Royal Huisman has once again redefined what is possible in modern sailing yacht design. Their newest project, SKY, is an 81-metre (264-foot) super-sloop that will carry the tallest mast ever built on a sloop, an extraordinary 93 metres (305 feet). With design by Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design (MMYD) and interiors by Winch Design, SKY is a rare opportunity for a visionary owner to acquire a groundbreaking sailing yacht that is already engineered, refined, and ready to build.
A Vision at the Edge of Innovation
SKY’s silhouette is arresting: sleek lines, a powerful hull, and a towering mast that matches the height of the Statue of Liberty from base to torch. The yacht represents years of design, engineering, and collaboration between some of the industry’s most respected names.
Malcolm McKeon describes SKY as:
“The next evolution of performance sailing yachts… a yacht that combines the exhilaration of pure sailing with the comfort and sophistication of world cruising.”
Her naval architecture has been optimized for high-performance global cruising, with a long waterline, lift keel, and a lightweight aluminum structure that balances strength and agility. Thanks to her powerful Rondal rig and advanced sailing systems, SKY is engineered to sail faster than the wind, and even outpace motoryachts of a similar size.
Ready to Build, A Rare Opportunity
Unlike many superyacht concepts that exist only on paper, SKY is a fully developed project. Royal Huisman has:
- Completed the naval architecture
- Finalized the exterior and interior design
- Completed most production engineering
- Solved major technical challenges
This means construction can begin immediately, with a delivery date of Spring 2030, nearly half the time of a typical custom 80m+ sailing yacht project.
It also allows a future owner to personalize the layout and styling without extending the build timeline. In the world of XXL custom sailing yachts, this makes SKY truly unique.
Engineering Excellence Behind the World’s Tallest Sloop
The mast, a carbon fibre marvel crafted by Rondal — stands at 93 metres high, surpassing the current tallest sloop rig by around 4 metres. The integrated sailing system includes:
- A carbon mast and furling boom
- Carbolink standing rigging
- Captive winches, drum winches, and Harken deck winches
- An automated, intuitive sail-handling system
Twin carbon composite rudders and joystick-enabled steering give SKY the manoeuvrability of a performance yacht under 50 metres, despite her massive scale.
Below deck, a full-width lazarette and tender bay accommodate:
- A 12m (39ft) main tender
- A crew/rescue tender
- Two water scooters
- A full suite of water toys (SeaBobs, SUPs, kayaks, bikes, scuba gear)
All of this eliminates the need for a support vessel — a rarity in this size category.
A Floating Sanctuary: Winch Design’s Architectural Interior
Winch Design’s “Edge of Nature” interior theme transforms SKY into a refined sanctuary that blurs the line between indoors and outdoors. Soft light, organic forms, natural textures, and sculptural furnishings create a sense of calm sophistication.
Key Interior Highlights
- Full-beam owner’s stateroom with panoramic glass, raised bed, dual bathrooms, and a private beach deck
- Four serene guest suites, each with a contemporary, open layout
- A multi-functional midship area combining a watersports lounge with a full spa, sauna, and steam room
- A dramatic main lounge and dining room with pocketing glass doors opening completely to the exterior
- Expansive flybridge with helm stations, sunbeds, and alfresco dining
Every area has been designed to promote connection: with the sea, with nature, and with the onboard lifestyle.
Hybrid Power: Future-Proof Sailing
SKY’s engineering is not just ambitious, it’s environmentally progressive. Her hybrid propulsion system features:
- Electric azimuthing propulsion pods
- Four variable-speed generators
- A large battery bank for silent, zero-emission cruising
- Regeneration capability under sail
This architecture, already proven on other Royal Huisman builds, bears Lloyd’s “Hybrid Power” notation and reflects the yard’s commitment to sustainable innovation.
