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Hull of 95-foot sailing yacht goes right-side-up for the first time.

Rockport Marine reaches key milestone in build of contemporary classic superyacht designed by Langan Design Partners and Mark Whiteley Design .

ROCKPORT, ME (Dec. 19, 2023)—The 95-foot pilothouse sloop known as Project Ouzel reached a major milestone on a snowy day in Maine at the end of November. The hull emerged from the build shop at Rockport Marine with all structural bulkheads in place, was raised and carefully inverted in a Travelift, and then rolled back into the shop to begin work on the interior components. This event is a significant step towards the completion of the hull, designed by Langan Design Partners and built of cold-molded Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, and carbon fiber over a male building jig.

“We planned for this carefully, and there were no surprises other than some light snow,” said Sam Temple, president of Rockport Marine.   “It’s not the first time we’ve done this operation, but Ouzel is certainly on the larger end of the spectrum for us; I’m happy to say it all went smoothly.”

Peter Wilson, MCM co-founder and the owner’s representative , remarked, “ This process certainly marks the passing of an important milestone. Even though Rockport Marine has their systems well dialed-in, there is always some element of trepidation when turning a large hull. My congratulations go out to Sam Temple and the team at Rockport—one big step.”

“The process of flipping the hull requires precision and careful coordination,” said Langan Design’s Tom Degremont . “It highlights the attention to detail that Rockport Marine brings to every aspect of the build. In addition to the technical achievement, it is the first time we all see the yacht right-side-up and outside—as there isn’t much room left inside the building to stand back and appreciate her scale and lines. She has given us all a stunning first impression.”

The next step in the yacht’s construction is to prepare the inside of the hull for the composite structural grid that will transmit the keel loads into the hull. Once that is complete, the shipyard will start the layout of the systems, install the main engine and associated machinery, and begin preparing for the interior components designed by Mark Whiteley Design, many of which are already under construction.

The yacht’s deck is being built in parallel and will be installed later in 2024 in an equally exciting outdoor operation: Due to the size of this yacht, the hull and deck will be joined outside and brought back into the building to complete the build.

In the weeks leading to her launch, project Ouzel will emerge from the building for the last time to be attached to her keel and to receive her mast. The launch is scheduled for the summer of 2025.

Lighting the Way

Words: emma bamford | images: baxter bradford.

If you want to catch a glimpse of your yachting future, Mark Whiteley’s your man. The esteemed British designer probably knows before you do what you’re going to choose to have onboard your next boat.

A guest room that converts into a gym via a running machine hidden under the floor. An owners’ suite up front, for increased privacy and better crew access to the deck. Saloon sofas that convert into a sea-level viewing platform. A move away from open-play layouts to create distinct spaces on board. And a calm, inviting interior that helps you immediately unwind when you leave the mad, frantic world behind and step onto your yacht.

“Now because our world is really cluttered and busy, to get on a sailing boat – the calmness and quietness of that is so valuable,” he says. “It can be something as simple as having a switch for the lights rather than a big programmable system. Reducing the complexity helps you relax quickly.”

His interior for 56-metre Aquarius , the 2018 Royal Huisman ketch is an exemplar of this approach: a mix of traditional and contemporary, with dark woods and fine detailing on the cabinetry lightened by white walls and ceilings and pale-coloured soft furnishings upholstered in touch-me fabrics. The aesthetic has become something of a signature for Mark Whiteley Design, the studio he founded in Lymington, Hampshire, in 2012, and has attracted the owners of some of the stand-out sailing superyachts in the fleet – Audrey the First , Nautor’s inaugural 120ft Swan and the 81-metre Sea Eagle , the world’s largest aluminium yacht, for which Whiteley also designed the exterior – and, upcoming, the 65-metre Aquarius II , due to launch next year, and a 98ft sloop in Maine. “I’m really liking where we are with these boats and these calm, relaxed spaces. We’ve got a nice niche,” the designer says. “There’s a simplicity which the clients like… a lightness and calmness to the detail.”

Whiteley came to yacht design via London’s Central School of Art and Design and the Royal College of Art. “Jon Bannenberg was having an open gallery exhibition and I went along. They were very welcoming and opened my eyes to this extraordinary world,” he says. “I had been sailing as a teenager and there was an affinity.” Speaking to him about who he has worked with becomes a roll call of the world’s top sailing yacht designers: Ed Dubois, Malcolm McKeon, Juan K, Justin Redmond, Tony Dixon, Germán Frers. His first job, in 1987, was for Andrew Winch, as the first designer Winch had employed. After an approach in 1992 by Dubois and McKeon to work on the 35-metre Corinthian , he became one of the founding designers of RWD, alongside Justin Redman and Tony Dixon, before striking out on his own.

Whiteley believes it’s inevitable, following the pandemic, that people are drawn to the water more than ever. “If they had been planning a project, they thought, ‘Why not? Let’s do it now because you never know what’s round the corner’,” he says. “You can take your own bubble with you. And sailing boats in particular – they represent the ultimate escape, without too many crew or engine noise.”

He keeps a 45ft classic wooden ketch in Lymington for cruising in France and Cornwall, plus “a bit of round-the-cans”. “It reconnects me with sailing, and in our world I think it’s a help to remember what it’s about,” he says. “These interiors do have to perform in very different positions, not just on the flat in the shipyard. When the opportunity comes up I jump at the chance to do a delivery because it’s a really good way of seeing how boats perform, if the handholds are in the right place, if the chef is happy with the galley layout. I am a practical interior designer, because in sailing boats the practicalities underlie all the comfort. They are essential.”

Whiteley considers himself fortunate to have been able to work on a wide variety of projects, and on such notable yachts. What would also interest him in the future, he admits, would be a restoration of a classic, or a J-Class. “On a restoration it would be interesting to look at all the detailing and see how that could be taken forward while reflecting the history and journey that the boat has made,” he says. “And a J-Class – well!”

Whether reimagining a classic or starting from scratch with a new build, each owner comes to a project with different ideas, and the key to good design, Whiteley says, is accommodating those but also planning for how they might change. “You have to keep an open mind. When Aquarius started out, racing wasn’t on the agenda. The owner had never raced. Then he did the [St Barths] Bucket and won and loved it!”

And what is created for one yacht can soon influence others. “The way people use boats is different these days,” Whiteley adds. “People aren’t using interior dining tables. They are outside more. They want shade. And gyms are popular, as people want to exercise. On Sea Eagle we did what I call a ‘torture wall’: a multifunctional gym wall, very compact. And on Audrey the First we created a coffee and wine station opposite the galley, with a custom stainless steel wine fridge and a great coffee machine. The owners sit there and talk to the chef. That’s a really successful and unique part of that particular boat. I wouldn’t be surprised if somebody else said they wanted to do something similar.”

Further Reading

Design I number 08

The view from here.

Having spent his younger years messing about in dinghies, self-taught sailor and world-class designer Malcolm McKeon knows a thing or two about sailing yachts. Here, the award-winning naval architect shares some personal insights on his four decades in the industry, as well as his ideas for the future

Travel I number 08

The high low: french polynesia.

French Polynesia brings to mind ambrosia; lush days spent lounging on chalk-fine sand, crystalline waters lapping gently along the shore. But there’s more to this archipelago nation than palm trees and beaches, and one way to get to know her is through her rich food heritage

Sailing I number 08

Ribelle with a cause.

Even at seven years old, this 33m lightweight Superyacht remains a masterclass in boat-craft. Here, her Skipper and creator share what makes – and keeps – her a cut above

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Mark Whiteley Design

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SPECIFICATION

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MM770 is a design collaboration between Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design and Mark Whiteley – a successful affiliation that spans the last 30 years – and presents both parties with an opportunity to embrace creative freedom. The design has been developed in close association with Feadship, the shipyard most aligned with innovative and iconic superyachts.

With a nod to sailing yacht design, MM770’s exterior profile features cascading runs of timber that fold over each of the five decks fore and aft in fluid motion. Taking the place of what more commonly is the domain of glass or metal, this natural material interrupts the metal structure and diminishes the visual intensity of the vessel with astounding effect. Continuing from the exterior decks into the yacht’s internal spaces, the timber unites the entire vessel as one with floor-to-ceiling glass often the only divide between the owner and the elements.

Each deck has been attributed a distinct purpose and configured to ensure total segregation between crew and owner/guests, both in regard to general operation and service provision, and when moving around the yacht.

The main deck centres on the guest accommodation and communal social spaces. To aft is an impressive 8.8-metre glass-bottomed pool, an exterior lounge area and an al fresco dining table for 12. Entering the yacht through the sliding glass doors, a spacious saloon awaits – flanked by glass on either side, which can be fully retracted fore and aft to open the saloon sides port and starboard.

One of MM770’s most innovative features is the aft portion of the main deck, which folds down to enclose the beach club and secure the transom when the yacht is underway.

There are four guest suites in total, all of which enjoy full-height glass windows and private balconies. The yacht’s beam on deck has been widened locally to afford the balconies more floor space and the three doubles have been arranged so that the beds face towards the port and starboard sides, and towards the glass. Forward of the guest accommodation is the bridge with adjacent Captain’s cabin and ship’s office.

The foredeck itself not only serves as a helipad but beneath the flush deck is stowage for two tenders, deployed and recovered by crane.

On the upper deck resides a self-contained owner’s suite. This deck is given over to the owner in its entirety, affording complete privacy and autonomy if so desired. The forward-facing master stateroom is encased in a curved wall of glass, the central panel of which retracts to permit access to the expansive private deck. The owner’s accommodation also features his-and-hers en suites, a study and a personal pantry. The sky lounge to aft, with a further on-deck lounge and dining space, can also be excluded from guest use – affording the owner self-contained supremacy.

The elevated views offered from the sun deck can be enjoyed from aft-facing sun loungers, the lounge seating or the forward Jacuzzi. Under the shelter of the fixed canopy, sit two interfacing c-shaped bar counters and there’s also a day head, dumbwaiter and service area. Crew are accommodated on the lower deck. Along with accommodation for a complement of 15, there’s a large crew mess, additional officer’s mess and medical suite. Amidships on the lower deck is the guest lobby and central elevator, which runs from the basement deck up to the owner’s level and beyond the engine room to aft, a watersports store in the port lazarette.

Guests can descend to the lower deck by elevator or via stairs from the main deck, which will bring them to the yacht’s gym, sauna and spa treatment room. This arrangement allows them to transit between the guest accommodation and the beach club without passing through the main saloon. Similarly, day guests can access the beach club and make use of the water toys without the need to pass through the guest cabins. To aft on the lower deck is an incredible beach club arrangement that sees the side bulwarks fold down to form large swim platforms. The ease of access to and from the water is a given but the beach club lounge, situated beneath the glass-bottomed pool and benefitting from uninterrupted views on three sides, is a statement design piece. Advanced engineering has been employed to ensure the structural integrity of this substantial space, and the design takes a more architectural edge as a result - one feels they could be diving into an ocean atop a skyscraper. Adding to the already expansive array of amenities and lifestyle features aboard MM770 is the basement deck, where a 14-seat cinema makes fantastic use of this enclosed space. There’s also a sizeable wine cellar and forward, an additional crew lounge, laundry and purser’s office with a staircase connecting directly to the crew quarters on the deck above.

“When we design a sailing superyacht, establishing a continuous visual connection with the sea is always part of the design brief. Applying that objective to motor yacht design, we have been able to reinforce that principal in new and inspiring ways.” – Malcolm McKeon

“Creating a more architectural interior for this design with MMYD has been an enjoyable challenge. Careful consideration has gone into creating intimate spaces with their own identity and atmosphere. The aim for the interior and exterior living spaces is for the owner to feel she is a home from home on the sea, reflecting the owner’s style in a warm and modern way.’’ – Mark Whiteley 

Proposed for build at Feadship, this Lloyd’s registered design has a relatively narrow beam to length ratio, making it more easily driven and more fuel-efficient. Topping in at 1,700GT and offering a speed of 17 knots, this 77-metre masterpiece is ready to commence the next stage of pre-engineering.

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Sometimes superyacht designers do not get the appropriate recognition they deserve, seeing that they have collaborated and designed in the creation of some of the most innovative and brilliant superyachts in the industry. So,  Luxury Yachts will feature 30 of the best superyacht designers in a two-part article that have completely changed the game.

⇒ Related Article: Top 10 Luxury Yacht Builders Around the World  ⇐

Tim Heywood (Tim Heywood Design)

With an extensive and impressive career in yacht design, the multi-award-winning yacht designer has produced some of the finest and largest yachts on the water, including Feadship ‘s Symphony superyacht.

Espen Øino (Espen Øino International)

With a studio based in Monaco, Espen Øino is taking over the world with projects like the 89m. Infinity and the 77m. Silverfast superyachts.

Terence Disdale (Terence Disdale Design)

Based in the UK, Terence Disdale Design is known for developing casual yet chic interior and exterior styling of the world’s most extraordinary jets and yachts, such as Eclipse by Blohm + Voss.

Andrew Winch (Andrew Winch Designs)

Specializing in interior and exterior yacht design , Andrew Winch established his own design studio in 1986. He has collaborated in designs like Oceanco’s Equanimity.

Rémi Tessier (Rémi Tessier Design)

Rémi Tessier’s approach to design is founded on simplicity , where function determines form. He has designed the interiors of yachts like Kahalani by Feadship.

Bill Tripp (Tripp Design)

The American yacht designer launched his own company in 1984 and has participated in major projects, like an 85m sailing yacht for Oceanco .

Andre Hoek (Hoek Design Naval Architects)

Founding his own company in 1986, Andre Hoek is known for developing J Class yachts and timeless sloops.

Mario Pedol (Nauta Yachts)

Image Source: Yachts International

The Italian designer is mostly known for being a part of the construction of the biggest superyacht ever , the 180m.  Azzam by Lürssen . Nevertheless, his studio specializes in creating custom and production sailing yachts.

Justin Redman, Mark Whiteley and Tony Dixon (Redman Whiteley & Dixon)

RWD is one of the leading names in the British yacht design scene and the studio has already worked on the exterior of massive yachts like Vava II and Hampshire II.

Martin Francis (Francis Design)

The leading marine architect and superyacht designer Martin Francis has worked on phenomenal projects , such as the 110m yacht  A.

Pascale Reymond & Andrew Langton (Reymond Langton)

Since forming the company in 2001, one of the best dynamic duos in the industry has come to design some of the iconic boats and yachts , including the 78m Titan and the 134m Serene.

Jonny Horsfield (H2 Yacht Design)

Horsfield was for quite some time known as the designer to go to for refits, however, he has started to create new builds, including the 82m Graceful and 125m Maryah superyachts .

Dickie Bannenberg &  Simon Rowell (Bannenberg & Rowell Design)

Regarded as one of the biggest names in the industry, Bannenberg and Rowell create a bespoke design , including luxury yachts, aircraft interiors, and distinctive custom furniture . They have worked on superyachts like the 85m Lürssen Pacific and the 65m Heesen Galactica Star.

Francesca Muzio (FM Architettura)

Led by Muzion, the Italian House is known for doing not only hospitality projects but also refitting superyachts , such as the example of the 52m Amore Mio II.

Frank Mulder & Bas Mulder (Mulder Design)

Established in 1979, this family-run studio has designed more than 600 boats, including some iconic vessels , such as the 35.36m Moonraker and the 42.4m The World is Not Enough.

⇒ Read Also: 8 Superyacht Marinas That Boast Undeniable Glamour and Uniqueness ⇐

  ♦♦ Feel free to share your thoughts on this article. Follow us on social networks:  Facebook | Twitter  | Pinterest  | Instagram . If you want to be up to date with the latest trends and novelties from the most masterful designers and shipyards in the world of Luxury Yachts,  sign up to our Newsletter and receive exclusive content in your email, free of charge. ♦♦

Featured Image Credit to Boat International

Source: Boat International

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Mark Whiteley

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OUR FURNITURE

QUALITY JOINERY

KITCHENS  & BARS

SUPERYACHT FURNITURE

We make furniture that is striking and unique. The final product is the result of masterful design, the informed choice of materials used, the appropriate method of construction together with the overall form and finish. We work with a wide range of materials:- timbers and veneers, metals, glass, stone, resins, leathers and many varied applied specialist finishes. The incorporation of marquetry, inlayed metals, sophisticated mechanical features and secret compartments serve to create subtle interesting focal points for often highly complex pieces of furniture and luxury joinery.

We put our hearts into our work and go the extra mile to create statement pieces of the utmost luxury and quality. High levels of accuracy, methodology and attention to detail is very important, and the Interior Designers for whom we work demand this focussed discipline as our pieces furnish some of the most luxurious properties in the world, including Royal Palaces, Super Prime Residences, Hotels and Superyachts.

A stunning black stained sycamore console with shagreen drawer fronts and lightly brushed antiqued brass trims and handles.

Fully lining the drawers in a bright Mandarin Majilite Novasuede adds a pop of colour and really complements the subtle blue tones in the shagreen and stained sycamore.

Over 30 years Mark Asplin Whiteley has earned a reputation for making unique, bespoke luxury furniture, often described as “Statement Pieces”. Perhaps less well known is that we also make and fit joinery to the same exacting standards. Demand for high quality joinery has never been greater with an increasing number of clients demanding the same degree of attention to detail and cabinetmaking skills in architectural joinery, dressing rooms, bars, and fitted libraries, as they enjoy in their freestanding furniture.

One of our strengths is our ability to get the details right, both in the workshop and on site. This means that when we fit architectural joinery, panelling, doors and jib doors etc, thought is given to both the technical design and the manufacturing processes with fitting in mind. Our commitment to high quality means that the process of assembly and fitting on site is highly efficient and accurate. Dozens of luxury London properties have MAW installations, with many more in New York, Moscow, Stockholm and beyond.

Elegance and sound practicality. MAW kitchens are works of art in themselves. The peace that can be derived from cooking and resting in a well designed kitchen cannot be underestimated and will complement a lifestyle, whether you’re a chef, or whether your wish is to bring order into your busy day.

Our in-house designers will attune to your senses and wishes, work to your budget, and go beyond what you hoped for, whether you’re wanting quiet lines and clean surfaces, luxurious traditional form, or expressive marquetry which will transport you to maybe rest under Japanese blossom or to a boating trip on rippling seas under skies of varying hues... All paired with the quality of the craftsmanship, MAW kitchens are an investment that will be appreciated and enjoyed through daily use and over time.

MAW have many years of extensive experience in supplying into the

ON-DECK and INTERIOR super yacht furniture market, collaborating with design market leaders. We work closely with boat-yards and interior designers to bring their visions to life whilst focussing on the stringent demand for ocean worthy materials and methods. At MAW we understand the technologies and quality-demands that are necessary to deliver beyond the expectations of our clients. We don’t cut corners in terms of quality, process or materials. More in-depth photos of our furniture and super yacht interiors can be seen in our extensive private portfolio. We at MAW are currently developing our own ranges of on-deck furniture which includes a range of seating, loungers and tables. We would be happy to present these to prospective clients who are procuring furniture for current and future super yacht projects.

• Mark Whiteley

Collaboration is everything

Over the years Mark has worked on a number of truly remarkable projects, and has developed established relationships with some of the best minds in this business, from Designers, Project managers and Captains, as well as some of the world’s most renowned Shipyards.

To broaden the spectrum of expertise and experience, he actively continues to build collaborations with esteemed professionals in architecture, product, furniture design and interior decoration, strongly believing that these relationships lead to innovative and influential solutions.

We work in an extremely collaborative way which creates a very open and honest forum for all those invested in a project to share their thoughts. We aim to make the process as stimulating, absorbing and enjoyable as possible.

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