Royal Huisman's Sky - The World's Tallest Sloop
- Elevated Magazines
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Royal Huisman introduces SKY, an 81-metre / 264-foot pedigree sloop that will carry the world’s tallest sloop rig: a Rondal carbon mast with a 93-metre / 305-foot air draft — comparable to the Statue of Liberty from ground to torch. Conceived for world cruising with powerful sailing performance, SKY unites Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design for naval architecture and exterior styling with Winch Design for an elegant, nature-inspired interior. With design and the majority of engineering complete, SKY is ready to build now, targeting spring 2030 delivery — a significantly faster path to ownership than the six-plus years typically required for a fully custom XXL sailing yacht.
Performance and handling are at the core of SKY’s concept. A long waterline, lift keel, full aluminum construction and optimized weight distribution combine with the powerful Rondal rig to deliver true XXL sailing capability — faster than the wind and quicker than comparable motoryachts of similar length. Twin carbon composite rudders, an integrated sailing system and refined helm controls promise the tactile simplicity of a 50-metre / 164-foot performance yacht, scaled to an 81-metre platform. On deck, a flybridge and multiple seating zones balance open-air living, visibility and sun protection, while a generous aft beach deck with extendible swim platform keeps owners and guests close to the sea. A full-beam mid-lazarette with folding platforms and a cockpit with folding bulwarks extend the connection to the water.
SKY’s towering rig is a defining feature both underway and at anchor. Rondal will supply the mast, boom and integrated sail handling to manage the square-top sail plan with efficiency and safety. Below deck, capacity for a 12-metre / 39-foot primary tender, a crew/rescue tender, two water scooters and an extensive inventory of water sports equipment — Seabobs, bikes, SUPs, kayaks and scuba gear — removes the need for a dedicated support vessel and supports spontaneous exploration.
Inside, Winch Design’s “edge of nature” concept creates an architectural sanctuary at sea. The styling employs sculptural lines, natural textures and calm, refined tones to blur boundaries between interior and exterior and to evoke coastal landscapes through an elevated, contemporary lens. Accommodation for 10 to 12 guests includes a spacious, full-beam owner’s stateroom with direct access to the expansive aft beach deck and abundant natural light via extra-large hull windows. Lifestyle amenities include a midships wellness spa and a comprehensive watersports center, with flows between entertainment, relaxation and activity areas carefully choreographed for life at anchor and passage making alike.
Future-proofing is integral to SKY’s platform. Propulsion centers on electric azimuthing pods powered by four main generators and a battery bank for silent, fumeless, zero-emission operation at anchor and peak-shaving under way. The system — developed from Royal Huisman’s proven hybrid architecture and marked with Lloyd’s “Hybrid Power” notation — can also regenerate energy under sail, supporting efficient hotel loads and lowering overall fuel burn.
For prospective owners, SKY represents a rare and exciting opportunity. The project’s design, naval architecture and engineering are resolved; challenges have been identified and addressed; and most production engineering is complete. This groundwork compresses timelines while preserving the freedom to personalize layout and style, delivering a bespoke, supersized sailing yacht without the usual development horizon. Built at Royal Huisman’s Vollenhove facility — home to many of the world’s finest superyachts — SKY elevates sloop design to a new scale while remaining practical to build and safe to operate. With record-setting stature, formidable performance and a refined, nature-led interior, SKY brings the ultimate expression of personal freedom within reach — sail-ready by spring 2030.
