Royal Huisman Unveils 305-Foot 'SKY' - The World’s Tallest Yacht
- BoatBlurb Contributor
- 37 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The Dutch shipyard Royal Huisman has introduced SKY, a 265-foot (81-metre) sloop that aims to claim the title of the world’s tallest yacht — at least when it comes to its mast. At 305 feet (93 m) from waterline to mast top, SKY’s carbon rig is described as the tallest ever built on a sloop, matching the height of the Statue of Liberty from ground to torch.
Ambitious Design Meets Record-Breaking Engineering
SKY is the product of a unique collaboration between naval architecture firm Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design (MMYD) and interior designer Winch Design, while the carbon rig is being crafted by Royal Huisman sister company Rondal.
The project was originally shrouded in secrecy, known only within Royal Huisman as Project 411, then under the moniker Noir, before finally being publicly unveiled as SKY.
"SKY represents the next evolution of performance sailing yachts, a project that challenges convention in both scales and elegance," says the yacht's designer Malcolm McKeon. “From the outset, our goal was to create a yacht that combines the exhilaration of pure sailing with the comfort and sophistication of world cruising.”
With weight being a central feature in all sailing yachts, the hull will be made from full aluminum, optimized for weight distribution, and combined with a lifting keel — a configuration meant to give SKY excellent sailing performance relative to its size. She is also specifically sized to carry a 45-foot (14 m) tender to allow coastal exploration and to transport guests and provisions without having to reposition the yacht closer to a harbor. According to the designers, the yacht will be capable of outpacing motoryachts of comparable length. Steering is handled via twin carbon composite rudders and an integrated sailing system, giving SKY a level of maneuverability akin to yachts half its size.
Given the vessel's enormous size, both horizontally and vertically, the yacht’s layout leaves ample room for luxury and functionality. On deck, there’s a flybridge, multiple outdoor seating zones, and an aft “beach deck” featuring an extendable swim platform. Foldable bulwarks and platforms running along the mid-lazarette further enhance adaptability by giving guests water level access to the sea.
With respect to her masts, the precision requires for the 305-foot carbon fiber masts will be unmatched. For some perspective, not only will SKY be as tall as the Statue of Liberty, she'll also bear a similar height to other landmarks like the Elizabeth Tower in London, aka "Big Ben." To put it another way, she'll be as tall as an American football field is long, with 100 yard akin to 300 feet. One of the world's most popular sailing yachts, the Jeff Bezos-owned Koru, is 417 feet long but her masts are only 230 feet (70 m) tall.
“Her mast and powerful hull form express ambition and precision in equal measure, while her design remains focused on connection between those on board, the sea, and the experience of sailing itself," added McKeon.
Luxury, Comfort, & Sustainability
Below deck, Winch Design’s vision is a relaxed, nature-inspired aesthetic. The master full-beam stateroom and guest suites showcase large hull windows to flood spaces with natural light. At midships is a wellness spa, watersports center, and generous guest accommodations for 10–12 people.
As with most contemporary sailing yachts and the initiative toward renewable energy, SKY’s environmental footprint is also a feature. The yacht will utilize electric azimuthing propeller pods, powered by a combination of four main generators and a battery bank — which, when combined, creates a hybrid-electric setup certified by Lloyd's Register for “Hybrid Power.” This enables silent, zero-emission cruising when required, and even energy regeneration while under sail.
Sail Off Into the Sunset Without Waiting
According to Royal Huisman, the design, naval architecture, and the majority of engineering are already complete, meaning the yacht is “ready to build." Any confirmed order could see delivery by spring 2030, which is a significantly faster lead time than the typical 6-10 years for most superyachts. That being said, while the main features of the design are now complete and ready for construction, owners will still have major input regarding the boat's interior layout, features, amenities, and overall design style.
