Royal Huisman signs new 55m motor yacht Project Phi

Dutch shipyard Royal Huisman has announced that build contracts for 55-metre (180-foot) superyacht Project Phi have been signed. Although many details of the top-secret endeavour remain under wraps, the yard has revealed some select pieces of information ahead of the vessel’s construction.

Phi is a close collaboration between exterior design firm Cor D. Rover, interior experts Lawson Robb, and Van Oossanen Naval Architects. The owner’s current captain, Yacht Consult and Arcon Yachts, have also contributed to the project’s development.

Coming in at under 500GT, the forward-thinking motor yacht boasts a Fast Displacement XL hull by Van Oossanen and has been designed to reach speeds of approximately 22 knots She will also be gyro-stabilised to ensure smooth sailing.

Project Phi takes her name from the Greek letter phi, which in mathematics has represented the Golden Ratio (or sectio divina) since the 20^th century and draws its own name from Phidias – the ancient sculptor whose Statue Of Zeus was one of the original Seven Wonders Of The World.

Charlotte Robb, of Lawson Robb, commented, "This is an extraordinary project, an extraordinary client and team with an extraordinary vision. We are extremely excited to work with such an inspirational team in creating a truly unique home away from home and setting a new bar for yacht design."

Despite being better known for its sailing yachts, Royal Huisman are no strangers to motors, having delivered the 37.5-metre Salt Dance (1983) and 35.8-metre Arcadia (2006), although Project Phi is a considerable leap forwards in size for the yard.

In a statement, Jaap Gelling, technical director of Royal Huisman, noted, “The Phi team approached Royal Huisman because the client was looking for a yard renowned for its great dedication and ability to realise this yacht with its inherent challenges, staying within the definition of Phi…Needless to say, that Phi is an exciting project for our shipyard. Royal Huisman’s mantra has always been: ’If you can dream it, we can build it’ and we are looking forward to demonstrating just how well we will do exactly that.”

Project Phi will feature accommodation for up to 12 guests and 11 crewmembers.

Exterior and interior specs have not been disclosed by the yard at this stage, but the accompanying rendering hints at a contemporary exterior design. In its release, the yard suggests that the hull allows for “some unrivalled guest spaces, all executed to the absolute finest of possible standards.”

Project Phi is scheduled to be delivered in 2021.

For more information, visit Royal Huisman.