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The Very Best of Dutch Yacht Builders

Dutch yacht builders have crafted a reputation as being among the world’s very best, with an extraordinary density of high quality, high value shipyards operating out of the Netherlands.

Part of the reason for the dominance of Dutch yacht builders in the superyacht industry stems from Holland’s prestigious history of boat building, which stretches back centuries and was perfectly poised to make the shift to constructing luxury yachts during the 20th century. The word ‘yacht’ originally comes from the Dutch word ‘jacht’, meaning hunt.

Some of the towering names of the yachting world have emerged from Holland, with the great heritage yards Amels, Hakvoort, Royal Huisman, De Vries and Royal Van Lent more recently joined by other outstanding Dutch yacht builders such as Heesen, Vitters, and Oceanco.

Dutch shipyards are heralded not only for their world-class build quality, high tech yards, and innovation, but are also renowned for reliability in finishing projects on time and on budget. With Dutch shipyards producing many fully-custom ‘one-off’ yachts, many of the yachts launched from Holland’s shipyards are extremely iconic and often win international awards.

Dutch yacht builders have also capitalized on their individual reputations for quality construction by forming strong collaborations including Feadship and HISWA, which serve to market the best of Dutch yachting internationally, thereby growing the influence of the Dutch yacht builders.

Notable Dutch Yacht Builders

This prestige brand is often known as the ‘Rolls Royce’ of yacht builders, constructing fully custom yachts from a ‘blank slate’ beginning. Feadship is actually a partnership between two of the greatest Dutch shipyards: De Vries and Royal Van Lent, with yacht building roots dating back to 1849. The Feadship fleet today is more than 450 strong, and includes some ground-breaking yachts including AQUARIUS and ECTASEA.

Founded in 1918 and boasting the largest and most high-tech shipyard in the Netherlands, Amels turned its hand to superyacht construction in the 1980’s. Amels builds fully custom yachts up to 656’ (200m), as well as their highly sought-after ‘Limited Edition Series’. Known for exceptional build quality and iconic yachts including HERE COMES THE SUN, Amels also builds a popular range of support yachts for superyachts through DAMEN, its parent company.

Royal Huisman

This family-run shipyard was founded in 1884, and has produced some of the finest sailing yachts afloat, with a long line of regatta honors and design awards across its fleet of maxi-yachts and performance cruisers. While its fame is recognized across the world for building sailing yachts such as ATHENA, Royal Huisman also builds motoryachts, including the award winning ARCADIA.

Hakvoort is another illustrious Dutch shipyard which dates back to 1919 and builds sailing and motoryachts up to 215’ (65m). With yachts constructed in steel and aluminum, Hakvoort offers a full-custom service from design to launch, as well as a 180’ (55m) semi-custom series. They have launched many notable, award-winning yachts, from LADY MARINA in 1994 to APOSTROPHE in 2013.

Founded in 1979, Heesen has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the yachting industry, and is now considered one of the most innovative Dutch yacht builders. Initially known as a builder of fast performance yachts, Heesen has expanded its yacht building capacity up to 260’ (80m) and has achieved notoriety for its revolutionary design and engineering, such as the Fast Displacement Hull Form first seen on multi-award-winning GALACTICA STAR.

One of the most respected names in sailing, the Vitters shipyard was founded in 1990 and has gone on to launch luxury sailing yachts known for winning superyacht regattas and international design awards. Constructing yachts over 30m with an uncompromising focus on quality and design, Vitters has received accolades for yachts including SARISSA, GANESHA and AQUIJO. Vitters also owns the Green Marine yard, which is responsible for building the Volvo Ocean Race fleet.

This Dutch yacht builder specializes in the large yacht market, constructing fully custom superyachts over 260’ (80m) in aluminum and steel. Oceanco opened its doors in 1990 and has been responsible for the launch of some of the industry’s most well-known yachts, including ALFA NERO, ANASTASIA and the largest Dutch yacht to be built thus far, the 360’ (110m) JUBILEE.

Located in the medieval Dutch town of Den Bosch, Moonen Shipyards is one of the world’s most well-known motoryacht builders. Having launched their first boat in 1963, Moonen pride themselves in quality and service and offer diverse options in the upper echelons of the yacht industry for fully customized superyachts up to 150’ (45m), custom series displacement yachts, explorer vessels or fast displacement all-aluminum powerboats.

Established as a family-owned shipyard in 1938, Mulder has become a renowned member of the Dutch yacht building family. The yards’ global reputation for quality has been built upon three main pillars: the classic Super Favorite Cruisers, the later Favorite Superior and a range of Mulder custom-built motor yachts from 42’ to 147’ (13m to 45m).

Van der Valk

A passionate yacht enthousiast, Wim van der Valk started the company that bears his name in 1967, and is still driving force behind it today. In applying the most advanced solutions, systems and materials possible, this pedigreed Dutch yacht builder believes in creating yachts that will stand the test of time. In the late 1990s, they introduced their signature product – the Continental I series. Today, to ensure unrivaled quality and exclusivity, Van Der Valk produces a select, limited number of Continental yachts each year.

Hartman Marine Group

Founded in 2003, Hartman Marine Group has roots which span back to 1775 with a heritage of seven generations of skipper-owners. Hartman yachts hold a timeless and fresh style without compromising practicality and superb comfort, in the true fashion of Dutch boatbuilding excellence. Leveraging on experience, innovation as well as tradition, Hartman applies their robust standards from the drawing table to the unique finishing touches in every custom build.

Worth Avenue Yachts have many yachts for sale in their fleet built by these renowned Dutch yacht builders, and are experts in the sale, construction and charter of Dutch yachts. Contact us to find out more about which Dutch yacht builder is right for you.

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Amels superyachts are built on the solid foundation of craftsmanship and Dutch yacht-building excellence. Sophisticated, timeless classics that combine generations of experience and elegance with evolution and innovation. Aimed at raising the bar and setting a new standard in superyacht ownership. 

With both our Amels Limited Editions semi-custom range and our Amels Full Custom opportunities, we enable you to spend your precious time in the best way possible. 

Elegant and conscious modern yachting forms the essence of our Amels portfolio. A sought-after range of new-build superyachts with both semi-custom Limited Editions and Full Custom projects, recognised for their quality, ocean-going performance and unrivalled onboard experience.

With close to 100 Amels superyachts already cruising world wide, our fleet is our greatest achievement. A legacy reflecting decades of the highest build quality with proven naval architecture, technology and experience. Whether in build or delivered, our fleet is our family.

The maritime pedigree and heritage behind Amels stretch back centuries. With Dutch family shipbuilding at the core. Starting in 1918, the Amels family paved the way for what Amels has become today under the ownership and guidance of the Damen family.

This award-winning 60-metre (197ft) Amels Limited Editions design has been turning heads since her introduction in 2019. A next-generation semi-custom Amels that blends heritage with sophisticated technology, taking the superyacht industry’s greatest success story into the future. Just like the global fleet of close to 50 Limited Editions yachts at sea today, this sought-after Amels 60 is fast becoming become the collectors’ item for tomorrow’s generation of yacht owners, popular for both charter and private use.

The Amels 80 is shaping the future of luxury yachting. With evolution in her DNA, she captures the evolution and elegance of modern yachting at its essence. Her sophisticated and sustainable design is guaranteed to stand the test of time. This 80-metre Amels Limited Editions combines exclusive know-how and proven innovation to create an even more enjoyable yachting experience. Introduced in 2022, this next-generation semi-custom Amels has firmly taken her place as a leader in the 80-metre superyacht sector.  

Full Custom

We offer 25 years of non-stop, first-class refit experience at The Netherlands’ largest superyacht hub. For our own fleet and all other brands. A trusted refit, rebuild and service partner to maintain, manage and upgrade each client’s dream for an enjoyable and trouble-free ownership experience. The gateway to the world beyond new build delivery.

Discover 25 years of non-stop, first-class refit experience at The Netherlands’ largest superyacht hub. Renowned for timeless new builds as well as masterful and reliable refits, our craftsmen cater for both Amels yachts and all other brands.

Amels Classics

Today’s Amels 60 and Amels 80 stem from a long line of successful, timeless Amels Limited Editions. Over 40 semi-custom superyachts, each a masterpiece in her own right and each a showcase for the Limited Editions concept and quality. Each individually personalised with unique colour schemes, custom interiors and special features made to meet Owner’s specific needs. All delivering unique and unforgettable experiences. A legacy which has fed into the evolution of Amels. A collection of Limited Editions built over two decades collectively forming the Amels Classics.

• Heesen movies

WE... ARE HEESEN

At Heesen, we are dedicated to building superyachts in aluminium and steel that offer speed, style and fuel-efficient cruising. With an unrelenting focus on quality, craftsmanship and innovation, Heesen has created one of the world’s most impressive shipbuilding legacies. Our portfolio consists of three build concepts, which address our customers’ differing requirements regarding delivery times and personalisation. All rely on proven engineering and the renowned ‘Crafted in Holland’ build quality.

Fully engineered yachts, part of our speculation programme, available with short delivery times.

SMART CUSTOM

The smart balance between proven performance, speed of delivery and customisation.

FULL CUSTOM

Realised dreams that start with a blank sheet of paper, or inspired by one of our concepts.

Available Yachts

Discover our Series yachts that are in build and for sale, so you can enjoy your yacht sooner.

YN20750 Project Orion

YN20655 Project Venus

YN20955 Project Agnetha

YN21150 Sophia

YN21350 Project Grace

BlueNautech

We must all take responsibility for protecting what we love. By introducing BlueNautech, Heesen continues to support the future of sustainable yachting through improved efficiencies, alternative materials, energy savings and innovative production methods.

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• Refit & Services
• About Feadship
• News, press & events
• The Feadship-family

Enter the world of Feadship

Feadship Uncovered Uncovered A seven episodes podcast with John Weich

Our Story There are yachts and there are Feadships.

New Build Pure Custom Creation

Designs Feadship Unveils The carte blanche exclusives

Refit & Services Unrivalled quality throughout the circle of life

Updates from the bridge.

Feadship Project 713: Another milestone in Feadship’s environmental roadmap

With her elegant blue-grey hull and white superstructure, the newly launched 59.50-metre Project 713 cuts a dashing figure on the water.

Monaco Yacht Show 2024

Featured video

Feadship uncovered - trailer episode 1: the offer of a lifetime.

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Founded in 1918

Since 1918 The Amels shipyard has been building quality ships. It wasn’t until 1982 that the yard entered the luxury yacht market with the construction of the 48m KATALINA. Situated in Holland, this impeccably clean and exceptionally organized. Amels is a subsidiary of the Damen Group and is one of the largest luxury yacht builders in Holland.

In addition to fully custom yachts, the yacht is known for his Limited Editions including the Amels 180, Amels 188, Amels 206, Amels 212, Amels 242 and Amels 272.

Moran Yacht & Ship have successfully completed a number of projects including the 74m Amels PLVS VLTRA .

Yachts built by Amels

ASTRID CONROY

Navigating #extraordinary% journeys

‘As proud Dutch yacht builders with a passion for perfection, we realize dreams that enter history books’

Your journey begins #the moment you step on board.%

The one boat you’ve always dreamed about. Many times, you have imagined it: you know every little detail. But who understands exactly what you want? Where to build it? Where can you find the quality, the capacity and the passion to fulfill all your wishes? Who do you trust to bring this voyage to a successful end?  We understand what you want to achieve; it is our mission to realize your dream.

You want a proven design and building process that #brings it% #all together%

Whether you’re a private owner embarking on the journey of building or refitting your dream boat, a professional seeking a collaborative partnership with a shipyard, or a brand owner envisioning the construction of your yachts, finding the right yard is key. You want a yard that understands your goals, budget and timeframe and works within those parameters. For you, clear communication and a transparent process are key. You want a yard that shares the joy of seeing your vision come to life.

Crafting yachts, #building legacies%

We love to know who you are. Are you a professional, private owner or brand owner?

Professional

Private owner

Brand owner

Where imagination meets the sea, beyond my imagination.

For our demanding clients and diverse projects, it is important that we have a reliable partner nearby who can deliver the quality and craftsmanship required for our new build and refit projects.

It is one of the main reasons that we like to work with VMG Yachtbuilders. The fact that fulfilling agreements and sound management are self-evident is a requirement for our unusual assignments.

Olivier van Meer

Our #projects%

Baruna of 1938

Bestevaer 50 Stormvogel

Spirit of Venice

Puffin 50 Jaleo

Chaser 500CC

Saloon boat Sally

Taeke Hadewych

Royal Huisman 64 Yonder

Saloon boat Proost van Sint Jan

IJver (IJver Class)

Puffin 50 SeaBear

Grand Estime 62 Misha

Puffin 37 Haaks

Agile 42 Karma

The art of building #bespoke yachts.%.

Centuries of craftsmanship

The Netherlands has a long tradition in yacht building and cargo vessels. You will find the best yards in the world in the Netherlands. The boatbuilding skills are passed on from generation to generation. West-Friesland, the area where VMG Yachtbuilders is firmly rooted, has been a centre for yacht building for many decades. Strong family traditions, the ambition to be the best in the trade and a powerful work ethos characterize the success of this region.

Reliability

Building a new boat, working on a refit or doing a routine maintenance project: boats will be boats and, inevitably, there will be bumps in the road.

You want a yard that is reliable, works on time, delivers what is promised and communicates promptly when things don’t go according to plan. We take pride in our reliability and work hard to involve you every step of the way.

Flexibility

You have carefully considered your dream yacht, but when you see it taking shape before your eyes, things may look different than you envisioned it.

We understand that, in the course of the building stages, your ideas evolve which may lead to design changes. Our team will listen to your new plans and adjust the process accordingly.

Availability and capacity

You want the best craftsmen to work on your boat. Through our innovative set-up, we can make the right highly skilled staff available for your project in every phase: from building the hull and finishing the interior to maintenance projects and after sales projects. In our three production facilities we have the right equipment to work fast and efficient. Come and have a look; we are happy to show you around.

Knowledge and experience

Albeit a maintenance project, a refit or a brand new yacht: you have ideas about how you want it done. We listen carefully to your ideas and will pair them with our knowledge and experience to create the best solutions. Innovation starts with the exchange of ideas and mixed with skill and expertise it leads to great results.

Latest #news%

What happens at the yard: May

Saloon boat Sally from 1910 relaunched after restoration

The Taeke Hadewych Relaunched After Extensive Refit at VMG

Start your journey here, how can we help you.

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• Yachtbuilders
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Yachtbuilders.

28 yachtbuilders found.

Altena Yachting

Aquatec Industries

Atlantic Sailing Yachts

Boarnstream Yachting

C-Yacht by Zaadnoordijk Yachtbuilders

Deep Water Yachts

Gebroeders van Enkhuizen Yachtbuilding & Refits BV

Hoora Watersport

Hutting Yachts

Jachtbouw De Alm

Jachtwerf De Jong

Jachtwerf Heeg

Langweerder Sloep B.V.

Menken Maritiem

Mulder Shipyard

No Limit Ships

Noblesse Cruiser

ONJ motor launches & workboats

Qualia-Tenders BV

Steeler Yachts

Sturiër Yachts

Vaan Yachts bv

Van den Hoven Jachtbouw

Var Tenders B.V.

Venegy Yachts

Wajer Yachts B.V.

Zeelander Yachts - Dutch yacht builders - For admirers of extraordinary

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Bigger and Better than Ever: Major upgrades for Amsterdam Yacht Service

Following the successful completion in October of works on its most recent major sailing yacht refit project, a 56-metre Perini Navi sailing superyacht, the Zaandem-based shipyard Amsterdam Yacht Service has taken the opportunity to undertake some major renovations and upgrades to its facilities.

The sheer size of this iconic 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht meant that, while works were ongoing, the shipyard was required to demolish part of its sheds and add a temporary extension in order to accommodate her, with the superyacht being transported in and out of the shed by means of a SPMT (Self Propelled Motor Trolly).

Once the project was finished and successfully delivered to her experienced ownersteam, the temporary extension has been removed. The hall’s walls which had been demolished have been covered with new special doors. This has now enabled a wider door opening of 12 metres as opposed to the previous 10 metres, thus also nodding towards future larger projects at AYS’ facility.

The large shed, in which the iconic Perini Navi yacht was housed, has also benefitted from numerous additional improvements, with the AYS team designing, building and installing large doors, upgrading the lighting system, giving the shed a full repaint and also installing a brand new fire suppressant system.

Originally built in 1962, the shed has been gradually refurbished ever since Amsterdam Yacht Service took over the premises in 2014. Works include the replacement of the windows in 2014, renovations of the roof in 2016 and the floor in 2019. The addition of a divider between the workshops and the hall, the improvement of the electricity supply, and the renovation and upgrading of the overhead cranes has also been carried out.

In another signficant move for the shipyard, in February this year, Amsterdam Yacht Service began constructing dedicated workshops to house its carpentry work, aluminium work, and stainless steel work, which exist alongside its current steel work facilities and are currently in operation. Offering easy access to the yacht as it is being worked upon – as ongoing yacht projects will be found in the same building – these workshops enable the shipyard’s skilled workforce to work efficiently, cleanly and separately.

Shipyard director Robert Binnekade says: “With all of these upgrades to our facilities underway, it has been an extremely busy time for us at Amsterdam Yacht Service. We are looking forward to showcasing more of our upcoming projects in the coming months and continuing to prove to the industry what our incredible team is capable of, and the impeccable standards of work which we are consistently able to deliver.”

It’s an absolute beast

The newest Verado marine motor is a 7.6-liter V-12. And 600 horsepower might be just the start.

Fuel economy

Mercury says dual V-12s deliver 20 percent better fuel economy than triple (Yamaha) V-8s.

Come hull and high water

A measure of a good shipyard is the range of services it can offer and the range of works it can undertake, and there’s no doubt that Amsterdam Yacht Services has those elements covered thanks to its background as a commercially orientated shipyard. The measure of a great shipyard, however, is not just the scope […]

Treasure at the end of the rainbow

It’s fair to say that wooden boats inspire passion like few other craft. For Robert Binnekade, that passion was sparked by a classic Dutch one-design racing dayboat that still draws ardent owners for its competitive fleet. Binnekade acquired a 1947 example of the class, number 61 name Regenbouw (Dutch for rainbow), from an old friend. […]

New wood workshop opened

While Amsterdam Yacht Service has its roots and heritage in steel-hulled fishing vessels and classic Dutch barges, in the last decade the team has made a deliberate shift toward a focus on yacht and superyacht refit and new construction. As part of this shift, the shipyard has invested in a new wood workshop, occupying part […]

Seventh Heaven: Amsterdam Yacht Service takes on seven Windcat catamarans

Busier than ever as we launch into 2024, recent activities at the Amsterdam Yacht Service premesis in Zaandam have included numerous highly efficient works on a grand total of seven Windcat catamarans (offshore crew transfer vessels) which have been situated at the shipyard for maintenance. As for the works themselves, these include the hauling out […]

Sanded to perfection at AYS: 23m Motor yacht Nageira returned to owner

The 22.9-metre 2000-built Kuipers motor yacht Nageira has been reunited with her owner following successful winter works at the Amsterdam Yacht Service facility in Zaandam, beginning in October and being completed between Christmas and New Year. For her third visit to the Amsterdam Yacht Service facilities to date, the yacht (which originally cruised under the […]

Works on iconic 56m Perini Navi sailing yacht close to completion at Amsterdam Yacht Service

Zaandam-based shipyard Amsterdam Yacht Service has revealed that one of its major sailing yacht projects, a 56-metre Perini Navi superyacht, has almost finished her significant refit works. Taking the form of an extensive refit carried out in cooperation with the vessel’s highly experienced owner, the ongoing works are expected to be completed this October. With […]

This week in Monaco

Members of the Amsterdam Yacht Builders team will spend two days in and around Port Hercules this week as they visit the Monaco Yacht Show. If you would like to meet up and discuss any potential project we would be delighted to do so on Thursday 28 and Friday 29 of September. It’s sure to […]

Behind shed doors: Ongoing works

We are very pleased to reveal that we are carrying out works on the iconic and award-winning 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht in the form of an extensive, cooperative refit with her owner, with works slated for completion in July this year. As another ongoing project, with works beginning in November 2022, the 26-metre Moonen […]

At the yard: Recently-completed projects

The 22.9-metre 2000-built Kuipers yacht Lucky Jack (now renamed Nageira) had an eventful yet ultimately successful stay at our shipyard. With the works beginning as a haul-out and respray of one of her topsides, she was placed into a specially-designed container hall covered by a tent while these were completed. The second round of works […]

Meet us during METSTRADE 2022

When your yard is located in the greatest city in the world, and the world’s biggest leisure marine exhibition comes to town, then you know you’re in for a busy week! Amsterdam Yacht Builders will be present at all three days of this year’s METSTRADE show, which will take over the RAI complex from om […]

Meeting complex challenges on Arrabida

Our bespoke refit of the 26-metre sailing yacht Arrabida, (ex. Zoetigheid) has been successfully delivered to the owner’s scope and complete satisfaction. This beautiful aluminium schooner was given a superyacht-quality livery on her topsides, a major paint job which required the AYB experts to remove all the stainless steel fittings and the many water stays […]

This week in Monaco 

Two days in and around Port Hercules Members of the Amsterdam Yacht Builders team will spend two days in and around Port Hercules next week as they visit the Monaco Yacht Show. If you would like to meet up and discuss any potential project we would be delighted to do so on the Tuesday before […]

Electric dreams: How Amsterdam Yacht Builderscould supercharge the industry

By Georgia Tindale A vision of a more eco-friendlyfuture for yachting. What do you get when you combine a prime location with deep technical expertise, a historic shipyard dating back to 1921 and currently the largest travel lift in the Netherlands (480 tonnes). The answer: Amsterdam Yacht Builders. A fresh entry to the superyacht scene […]

IJmuiden sea lock officially put into operation

His Majesty the King officially inaugurated operation of the IJmuiden sea lock on Wednesday, 26 January 2022. With a push of a button, King Willem Alexander opened the inner door of the world’s largest sea lock from the Lock Operations Centre (SOC).

Eurotank Amsterdam invests in storage for biofuels

Eurotank Amsterdam (ETA, part of VTTI) is investing in the storage of biofuels. After a successful trial, the gas oil tanks at the terminal are being converted. This makes the tanks suitable for storing various types of biofuels. These biofuels, including Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), are produced from used vegetable oils and animal fats, among […]

Our new corporate video: A new force on the Dutch Yachting Industry

Leveraging on a century of experience and managed by people with a first-class reputation in the superyacht sector, Amsterdam Yacht Builders is based at a prime location in the Dutch capital. The new, highly experienced owners of a yard which dates back to 1921 are taking a down-to-earth approach to new builds, refits and maintenance […]

Article from Super Yacht Times – newspaper issue 48, 2024: 

World renowned for the construction of record breaking super sailing and motor yachts, Royal Huisman has built an international reputation on the quality of its vessels. But such excellence doesn’t happen overnight. Founded in 1884 and born from a family heritage of wooden boat building, the story of Royal Huisman’s evolution to award-winning superyacht builder is an extraordinary one. Now celebrating its 140th anniversary, we took a look at some of the shipyard’s most notable milestones, to understand how this historic business has become a symbol of the international perception of Dutch quality, and its vision for the future.

Sea Eagle, launched in 2020. 

A historic legacy Royal Huisman officially dates its history back to the foundation of a boatyard in Ronduite, the Netherlands in 1884, beginning the familial legacy of boat building, initially with the construction of small wooden work and fishing boats. Situated close to the turbulent Zuiderzee (the inland sea to the north east of Amsterdam which is now the freshwater IJsselmeer), the Huisman’s boat building business was a key part of local life, but as the local fishing industry dwindled, so did the need for the Huisman boats. It was Jan Huisman, alongside his brother Jacob, that eventually made the decision to focus the yard’s energy’s on wooden sailing yachts and by the 1950s, the shipyard had begun to build its reputation on the construction of steel and aluminium vessels.

A pioneer from its earliest origins, the advent of aluminium in the 1960s was a turning point for the yard which innovated with the bending and welding of aluminium for hull construction. By the 1970s, Huisman had moved to its current location in Vollenhove where deeper water access and space heralded the growth of both the company and its yachts. In 1984, on its 100th anniversary, the shipyard was awarded its Royal warrant in recognition of good behaviour including tax paying and the quality of its work, recognising its now international track record for the construction of both large racing yachts and performance cruising yachts.

Now credited with the construction of nearly 200 unique vessels from eight to 90-metres, Royal Huisman has become one of the most productive bespoke builders in the world, and its existing fleet of more than 45 superyachts represents 140 years of knowledge passed down from generation to generation. Today the historic legacy of the shipyard is deeply embedded within its daily operations and is felt by members of the team, many of whom have remained with the company for decades, even generations.

“This year the company has once again evolved so that its image reflects both the innovation that takes place under its roof, and its historic lineage”

Innovation at its heart

With a deeply ingrained ethos of innovation baked into its roots, Royal Huisman has long been ahead of the curve when it comes to developments in yacht construction. The yachts currently in-build alone represent the diversity of the shipyard’s capabilities; the 85-metre New World Sloop that will be the largest single masted yacht in the world when launched in 2026; the 52-metre Project 406, the world’s largest sportfisher motor yacht; and the 65-metre Aquarius II.

A forerunner with the use of aluminium and an early adopter of carbon composite components as early as 1997, the shipyard continues to pioneer today with the development of new construction methods. Most recently, the shipyard developed Featherlight, which utilises a high-grade mix between aluminium and carbon within its hulls and offers weight reductions of up-to 15 percent. Pioneered aboard the recently delivered Nilaya and used within the construction of Project 408, Featherlight rethinks and reduces the use of materials combining the low noise levels offered by aluminium.

Nilaya is the first yacht to feature the patented Featherlight construction method.

Not only is the Featherlight method a unique offering within the sector, it has also produced a result that is competitive with carbon composite racing yachts, an unparalleled result for aluminium construction. Regatta performance, though often an aim, is not the only motivator behind the shipyard’s innovation efforts. Today the superyacht sector is under increasing scrutiny and owners are more conscious than ever of their environment, not only its protection, but also their enjoyment of it.

Developed for the 47-metre Nilaya, the benefits of the Featherlight method are tenfold. With less power needed for motoring, the team was able to develop a new ‘tribrid’ propulsion system providing three power options with a battery bank allowing for silent operation. This system, smaller than conventional engines, had the additional benefit of leaving more space for interior accommodation.

While Featherlight has been a step into the future, Project 410, New World Sloop, is set to break the wheel when it comes to her green technology. A project driven by passionate owners that recognised Royal Huisman’s ability to champion radical projects, the sloop is set to be powered completely with self-generated propulsion, using both a huge 2-megawatt battery bank and a yacht’s most readily available natural powersource: the wind.

While the shipyard’s current and ongoing innovations are revolutionary, like all of Royal Huisman’s developments, they are based on a deep technical understanding that has been honed over decades. Launching its first hybrid yacht Ethereal in 2009, today the shipyard is able to retrofit the existing worldwide superyacht fleet with its hybrid system, future-proofing its vessels and upgrading them with cutting-edge technology. Both Foftein, built by Royal Huisman in 1999, and Juliet, built in 1993, have undergone this transformation at the company’s refit facility Huisfit in Amsterdam.

“With a deeply ingrained ethos of innovation baked into its roots, Royal Huisman has long been ahead of the curve when it comes to developments in yacht construction.”

Looking to the future

While technological innovations within the shipyard’s projects are a staple of the ethos of Royal Huisman, in 2023 the company began to look at its global image from a different perspective. Over the past few years, the motivation for individuals to own yachts has evolved, with a deeper focus on the surrounding environment and the goal to spend more time autonomously onboard. Royal Huisman has aimed to future proof its brand, just as it is future proofing its vessels, to ensure that the prestige that the brand represents today continues into the future.

Launching its new website, branding and house style this year, the company has once again evolved so that its image reflects both the innovation that takes place under its roof, and its historic lineage. With four brands under its umbrella, Royal Huisman, Huisfit, the superyacht components manufacturer Rondal, and the Palma-based refit facility P&G Yachting the company is equipped to assist with every aspect of superyacht construction and refit. Unlike many other industry peers, the company also employs upward of 350 specialists, making it highly agile, with a broad range of skill sets in-house.

The 100m superyacht concept Wing 100 is a true sailing yacht.

Demonstrating its commitment to the future of the sector and the continuation of the sailing tradition, in 2022 the shipyard unveiled Wing 100, a 100-metre super sailing yacht with rotating airfoil shaped wing masts. Developed in-house in collaboration with Dykstra Naval Architects and Mark Whiteley, Wing 100 represents the potential future of the sailing yacht experience and for Royal Huisman is representative of the continuous process of forward-thinking design and innovation.

With its unparalleled historic legacy, passion for technology and track record of world class expertise, Royal Huisman is in prime position to lead the superyacht sector into a more sustainable future.

Left photo: Jan Huisman, founder of Royal Huisman, photographed in the 1920s in the Ronduite shipyard.

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Amsterdam Yacht Builders

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By sailors for sailors

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