With its 81 metres in length, the Sea Eagle II by Royal Huisman takes its place in the small circle of the largest aluminium sailing yachts in the world.  Launched in 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, after exploring the world and travelling 45,000 nautical miles, it can finally prove it has achieved the results for which the Dutch shipyard and design team (Dykstra Naval Architects and Mark Whiteley Design )  made it for.

TESTING IN OCEANS AROUND THE WORLD

The sailing tests have given excellent performance reaching speeds of 21.5 knots with a moderate breeze, thanks to the extensive sail surface area and the extremely fast raising of the mainsail, similar to that of a sloop half the size of the Sea Eagle II.

The input given for the creation of this imposing and elegant vessel came from the desires of its owner; this is his second sailing vessel (the first of the same name was 43 metres, also built by Royal Huisman), and, by sailing around the world, he was able to test the probabilities of implementing his ideas.

There were few but very clear priorities given to the design team: an extremely comfortable and spacious yacht for not just the passengers but also the crew, seaworthiness and capable of sailing around the world with near-racing performance. A sailboat for a real sailor, practical, powerful, safe and easy to navigate, highly reliable and functional without useless frills.

SEA EAGLE II, A WORTHY SUCCESSOR

Five times longer and wider than its predecessor, the Sea Eagle II is one of the biggest yachts designed by Royal Huisman; the CEO, Jan Timmerman explained its importance. “Continued innovation, experience and a personal challenge all came together in this design – Timmerman said – transferring over the quality work already done on the schooner, Athena.” Each one of these challenges was just waiting for a visionary, who wants to transform a truly revolutionary sailing yacht into reality.”

The modern naval architecture includes a generous transom and a water line for nearly the entire length of the hull, guaranteeing increased stability as well as speed and comfort. “The Sea Eagle II – explains Erik Wassen from Dykstra Naval Architects – can be quickly adapted to the different ocean and wind conditions, allowing for a safer and proportionally longer navigation.”

BUILDING INNOVATION

The superstructure, which the owner wanted to keep low but long, is dematerialised by large windows along the sides, so that the view from bow to stern is seamless. The same goes for the passageways, as no steps interrupt the main deck when stepping from inside tot he outside.

An aesthetic result which hides state of the art construction techniques: the upper area is posteriorly welded conventionally to the main deck, while the anterior is simply “glued” to enhance the flexibility of the aluminium hull below. Everything done with a specially created method, developed from aerospace research and validated by professionals working in ship classification.

The Sea Eagle II can accommodate up to 12 passengers in 6 cabins, one of which can be converted into a gym. The crew can be up to 14 people, housed in bright and comfortable quarters. The spaces dedicated to the owner and his guests are flooded with natural light and functional, and stand out for their minimal and modern design.

There are two tenders available, which can be tied to two collapsible lateral platforms, complete with a ladder tot he main deck, while the aft garage can store a pair of jet skis and other equipment.