Dutch shipyard, Royal Huisman has announced the official departure of 154ft (47m) high-performance cruiser, NILAYA from their facilities in Amsterdam following a successful series of sea trials on the North Sea and delivery to her new owners.
Featured Image Credit: Royal Huisman Project 405 Nilaya – Photo by Guy Fleury
Built as Project 405, the sailing yacht made her way from the shipyard’s Vollenhove facilities earlier this year to prepare for its launch and the installation of its carbon performance sloop rig by Rondal. Held at the Het Scheepvaartmuseum (National Maritime Museum) in Amsterdam, the yacht was officially christened NILAYA, which means “blissful home.”
Innovative New Yacht Design
NILAYA marks the first vessel to utilize Royal Huisman’s innovative Featherlight™ design and production method, marking a significant milestone for the shipyard with this highly anticipated Panamax superyacht. Throughout the construction of Project 405, (also known as Reichel/Pugh – Nauta 154), a keen attention to weight monitoring was implemented, which led to an 11% reduction in weight compared to other advanced aluminum cruising yachts built by Royal Huisman.
Image Credit: Royal Huisman Project 405 Nilaya – Photo by Tom van Oossanen
According to the team, “the Featherlight™ method employed is a comprehensive lightweight approach that integrates various aluminum and carbon fiber components, all working in harmony to achieve remarkable weight savings.
Nigel Ingram of MCM Newport, the owner’s project manager reflected on the project, “For such a large yacht, the acceleration is exciting as she rapidly reaches high speeds. Twin rudders and the light, positive steering give superb maneuverability and she has reached all her project targets with ease. Rondal’s sailing systems enable fingertip control of the massive loads involved.”
Exterior and interior yacht design, along with the general concept of the project was completed by Nauta Design, working to create a light and contemporary décor.
Image Credit: Royal Huisman Project 405 Nilaya – Photo by Tom van Oossanen
Following sea trials of NILAYA, Mario Pedol, Co-Founder of Nauta Design, shared “A full day in beautiful sunny and windy weather in the North Sea off Amsterdam showed how NILAYA’s performance under sail is truly outstanding. By the time the mainsail was hoisted, the breeze had built to a steady 18 knots. We sailed on a broad reach with the mainsail and Code Zero and rapidly reached a truly impressive 17 kt boat speed. It was just the beginning of a great day of sailing with the owner and all of the main players of his and the builder’s teams.”
Image Credit: Royal Huisman Project 405 Nilaya – Photo by RH
Royal Huisman CEO, Jan Timmerman shared his own sentiments on the handover of NILAYA.
“We are always a bit sad to see one of our yachts sail away; it’s a bit like a child leaving home. At the same time, 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. We wish her owners and all onboard fair winds and following seas during both world cruising and many exciting regattas.”
