Royal Huisman unveils 81m Sky with world’s tallest mast
Royal Huisman has revealed Sky, an 81-metre sailing yacht concept featuring what the yard calls the world’s tallest Rondal carbon rig at 93 metres — a height the designers note is comparable to the Statue of Liberty from ground to torch. The announcement positions Sky as a large-scale performance sailing project that pushes conventional rigging and scale for modern superyachts.
Presented as a ready-to-build concept, Sky consolidates scale, sailing capability and onboard accommodation into a single package from the Dutch builder. The project highlights Royal Huisman’s continued investment in high-performance sailing architecture and integrated systems for large yachts.
British design duo: naval architecture and coastal interiors
An all-British design team is responsible for Sky’s naval and aesthetic character. Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design handled the naval architecture and exterior styling; the studio is known for its work on Royal Huisman’s award-winning sailing yacht Sarissa. Winch Design was selected to create coastal-inspired interiors aimed at translating seagoing performance into comfortable, refined living spaces.
The two studios worked to marry performance requirements with a signature exterior and interior language that support long-range cruising. Malcolm McKeon described the brief as an effort to combine “the exhilaration of pure sailing with the comfort and sophistication of world cruising,” reflecting the project’s dual emphasis on sailing capability and onboard experience.
Technical innovations: 93m Rondal rig and hybrid power
Rondal will supply Sky’s carbon mast, boom and integrated sailing system; the 93-metre carbon rig is a central technical feature. Sky also uses twin carbon composite rudders and an integrated sailing system intended to deliver the manoeuvrability and operational simplicity often associated with sub‑50‑metre performance yachts, scaled up for an 81‑metre platform.
Propulsion and electrical architecture combine electric azimuthing propeller pods, four main generators and a substantial battery bank to enable silent, zero‑emission operation and peak‑shaving. Royal Huisman says the system architecture holds Lloyd’s “Hybrid Power” certification and is capable of regenerating energy while under sail, reflecting a hybrid approach to emissions reduction and onboard power management.
Sky: ready-to-build 2030 delivery, performance and luxury
Sky is offered as a ready-to-build concept with a stated 2030 delivery from the point of sale, a timeline intended to avoid the “customary six or more years” typically spent on briefing and bespoke design. The yacht’s versatile layout includes a flybridge, an aft beach deck with extendable swim platform, a cockpit with folding bulwarks, and a full‑beam mid lazarette with folding side platforms to support tender and watersports operations.
Accommodation and guest facilities are focused on wellness and active use: a midship wellness area, a watersports centre and a full‑beam owner’s suite with direct access to the beach deck. Sky can carry a 12‑metre tender, a crew/rescue tender, two water scooters and a broad selection of watersports equipment (Seabobs, bikes, SUP boards, kayaks and an extensive scuba setup). Royal Huisman currently has two other 80‑metre‑plus superyacht projects under construction, and Sky’s ready-to-build status positions it as a near‑term option for owners seeking a high‑performance, large‑yacht sailing solution.
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