Commissioned in the Spring of 2014 the 156-foot (48-meter) Hoek / Rhoades Young designed classic sloop built by Royal Huisman left Holland for her maiden voyage to the fjords of Norway before entering the Western Mediterranean for the remaining Summer.

Wisp, a 156-foot (48-meter) classic sloop with a performance that belies her traditional lines, is a magnificent example of revivalist naval architecture from the drawing board of Hoek Design with interior architecture by Rhoades Young Design. Fulfilling the brief as a supremely comfortable cruising yacht more than capable to provide the pleasures of some ‘gentleman’s racing’ on occasion she presented an exciting challenge for the designers and shipyard alike.

The client whilst satisfied to cruise at a leisurely pace, was looking for a decent turn of speed without sailing on the edge. Moreover, as he plans to make long passages he expected the same high level of comfort – both inside and on deck – he had enjoyed on various yachts; and with meticulous attention to detail, he was involved in every aspect of the design and construction of what has become his ‘home away from home’.

In terms of hull design, the Hoek Design team has revitalized the style and grace of the classic sailing yachts of yesteryear, while paying homage to the needs of today’s modern lifestyle on board. Features developed by the team, such as the owner’s aft cockpit, provide a degree of privacy and amenity. Although not typical of the original design period, they help to marry echoes from the past with a thoroughly modern list of creature comforts for today’s expectant guest. The talented Dutch firm of naval architects was tasked with developing a yacht that would sail very well without excessive heel; hence Wisp’s added form stability, Alustar aluminum hull and spoon bow for a gentler ride.

Her cutter rig, moderate draft underbody, carbon composite spars from Rondal, EC6 and Carbo-Link hybrid rigging and efficient sailhandling systems are all enhanced for performance, seaworthiness and ease of handling. The cutter-rig sailplan was designed for balance and simple handling while cruising and the possibility of using overlapping genoas for racing, with much thought going into the track positioning and winch sizes to handle the increased loads and speeds during regattas.

A close collaboration between the Hoek Design office and Rhoades Young Design ensured consistency between the exterior and interior styling details, which were made a reality by Royal Huisman. The deck design reveals a clean and contemporary layout that still respects the classic styling of the striking sheer, spoon bow, traditional counter stern and teak clad low-profile deckhouses.

The result is an uncluttered expanse of teak decking fore and aft with few obstacles to disturb the sense of harmony. Indeed, throughout the yacht the exterior woodwork has been rationalized by examining and simplifying every joint and detail to create calming guest areas with plenty of hidden storage and an efficient navigation cockpit. Instead of the more typical stranded wire, solid stainless steel lifelines linking the deckmounted stanchions provide non-sailors an added sense of security and add an elegant, polished look.

A commitment to the owner’s pure and simple aesthetic by the designers, combined with Royal Huisman’s signature attention to quality construction and seaworthiness, has resulted in a fine gentleman’s sailing yacht with ocean-going capability, comfort and performance.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to be part of the Huisman family, and a dynamic and focused project team,” wrote the owner’s representative, following delivery of the yacht. “Together we have exceeded the expectations of the client with exceptional standards and we can all be duly proud of the beautiful vessel Wisp. “