SARISSA // Royal Huisman // Malcolm McKeon

This 60-meter sloop is incredible. During the superyacht press tour 2019, organized by the Yachting Holland Group, Royal Huisman showed us the 1:1 mockup of the Malcolm McKeon design made of plywood of the rear half of the yacht, including possible deck salon furniture—impressive. I was in love. The exterior design comes with an eye-catching reverse bow and a sporty-looking deckhouse. Malcolm McKeon is one of my favorite designers. The sailing yacht RIBELLE is also one of my favorite sailing yacht exterior designs.

A lifting keel reduces the draft to reach shallow waters, and the twin rudder configuration shows that this is a new challenger at regattas.

Christian Liaigre styled the interior of SARISSA.

The yacht won “Yacht of the Year,” “Best Interior Sail,” and “Best in Sail 40m+” at the International Superyacht Society Awards.

This advanced sailboat, equipped with a retractable engine, marks a new phase in the enthusiasts’ deep affection for sailing and their enthusiasm for family journeys and discoveries. Their initial 43m / 140ft Sarissa introduced them to the endless possibilities of sailing. In 2012, the enthusiasts began to imagine the Sarissa they would have today, a Royal Huisman model set to be 20 feet longer. The task was to create a yacht that surpassed their beloved Sarissa. The enthusiasts dedicated years to its development, and their meticulous approach is the reason for the remarkable outcomes.

Malcolm McKeon is recognized globally as a premier naval architect. Through numerous insightful discussions and design sessions, the enthusiasts formed a strong connection around their shared dream for Sarissa to be both swift and enjoyable to navigate. Despite aiming to design a yacht that would cruise the world with a capacity of just under 500GT, they aimed to preserve the unique sailing experience and responsiveness they cherished on their earlier yachts.

The owners of Sarissa aimed to make her a formidable competitor on the water yet also ensure she was the quietest and smoothest ride among the largest sailing yachts. She needed to be cozy in rough waters and adept at navigating the open sea. The controls had to be operated by hand, allowing the owners to experience the yacht’s power directly. Sarissa had to balance speed and comfort, yet the owners precisely set the boundaries between the two.

From the start, they were committed to eco-friendly options that would boost the yacht’s performance, elevate the experience for those on board, and lessen its effect on the environment. With this goal in mind, they sought the most effective ways to produce, store, and utilize energy. Whether sailing or docking, they showed their guests that the yacht was powered by battery energy without any harmful emissions. Enhancing the water supply was also a priority for them. This was accomplished with a significant opening at the back of the yacht, featuring a carbon-fiber door that provided a remarkable platform.

The owners discovered Guillaume Rolland of Liaigre, an exceptional interior decorator who shares their passion for sailing. They requested a light, breezy space with large windows and portlights that exuded a casual vibe. Sarissa was meant to be both cozy and welcoming. The design had to be both clever and progressive, striking a balance between aesthetic appeal and practicality. It ensured ample room for guests while incorporating smart and efficient storage options for both the guests and the crew.

Sarissa is the pinnacle of the owners’ ultimate cruising sloop, flawlessly merging all the sailing elements they are passionate about and relish when out on the water.

The high-performance sloop’s hull is constructed in Alustar aluminum, and its carbon fiber superstructure is on top. Retractable propulsion offers less water resistance.

RH404 accommodates twelve guests and a crew of 10 and is designed to meet the requirements of Lloyd’s Register – Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). Southern Spars delivers the integrated rig.