One of this year’s highlights is the launch of the 58.5m motoryacht PHI at Royal Huisman’s newbuild facility in Vollenhove, The Netherlands. Developed and constructed below 500GT, PHI is by far the longest motoryacht in this category, based on current Classification rules.
PHI is a magnificently sensuous motor yacht from the drawing board of Cor D. Rover, who has based the general concept, exterior design and interior layout on many in-depth conversations with the owner over a period of years. Relating inside and outside to the ”sectio divina” or the Golden Ratio, PHI is the formula that governs the continuation of dimensions and shapes in natural proportions throughout the design. The PHI philosophy and deck levels are subsequently focused on three themes: the galaxy, the ocean surface and the underwater world.
PHI’s interior design and styling are defined by the London-based studio Lawson Robb. Her naval architecture is by Van Oossanen Naval Architects. Their specially developed Fast Displacement XL hull form allows this yacht to be long and sleek, yet still remain under the 500 GT mark.
Owner’s Representative Guy Booth commented: “All of us involved in the creation of PHI feel a sense of privilege to have had the opportunity to contribute to this innovative project. The co-operation between the owner’s team, the architects, the designers and everyone at Royal Huisman has been exceptional. We can be justifiably proud of what we have achieved.”
Within the superyacht sector PHI’s fine – and therefore very fuel-efficient – hull lines, together with her very low profile, are considered to be a great challenge to engineer and build. But with its immense experience and track record of innovation in delivering over thirty low-profile and award-winning custom sailing superyachts, Royal Huisman and is not remotely intimidated by such projects.
As Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman explains: “Just take a look at our two current motoryacht projects: project 403, PHI, and project 406, a unique 52m / 171ft sportfish yacht that will become the largest of its kind in the world. The individual aspirations and challenges of each of these projects were seen to be well outside the comfort zone by some yards. With the benefit of expert advice, each of these owners brought their highly distinctive individual projects to Royal Huisman, where fresh opportunities for creative problem-solving and innovation were enthusiastically welcomed. So what gives us so much confidence in Royal Huisman’s capability to build exceptional motoryachts? Here are two good examples of the ‘edge’ Royal Huisman has to offer. First, the expertise we have acquired from our unrivalled 55 years’ experience in aluminium construction. This enables us to maximise performance and efficiency through compact, lightweight and high strength engineering. Second, our ability to design and install complex operational systems in restricted volume hull areas provides the owner with more net space for amenities and further increases efficiency. Add to that a can-do mentality, seeking to optimize and enhance the ideas of the owner, their architects and designers, rather than trying to persuade them to scale back their ambitions to what the shipyard is accustomed to delivering. We think that’s a pretty good combination!”
PHI is scheduled for delivery later this year and will be supported by a matching 36m shadow vessel (also designed by the same designers and constructed at Alia Yachts).
As to the overall activity at the yard, the current orderbook includes seven projects of Royal Huisman and Huisfit, the shipyard’s dedicated refit division, 4 new yachts (58.5m PHI, 59.7m high-performance sloop, a 46m high-performance cruiser sloop, a 52m sportfish motoryacht), 2 refit projects (rebuild of the 37m motorsailer Atlantide, y. 1930, hybrid conversion of the 44m S/Y Juliet, refit of the 55m S/Y Adèle).
