Maine-based yard Rockport Marine has launched a custom, 29-metre sailing yacht known as Project Ouzel. She will now begin mechanical and systems trials, putting to the test the intent of her owner to build a "comfortable, long-range cruising yacht that performs beautifully".
Built in cold-moulded Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar, with a carbon-fibre hull and foam-cored, plywood-fibreglass deck, Project Ouzel benefits from reduced weight and internal volume, necessitating less framing compared to a traditional, plank-on-frame wooden yacht.
Project Ouzel’s owners are experienced sailors and previous owners of a 20-metre Baltic Yachts build. The brief was for a “modern interpretation of a classic pilothouse cutter”, which was assigned to Langan Design, with project management assigned to MCM Newport.
"There's a common perception that you can't build a yacht like this in the United States any longer," said MCM president Peter Wilson. "When the world finally gets to see what this team has created, they'll quickly realise that you can build a world-class superyacht that stands shoulder to shoulder with European builds, if not even higher, right here at Rockport Marine."
According to Wilson, the design is "a wolf in sheep’s clothing". Project Ouzel touts a classic sheer line, low-profile deckhouse and generous overhangs while also benefitting from a performance-oriented rig and "modern underbody", including a high-aspect rudder and contemporary keel.
British studio Mark Whiteley is behind the interiors, with the designer's work on the 56-metre Aquarius and 36.4-metre Audrey the First first appealing to the owners. Renderings reveal a simple, airy and functional layout with a blend of contemporary and traditional yachting styles in the white-wood panelling, ample portholes and mahogany cabinetry.
Powered by an EPA Tier-3-compliant engine and a "state-of-the-art" hydraulic power pack, Project Ouzel can deliver more than 1,000 nautical miles under power at speeds over 10 knots.
Once delivered, the owners plan to use the yacht for exploration and coastal cruising, as well as potentially competing in a regatta at some point in the future.