“There’s a common perception that you can’t build a yacht like this in the United States any longer,” notes Peter Wilson, president of construction and yacht management company MCM Newport. He’s referring to the sailing yacht Ouzel, which just launched at Rockport Marine in Maine. Wilson and his team have represented owners with projects in a variety of different countries, but this one is different. “When the world finally gets to see what this team has created, they’ll quickly realize that you can build a world-class superyacht that stands shoulder to shoulder with European builds, if not even higher,” he asserts.
Under construction in Maine for three years, the custom 95-foot (29-meter) sloop belongs to an owner who envisioned a long-range cruising yacht blending classic and contemporary benefits. More importantly, the owner wanted to build in the United States. Rockport Marine’s familiarity with time-honored cold-molded wood construction techniques was a significant reason it landed the contract. The overall construction process represents a rarity in yachting, too. Specifically, it combines cold-molded wood (Douglas fir and western red cedar in this case), carbon fiber, fiberglass, and foam coring. Sam Temple, Rockport Marine’s president, says, “I’m pleased but not surprised that we are seeing increased acceptance of wood-composite building, which requires as little maintenance as any other composite vessel, yet has all the technical and aesthetic advantages of wood.”
Design-wise, the yacht Ouzel bears naval architecture by Langan Design Partners, yet another American firm, from Rhode Island. UK-based Mark Whiteley Design, meanwhile, is responsible for styling and interior design. Collectively, the design, build, and management teams held weekly video calls to get to this point. They also gathered on site at Rockport Marine, further with the owner, at various times. “It’s satisfying to bring a project of this quality from raw materials to this moment,” Temple shares. “Of course, it has also been a challenge,” he notes, but credits the other firms and the owner with having a collaborative spirit. “The people have been as much a joy as seeing this yacht take shape,” Temple adds.
Mark Whiteley of the eponymous design studio and Tom Degremont of Langan Design Partners are equally impressed with Rockport Marine. “We’re seeing consistently brilliant work by the team at Rockport to blend ageless boatbuilding skill with modern techniques and materials to create such a strong and graceful yacht,” Degremont says. Whiteley agrees, saying, “The quality of craftsmanship achieved by Sam Temple and his team here in Maine ranks right alongside the world’s best.” He adds, “Rockport’s wood-composite build technique enhances the aesthetic, acoustic, and even aromatic ambience of the interior.”
As for that interior, the owner was attracted to Whiteley’s work aboard the Royal Huisman Aquarius, a 184-footer (56-meter). Classic, calm, and elegant are the watchwords for her aesthetic, amid a non-fussy, functional layout. Similarly, the yacht Ouzel is classic and practical, with mahogany as a highlight.
Wilson is confident that Ouzel will make more people aware of not just what Rockport Marine can do, but what American craftspeople can do. “She’ll turn heads for sure,” he asserts.
Langan Design Partners langandesign.com
Mark Whiteley Design markwhiteleydesign.com
MCM mcmnewport.com
Rockport Marine rockportmarine.com
More About the Yacht Ouzel
LOA: 95’0” (28.96 meters)
Beam: not available
Draft: 12’0” (3.65 meters)
Guests: 8 in 4 staterooms
Sailplan: not available
Rig: performance-oriented sloop, Park Avenue boom
Builder: Rockport Marine
Stylist: Mark Whiteley Design
Naval Architect: Langan Design Partners
Interior Designer: Mark Whiteley Design