on 17 Mar 2023
Royal Huisman’s Wing 100 concept is set to redefine the supersized sailing yacht scene with unprecedented performance and energy efficiency.
The unveiling of Wing 100, the creation of Dutch shipbuilders Royal Huisman, Dykstra Naval Architects and Mark Whiteley Design, marks the arrival of an entirely new megayacht category. At 100-metres, the ground-breaking concept expressly focuses on the highest standards of environmental sustainability with proven technology for worldwide reliability, while an advanced systems platform easily accommodates future technological advances and regulatory requirements.
The aluminium-hulled Wing 100 is not a heavy sail assisted motor yacht but a true sailing yacht, with an important difference – she can be easily and securely handled and quickly deployed in a design that will not only appeal to sailing yacht owners, but provide the perfect cross-over for motor yacht owners who want to minimize their environmental footprint.
At the core of the Wing 100 concept, which caters to 12 guests plus 16 crew, is a highly advanced rig by Rondal. The wing masts have airfoil profiles, are free standing, and rotate to provide very powerful, integrated airfoils with the sails.
The rig is based on a proven concept and features numerous advantages. Firstly, the twin mainsails can be hoisted in a few minutes, making sailing the easy choice. The staysails, when required, can equally easily be unfurled, and trimmed; the rig ensures fast and efficient performance yet is comfortably managed by remote control. If the wind strength increases, the sail plan can be rapidly de-powered, ensuring that a modest angle of heel is effortlessly maintained to provide owners and guests with a calm, comfortable and confident experience.
Being free-standing, the wing masts also have no standing rigging or associated deck clutter, maximizing the safe and clean amenity space on deck. The yacht will have a top speed of more than 24 knots.
The concept’s exterior design represents the future of smart, enlightened mega yacht ownership. With her plumb bow – artfully enhanced by a 60-degree notch at deck level – and maximised waterline, the Wing 100 looks cool, sensuous, and powerful. The absence of mast shrouds and spreaders emphasises the aesthetic of minimalist, purposeful efficiency. The cabin deck and main deck are crowned by an elegant, sweeping flybridge providing informal relaxation and alfresco dining, while stairs just forward of the twin helm stations give access to the bridge deck – in fact a half-deck between main and flybridge decks – offering superlative operational visibility without impacting on the guest amenity below.
With a long waterline and wide beam across the cabin, main and flybridge decks, Wing 100 offers extensive volume for guest accommodation and amenities, both above and below the expansive decks. The interior is cleverly understated to provide bespoke and calm spaces; the cabin deck accommodation includes the owner’s suite, a VIP suite and a further five guest cabins as well as a cabin for a nanny / teacher. Ample, light, and airy crew quarters are provided forward.
The main deck features interior dining for sixteen, an inside / outside bar and lounge, further alfresco dining aft and a range of other amenities. There is extensive clear deck space aft with stairs leading to a large beach club. All three decks are connected by a guest elevator as well as by stairs.
Wing 100’s efficient and easily set rig allows sailing on even the shortest passages. Overall, the yacht’s advanced sailing capabilities offer a substantial reduction in energy requirements compared with an equivalent-sized motor yacht while the electric propulsion system ensures high efficiency under power and is easily adaptable to alternative power sources such as new fuels or hydrogen fuel cells.
Add to that a hydro generator to power the board systems and to charge the batteries; 480 sqm of solar panels integrated in both masts, the aerodynamic efficiency of the wing masts and state-of-the art power management, and you have the main ingredients of Wing 100’s game-changing green energy system.
“The emergence of sailing yachts on this scale, with the level of energy efficiency and eco-responsibility offered by Wing 100, would have been unthinkable just a decade ago,” says Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman. “The team is incredibly excited to be at the forefront of this conceptual revolution. We look forward to applying our renowned innovation and engineering skills to the realization of this highly ambitious project – creating the fourth and largest Royal Huisman build yet in the global top 10 of supersized sailing yachts.”
A true sailing yacht that is expected to earn a ranking among the world’s top ten sailing yachts, she will join other Royal Huisman builds, including the Athena and Sea Eagle II, and the new 85m New World Sloop, Project 410, currently under construction in Vollenhove.
“Propulsion by wind will always beat energy consumption onboard motor yachts, even when great reductions in fuel consumption and other efficiency gains are achieved,” says Zimmerman. “Wind energy is free – of charge, of fumes, and of noise. And driving is great fun, too.”
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