbon performance sloop rig by Rondal.
The vessel was christened Nilaya, which means “blissful home”, during a private event at “Het Scheepvaartmuseum” (the national maritime museum) in Amsterdam.
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Featherlight design
The Panamax superyacht is the first to utilise the shipyard’s new Featherlight design and production method. Continuous weight monitoring throughout the build of Project 405, aka Reichel/Pugh – Nauta 154, confirms the Dutch builder has achieved its goal of slicing eleven per cent of the weight of its typical advanced aluminum cruising yachts.
Most importantly, it has reduced weight without sacrificing stiffness or cutting corners on quality for this high-performance cruiser. The shipyard’s revolutionary Featherlight method for this sailing machine is not a single process or construction technique, but a holistic light weight approach to yacht building combining various complimentary weight-saving solutions utilising aluminum and carbon fiber components.
Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman: ‘We are proud to have delivered another unique vessel, especially one that advances innovative engineering and build technology. Nilaya is a milestone in composite superyachts in the truest sense of the word and another fine example of Royal Huisman’s ability to provide owners with the ultimate expression of personal freedom.’
Also read: Royal Huisman sheds little bit of light on 85-metre New World Sloop
Superb manoeuvrability
‘For such a large yacht, the acceleration is exciting as she rapidly reaches high speeds,’ says Nigel Ingram of MCM Newport, who served as owner’s project manager. ‘Twin rudders and the light, positive steering give superb manoeuvrability and she has reached all her project targets with ease. Rondal’s sailing systems enable fingertip control of the massive loads involved.’
Nauta Design created the general concept, the exterior design, and the interior design plan with a light, calm, contemporary décor.
Picture by Royal Huisman/Tom van Oossanen.
Also read: First Royal Huisman Featherlight sailing yacht emerges from building hall
