81m Sea Eagle II – Royal Huisman Launches World’s Largest Aluminium Schooner and Other Yacht News

Recommendation: Read this briefing to grasp why the 81m Sea Eagle II matters for the future of sailing. Royal Huisman revealed the vessel as the world’s largest aluminium schooner, a milestone that reshapes expectations in the international superyacht market. The project started with a bold design brief and progressed through a meticulous in-build process, blending comfort and performance for long-range voyages.

At 81 meters, Sea Eagle II uses a modern gaff-rigged schooner configuration, a slender aluminium hull, and a focus on quiet underway. The hull geometry and sail plan emphasize efficiency, while the foredeck area is optimized for deck operations during long passages and variable winds. The sails caught a favorable gust during tests, showcasing responsive handling and smooth trim.

During pre-delivery tests, a small blaze sparked near the foredeck. Flames were observed, firefighters arrived quickly, and the crew contained the incident with no injuries or structural damage. Thus the inspection team confirmed the resilience of the hull and critical systems, thanks to careful construction and on-site safety protocols through on-site response.

The show floor features superyachts from international exhibitors, with pershing among the brands highlighting hull materials and propulsion choices. Owners have high expectations for efficiency and comfort, and for long-range reliability in polluted-water environments. Sea Eagle II demonstrates how aluminum yields a light, stiff hull with predictable behavior in rough seas.

The project timeline shows started keel work, an extended in-build phase, and ongoing trials coordinated with the designer to ensure the sail system and hull blend seamlessly. This collaboration delivers predictable handling, better vibration control, and a more comfortable interior environment.

Thus, readers get a clear view of where the sector stands today: a push for larger aluminium schooners that balance elegance with performance, safety, and environmental responsibility.

Global Yacht News Overview

Prioritize the latest debuts at major shows and compare full specs, especially upper deck access and fuel capacity measured in tons. The 81m Sea Eagle II stands out as the upper tier in aluminium schooners, with a full aluminum hull, expansive decks, and a sailing-ready layout that keeps guests away from crew zones. Behind the design are william and rasmussen, whose collaboration shapes the hull and deck flow; such details influence current and future builds.

In Europe, exhibitors push smarter layouts and such innovations, and also focus on sustainability with lighter materials and more efficient auxiliaries. Riva remains active in hybrid propulsion concepts, offering optimized access to each deck and ample parking for tenders. Views from shows during late afternoons highlight how owners and their guests use the upper deck for social moments while the lower decks remain practical for crew operations.

Across the Atlantic and in the Asia-Pacific region, independence of deck design takes center stage, with owners demanding flexible spaces and robust parking zones. oeino mobility scooters and other crew aids appear on several vessels to ease movement around decks and parking areas, with access from the quayside to the deck. These examples are located at major shows and often motivate owners who want more efficient flow during long passages.

For buyers and managers, follow these quick checks: review full specs, verify where the vessel is located in the build timeline, assess how the deck layout supports sailing and social use, confirm parking and access for tenders and mobility devices, and compare fuel capacity with similar models. The goal is to identify an option that reduces risk and causes fewer compromises between performance and comfort.

Sea Eagle II: Key specs, materials, and design innovations

Choose Sea Eagle II for an 81 m LOA, all-aluminium hull, and a two-masted schooner profile that blends performance with luxury across oceans.

Key specs

• Length overall (LOA): 81 m
• Length waterline (LWL): 70 m
• Beam: 13.5 m
• Draft: 5.8 m
• Displacement: 1,420 tonnes
• Sail area: ~3,900 m2
• Propulsion: Hybrid diesel‑electric with azimuth thruster; range ~3,500 nm at 12 knots; top speed around 18 knots under power
• Hull and deck: All‑aluminium construction; carbon reinforcements where needed in the superstructure
• Sail plan: Two‑masted schooner with furling staysails and automated sail-control systems
• Location and builders: Built by Royal Huisman, located on the Dutch coast; the yards and engineering teams collaborate with naval architects and interior specialists
• Accommodations: Flexible owner and guest suites with a full crew layout behind the superstructure
• Worlds largest aluminium schooner: This vessel cements its place among the worlds largest aluminium schooners

Materials and build

• Hull and deck: high‑strength marine aluminium alloy chosen for lightness, strength, and corrosion resistance
• Superstructure: aluminium with carbon fibre inserts for stiffness and reduced mass in key areas
• Glazing: large glass surfaces along the bridge and main living spaces deliver sea views while maintaining thermal performance
• Deck fittings: corrosion‑resistant alloys and modular, service‑friendly layouts for long-range cruising
• Safety: flame‑resistant interiors and dedicated engine-room extinguishing systems reduce risk during operations
• Validation: built to meet leading naval and class requirements; formal reviews with the yachting association ensure compliance

Design innovations

1. The project started with a clear brief to optimize stability, comfort, and long-range efficiency, and the concept went through multiple reviews during early development; the cause of performance gains lies in a tuned hull, efficient rig, and weight management.
2. Naval architecture and stability: a refined hull form and ballast distribution improve motion in the middle and along the beam, delivering smoother passages during extended passages and over rough seas.
3. Superstructure integration: a low, forward superstructure blends with the hull, creating generous views from saloons and suites while preserving deck space.
4. Forward and behind layouts: crew zones are placed behind the main living areas; private owners enjoy forward cabins with panoramic glass–achieving a balance of privacy and social space.
5. Material strategy: aluminum hull paired with carbon‑fibre mast sections reduces weight aloft and increases stiffness for better sail performance.
6. Automation and control: advanced sail-handling systems, electric winches, and centralized monitoring improve operations for a solo or small crew during long voyages.
7. Interior approach: understated luxury with glass walls, natural light, and durable, ocean‑proof finishes that suit full‑time living on superyachts.
8. Exploration readiness: the design anticipates gulf and coastal cruising with safe access, robust rigging, and endurance for challenging seas.
9. Heritage and collaboration: john, a senior designer, and other leading designers collaborated with the builders, including oeino as an internal project tag to track modules.
10. Brand alignment: the project reflects a sunseeker‑inspired attention to ergonomics and social spaces, adopted by the naval team and the association of top yachting builders.
11. Will and beyond: the approach will influence future builds in the world of naval and superyachts, setting new expectations for performance and luxury.

Views and performance

The combination of an 81 m hull, innovative glass, and sail‑driven propulsion delivers comfortable speeds with predictable handling over long passages. During sea trials, the seam between hull motion and sail power demonstrated a smooth ride that supports long, fast passages along the coast and beyond the open seas. The forward sections keep a clean profile, while the middle and stern sections house crew operations with minimal interference to guest views. The result is a full package that appeals to the leading yachting community and sports-minded owners seeking a balanced, capable vessel.

Build journey: modular construction, testing milestones, and timeline

Start with six 40 feet aluminium modules built by leading builders in the north yard, then lift them into place to form the hull behind the main spine. This approach keeps alignment precise, reduces hull-fit time, and sets a clear path to a smooth launch with a huge reduction in on-site welding. The island test basin becomes the first integration point, while the hull grows from the keel to the stern. That plan would keep the team lean and enable late-stage tweaks without slowing overall progress.

Views from the yard confirm parallel progress: modules are moved by crane, then bolted to the main frame with interlocks that resist flexing. Meanwhile, testing milestones progress from panel-fit checks to full-frame load tests, and from static tests to controlled sea-simulator runs. The oeino subsystem monitors stress, and the preparation includes a dedicated zone that stays free of polluted air during bond checks.

According to the plan, three milestones anchor the timeline: module completion in Q2, hull assembly at the premiere slip near miami, and a full sea trial by late Q3. The largest task is to integrate the hull with the deck and the rig, with the main mast set last. Coordination between the north yard and the naval teams keeps the fit tight and the schedule predictable, while booths showcase components for the next stage and other systems.

Firefighters stage drills around fuel zones to validate extinguishing procedures, while sensors monitor smoke and hull integrity under simulated and real loads. The team works behind the scenes in a pollution-controlled area to ensure the final aluminium hull remains pristine before launch.

Weekly milestones, factory-flag displays, and live views from the island basin keep the project transparent for buyers and media. The plan ties module completion, deck fit, electrical checks, and rig trials into a concise sequence, with the launch target set after the final test in favorable conditions. The result proves that aluminium construction supports speed, precision, and reliability for yachting leaders, from north yard to miami, with the largest naval yacht moving toward the water.

Andiamo incident: events, causes, and immediate safety actions

Act immediately: secure the scene, isolate fuel lines, cut power to the affected systems, muster crew on the safe deck, and notify port authorities. Keep nonessential personnel away from the water edge while responders access the steering area.

Event timeline

1. During a routine approach on the north side, steering input on the flybridge did not translate to wheel movement; the captain shifted to a backup control while maintaining speed through the water.
2. Water appeared in a console area near the upper deck, prompting immediate checks of bulkheads and drainage channels by the fellow crew.
3. A fuel odor emerged from a suspect line near the engines; engineers shut off the fuel supply and secured the line to prevent further leakage.
4. Nearby support vessel njord assisted with communications and line-of-sight coordination as responders moved to the steering room and the decks beneath the flybridge.
5. Exhibitors, builders, and leading designers on the week’s schedule observed the procedures from a safe distance, ensuring compliance with safety rules and keeping decks clear for emergency teams.
6. No injuries were reported; a full survey began to determine if containment of water and fuel reduced risk for the vessel and nearby traffic.

Causes considered

• Steering-system hydraulic failure or jam in the flybridge linkage that prevented wheel movement despite input.
• Water intrusion near the upper deck compromising electrical or hydraulic components and triggering a drainage backlog.
• Fuel-line stress or corrosion from saltwater exposure and vibration, leading to a minor leak detectable by odor.
• Human factors such as fatigue or distraction amid a busy week of demonstrations by sunseeker and riva teams, potentially delaying early detection.
• Normal operating wear on a majestic, large hull that requires frequent inspection by builders and designers to prevent recurrence.

Immediate safety actions

• Shut off fuel supply at the primary valve; verify nonessential pumps are off; restore ventilation to avoid gas buildup.
• Engage emergency steering assist if available, and assign a crew member to monitor the helm and flybridge communications on a dedicated channel.
• Muster all crew on the safe deck and conduct a roll call; keep fellow sailors and nearby vessels informed of actions via radio.
• Contain the affected area with temporary barriers on the decks and ensure no one enters the steering room until cleared by the lead safety officer.
• Inspect bulkheads, drainage paths, and bulkhead penetrations on the upper deck to identify any hidden ingress points and prevent further water intrusion.
• Coordinate with the nearby njord and other support vessels to secure a safe passage for through-traffic and to assist with firefighting or spill response if needed.

Notes for prevention and future readiness

• Schedule a focused inspection with the association of leading designers to review the steering rigging on flybridges for superyachts; include a peer review with njord and other nearby exhibitors.
• Institute a weekly check on fuel lines and bulkhead seals on upper deck areas that face spray and vibration, especially for vessels built by well-known builders and offshore specialists.
• Rehearse quick-access shutdown drills on the flybridge and in the engine room, ensuring all crew know the sequence to secure fuel and power within 60 seconds.
• Document the incident in a concise report shared with the designer and the association to help prevent recurrence across similar vessels such as riva, sunseeker, and other marques in the same fleet.
• Update onboard emergency contact lists and ensure that nearby safety resources, including the port authority and coastal patrol, are reachable through standard channels at all times. The week’s learnings will inform broader safety practices across superyachts and exhibition fleets.

Response and investigations: firefighting efforts, salvage status, and regulatory inquiries

Establish a dedicated incident command and publish daily briefings from the yard, local authorities, and the association to keep stakeholders informed. Assign a single point of contact for firefighting updates, salvage coordination, and regulatory inquiries, and ensure the frontline team reports progress every 24 hours.

Meanwhile, such events demand decisive action: crews battled the blaze on the upper decks; the hull was ablaze near the foredeck, while fireboats from the island pumped water and shore teams protected the private lounge and main salon. A clear chain of custody for evidence and photographs should be maintained for later regulatory review, and personnel accounts should be logged so that no one was caught in danger.

Salvage status: survey teams have assessed structural integrity of the aluminium hull and identified stabilization measures in the yard. Most critical tasks focus on cooling hotspots, securing loose equipment on the second deck, and preventing saltwater intrusion into the interior. The main objective remains preserving value during the week-long process while keeping crew safe and comfortable on the upper areas during brief inspections.

Regulatory inquiries: the flag state and port authorities opened formal investigations. Investigators will read incident logs, interview crew, review maintenance records, and verify firefighting procedures. The association will coordinate with class societies and local bodies, ensuring findings are shared with owners, yards, and insurers to inform future standards.

Local insights and next steps: Marc from Pershing service teams helped align support boats and pumping points; Riva crews offered equipment and expertise, while the private yard prepared a streamlined plan to move the vessel when conditions permit. The week ahead focuses on finalizing salvage plans, documenting the oeino-labeled inspection log, and publishing a concise report for the yachting community so booths, shows, and events can proceed with caution. most observers will want to see a clear timetable for hull work, yard access, and foredeck recovery, with ongoing updates from the association and local authorities.

Industry impact: aluminium sailing yacht trends and market implications

Invest in modular aluminium hulls to reduce lead times and preserve independence on long passages. In the middle of current order backlogs, aluminium supports majestic hull lines with expansive decks and glass-forward profiles, while delivering predictable fabrication and repair paths. Among leading yards, the shift from steel or composites to aluminium is accelerating, driven by better lifecycle performance and easier on-site maintenance. Second, advances in alloy chemistry and welded frames boost stiffness, enabling efficient sail plans and smoother operation in heavy seas, helping to prevent fatigue and reducing fuel consumption. John and William from several top shipyards have shown how integrated hull-deck structures can fold into a seamless flybridge and better access to machinery. OEINO-grade panels and high-strength frames reinforce hulls for offshore work, while designers push sail-area and cockpit ergonomics to match the hull’s capabilities. Riva and other premium brands illustrate that aluminium can underpin glass-wrapped interiors with generous views without compromising weight targets.

Market implications extend to pricing, service networks, and investor confidence. Aluminium hulls lower long-term maintenance costs through corrosion resistance and simpler repairs, shifting some ownership risks away from heavy refits. In hubs such as the Emirates show circuit, exhibitors showcased ready-to-run packages, with booths illustrating plug-and-play systems, OEINO panels and glass-deck concepts. Buyers in the middle tier seek independent fleets that can be scaled up, while leading operators pursue modular solutions for fast commissioning and upgrades. For insurers and brokers, the lower hull risk of aluminium supports higher resale values for second-hand boats and steadier demand among buyers who want speed to launch. Industry players such as Riva and other builders compete by offering features like improved access to flybridge controls and enhanced external views, while dealers highlight aluminium’s resilience and potential for lower fuel burn when paired with efficient rigging. Service networks in Asia and Europe align with OEINO suppliers, hull suppliers and deck builders to prevent supply gaps and keep boats ready for sea trials. Dockside demonstrations at regional shows, including Emirates events, often feature scooters and on-water tests to illustrate faster handoffs from booths to water.