Nilaya is the lightest sailing superyacht

Long-awaited Nilaya and Featherlight technology

Until recently, the aluminum superyacht was named Project 405. Even then it became known that the new Featherlight technology would be used in the construction of the yacht. The technology is “rooted in the aerospace age,” according to boat builder Royal Huisman. The essence of the technology is to reduce the weight of the hull without losing strength and quality.

The shipyard team claims that it was possible to apply the technology more than successfully. Royal Huisman was able to make the 11% Nilaya lighter than other cruising yachts of comparable size. Most likely, the new superyacht will be able to set a new weight record.

Jan Timmerman, CEO of Royal Huisman says: “Nilaya will be the world's lightest aluminum sailing superyacht for its length. It should be a game changer for similarly sized superyachts.”

Nilaya's appearance

The exterior and interior design of the new yacht was handled by Nauta Design. The yacht is really very beautiful - a graceful and rather low profile of the hull, a straight bow, a wide and comfortable transom, as well as double rudders.

Together with Nauta Design, Reichel-Pugh Yacht Design, which was responsible for the yacht's naval architecture, worked on the project. Together they were able to combine a pleasant appearance and good driving performance. 

The Royal Huisman shipyard itself controlled the process of creating the yacht. The shipyard carried out thorough checks and weight tests of the entire boat and its components - from the hull frame to the furniture. In order for the Featherlight technology to really work, it is necessary that every part of Nilaya be made of a material that is suitable not only technologically, but also aesthetically.

Royal Huisman also took advantage of the experience of colleagues from Rondal and successfully applied the best practices in the field of carbon fiber. So, the deckhouse, part of the cockpit, mast, boom and standing rigging were formed from carbon.

By the way, we wrote about this boat in our Telegram channel - we are waiting for everyone on the link!

Superyacht interior and performance

As for the interior, it “combines a modern look with classic elegance.” According to the shipyard itself, the interior of Nilaya “is bright, but filled with warmth and comfort that any real sailor will appreciate. On board can accommodate up to 10 guests and up to 8 crew members.

However, the shipyard also says that Nilaya will be the first yacht of this size to be equipped with a so-called. "carriage" sail. This sail was specially designed by Doyle Sails. 

Nilaya is also equipped with hybrid captive winches and hatches. Their hybridity lies in the fact that they are made of carbon-aluminum alloy rather than titanium, which also helped to lighten the case. The yard predicts that the superyacht will only be able to exceed headwind speeds with her mainsail and staysail raised, even in 10-knot breezes.

In the meantime, Nilaya has left the factory in Vollenhove, Holland, for Amsterdam, where she will be mast-mounted. Then - going to sea and the first sea trials!

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08.02.2023