The narrative of Royal Huisman begins in 1884, rooted in a rich family tradition of wooden boat building in the Netherlands. Initially, the shipyard focused on crafting traditional wooden vessels. It was through the vision and dedication of Jan Huisman, alongside his brother Jacob, that the company pivoted its focus specifically towards wooden sailing yachts by the 1950s, laying the groundwork for its future prominence in the world of high-performance and luxury sailing.
History and Evolution
Royal Huisman has undergone a remarkable evolution from its humble beginnings, continuously adapting and innovating while upholding its core values of quality and excellence. The shipyard is celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2024, a testament to its enduring presence and adaptability in the marine industry. Over the decades, the company transitioned from solely wooden construction to mastering advanced materials like aluminum, steel, and increasingly, high-tech composites, particularly for lightweight interior components such as foam-cored structures. This shift allowed for the creation of larger, more complex, and ultimately, super-sized yachts. In a significant corporate development, after a decade of involvement from previous shareholders Koninklijke Doeksen and Parcom, Royal Huisman Group was acquired by the Dutch long-term investor O2 Capital Partners, a transition facilitated in recent years.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Royal Huisman has cultivated an unrivaled reputation in the global yachting arena, known for yachts that are "unique in conception, quality and execution" and are considered "rare, beyond compare." The very mention of "It's a Royal Huisman!" is self-explanatory, immediately conjuring images of "unmatched build quality, unique design, and award-winning excellence." The shipyard specializes in fully custom luxury superyachts, encompassing both sailing and motor yachts, each representing the "ultimate expression of personal freedom" for their discerning owners.
Their design philosophy emphasizes comfort, low noise levels, and optimal characteristics for world cruising. Royal Huisman consistently collaborates with an array of world-renowned naval architects and designers to bring their bespoke projects to life. Notable partnerships include Frers Design, responsible for the overall concept, exterior design, and naval architecture of Project 410, and Wetzels Brown for its interior design. Vripack has applied its "most radical naval architecture ever" to the groundbreaking Project 406, the "Special One." Other esteemed collaborators include Dykstra Naval Architects and Mark Whiteley Design, who worked on SEA EAGLE II, Andrew Winch on concept designs like the "DART 80", and Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design for projects such as APEX 850. This collaborative approach, combined with Royal Huisman's in-house expertise in conceptual design, naval architecture, and performance development through CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), ensures each yacht is a pinnacle of maritime engineering and artistry.
Iconic Models and Legacy
As a builder of truly custom yachts, Royal Huisman does not maintain a fixed production line but instead creates unique masterpieces tailored to individual client visions. Their portfolio boasts numerous iconic vessels that have left an indelible mark on the superyacht landscape.
Recent projects highlight their continued innovation and ambition, including Project 410, set to be the world's largest sloop at 85 meters, which marked a significant hull-turning milestone during the shipyard's anniversary year. Another groundbreaking endeavor is Project 406, christened "Special One," recognized as the world's largest sportfish yacht, showcasing the shipyard's versatility beyond sailing vessels.
Among their celebrated sailing yachts is Sarissa, an award-winning vessel that garnered "Yacht of the Year," "Best Interior Sail," and "Best in Sail 40m+" at the International Superyacht Society Awards, designed as a world cruising yacht. Other significant deliveries include Nilaya (47m / 154ft), delivered in 2023, and the forthcoming Aquarius (65m / 212ft) expected in 2025, alongside PHI (58.5m / 192ft). The magnificent SEA EAGLE II, designed by Dykstra Naval Architects and Mark Whiteley Design, also stands as a testament to their capability in creating grand sailing yachts. While specific America's Cup entries are not highlighted, Royal Huisman's commitment to performance and custom luxury certainly caters to clientele with such grand aspirations.
The Builder Today
Today, Royal Huisman Shipyard continues to operate from Vollenhove, Holland, maintaining its position at the pinnacle of the custom superyacht market. The ownership recently transitioned to O2 Capital Partners, who are committed to building upon the shipyard's rich heritage.
Modern Royal Huisman yachts continue to appeal to an exclusive clientele seeking the highest echelons of "unmatched build quality, unique design, and award-winning excellence." The ownership experience is characterized by unparalleled attention to detail and engineering quality, fostering a deep connection between the owners and their bespoke vessels. The enduring legacy and spirit of the shipyard are also celebrated by a strong owner community, as evidenced by the "Association of Owners of Historical Huisman boats," highlighting the lasting pride and camaraderie among those fortunate enough to own a Royal Huisman. Royal Huisman remains a beacon of bespoke yacht building, constantly pushing the boundaries of design and technology while honoring a tradition of maritime excellence that spans over a century.
