On board the latest 58-meter Royal Huisman sailing yacht the tiniest of details has been considered in terms of aesthetics and functionality while the technological solutions adopted are worthy of a racing craft.

With the contribution of © breed media

Ngoni is one of the ultimate challenges that has been won by modern-day sail yachting.

The great strength of this superyacht lies in its exterior lines, initially designed by Ed Dubois, melded with the artistic interpretation of the interiors dreamed up by Rick Baker. It is a victory of an apparently minimalistic approach, in which research and development and a refined sense of aesthetics have resulted in this fantastic sailing yacht, which slides sleekly and elegantly through the water.

This yacht is 58 metres in length, and her astonishing sails cover a surface area in excess of 3,000 square metres. They can be quickly furled into the boom with minimum crew intervention, thanks to the automated on-board system devised by Royal Huisman.

The tiniest of details has been considered in terms of aesthetics and functionality.

The technological solutions adopted are worthy of a racing craft, while retaining the vessel’s style and fascination.

Its aerodynamic line is sporting and modern yet elegant. Its aerodynamic efficiency, created by its clean, surging line, cuts through the air and reduces friction, enabling it to compete with the best regatta vessels in its category.

It can travel at a speed of up to 17 knots in windless conditions thanks to its retractable thrusters.

It is extremely lightweight (396 GT), using materials such as carbon fibre to reduce superfluous weight wherever possible. It is used for instance for the giant carbon mast (one of the world’s three largest one-piece spars ever built), the hand-stee red rudder (one of the largest ever built), the spa pool and even the gangway.

The look of the large teak deck is enhanced by protective titanium elements. A spa pool, tenders and even a crane are hidden away.

There is excellent visibility for the helmsman all the way to the bow. A free-standing carbon-fibre bimini can be placed over the two helms to provide shade when needed.

The use of curved moulded glass on deck offers breathtaking views of starry skies, and is a winning strategy in terms of functionality, aesthetics and aerodynamics.

After having recovered somewhat from the thrill of the exterior, we go inside, where we might be expecting an essential, sober style. We will therefore get a surprise from the artistic rendering of the interior, aided by the entry of a lot of natural light and by artificial lighting designed to create a soothing ambience.

We are welcomed into a hospitality area with bar, and our senses are piqued by the range of materials used and the works of art on display. It is hard to say whether they are looking reverentially at us, or we can do no other than stare at them. From this point on we realise this will be an artistic and sensory experience, as we drink a cocktail or have dinner. There is also a 75” television, which pops out from the cockpit counter, in order to watch a movie while enjoying the outdoor setting.

Going below deck there is an “artistic” corridor leading to the gym and owners’suites, which can accommodate up to six guests. There is a master suite, double cabin and twin cabin, all superbly furnished and endowed with finely finished en suite bathrooms.

Here we find exotic veneers, marble, onyx and resin finishes, with large rectangular portholes offering excellent natural lighting during the day.

The owners’ suite, aft, comprises a full-beam cabin with bespoke in-built furniture, a wonderful bathroom and open space study, which also has its own bathroom.

There is direct access to the deck from here, without having to go through the main salon.

The wealth of on-board automation is based on iPad technology, which also affords access to a practically unlimited store of contents.

Ngoni can comfortably accommodate 9 crew members, with 1 captain’s cabin, 2 single and 3 twin crew cabins.

On board there is also a galley, laundry, crew galley and sundry services.

With Ngoni it is clear to see that the art of sailing, thanks to new technologies and the constant search for new design solutions, still has considerable room for further evolution.

We would like to think that in the years to come we will continue to be filled with wonder.

Yard: no.398
Type: High Performance Sloop
Naval Architect: Dubois Naval Architects
Interior Architect: Rick Baker Ltd.
Lighting Design: The Light Corporation
Project Management: Godfrey Cray Maritime Ltd. / Captain Iain Cook
Length overall: 58m
Length waterline: 51m
Beam: 9.5m
Draft (keel up / keel down): 5.3m / 8.1m
Displacement: 353t
Hull: speed 17 kt
Delivery: 2017

Hospitality
1 Owner’s Suite
1 double bed Cabins + 1 twin bed Cabins
1 Captain’s Cabin
2 single cabin + 3 twin bed Cabins (crew members)