For the first time the late Ed Dubois and Royal Huisman collaboration, Ngoni, has gone on sale. She remains for many one of the most stunning yachts ever launchedPhoto: Breed Media\u201cBuild me a beast. Don\u2019t build me a sheep in wolf\u2019s clothing. This has to be an edgy and innovative weapon; fast and furious.\u201d This was the owners brief for Ngoni, which has now been listed for sale with Carrswood Yachts.<\/p>\n
In other circumstances this brief would have been challenging enough, but when the project is a giant 58m (190ft) sloop with a displacement of nearly 400 tonnes you quickly start pushing the boundaries of superyacht\u00a0design, deck hardware and materials technology.
\nHappily for those with a spare \u00a345m and who might be interested in Ngoni, when Rupert Holmes (reporting for Yachting World) looked at Ngoni in detail and spoke with her designers, he found a boat that had more than delivered on the challenging owners\u2019 brief.
\nArticle continues below\u2026<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNgoni: This stunning sailing superyacht is Ed Dubois\u2019 last masterpiece<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe owner\u2019s brief for Ngoni would be challenging for any size of yacht: \u201cBuild me a beast. Don\u2019t build me\u2026<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tObituary: Ed Dubois 1952-2016<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFew yacht designers were as influential as Ed Dubois, who died in March at the age of 63. He trailblazed\u2026<\/p>\n
There is much to be impressed with on Ngoni, not least her rig. The towering mast, built by Rondal, is one of the world\u2019s largest one-piece carbon spars. The rig had to look aesthetically perfect, so the aft four metres of the boom is an extension beyond the clew of the mainsail that\u2019s shaped to match the profile of Ngoni\u2019s stern.
\nThe enormous square top mainsail covers almost a quarter of an acre \u2013 the equivalent of four tennis courts.
\nPhoto: Breed Media
\nAs well as contributing to the minimalist styling, the elimination of as much on-deck hardware as possible has reduced weight aloft, while minimising wind resistance and improving airflow, particularly over the headsails.
\nAnother key requirement of the brief was that the boat needed to be fun and rewarding to sail.\u00a0 It had to be a boat that you could sail all day and step off without feeling too tired from the excitement of hands-on fast sailing.
\nThese requirements called for a high aspect ratio-balanced rudder allied to a manual steering system with no power assistance. The design process led to a single, 6.95m2 (75ft2) carbon rudder also made by Royal Huisman\u2019s sister company Rondal.
\nDown below
\nAn impressive racer Ngoni may be, but she is still a superyacht and down below she still displays the sort of finery you would expect for the price tag.
\nPhoto: Breed Media
\nThe interior was designed by Rick Baker and Paul Morgan. The pair do not work exclusively in the marine field so they were able to bring some bold, outside-the-box thinking to the project.
\nThere are several specialist finishes which would not normally be associated with a contemporary yacht. These include artisan resin panels and metalised spray and lacquered textured effects. Other finishes include bespoke veneers, distinctive marbles and Italian onyx.
\nThe deckhouse has a bar and dining area to starboard and informal seating, with coffee tables and a pop-up television, to port. A curved staircase leads down from the deckhouse to the owner\u2019s and guest accommodation. The lavish owners\u2019 suite takes up a significant proportion of the main accommodation deck.
\nIt includes a full-beam stateroom with a large bathroom, a study and a spacious gym with an opening port in the topsides. There are two superbly appointed guest cabins \u2013 a twin to port and a double to starboard with a Japanese theme.
\nSee Rupert Holmes\u2019 full feature on Ngoni.<\/p>\n
If you enjoyed this\u2026.<\/p>\n
Yachting World is the world\u2019s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.<\/p>\n
Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.<\/p>\n
The post Ngoni for sale: Stunning sailing superyacht yours for \u00a345m\u2026 appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
For the first time the late Ed Dubois and Royal Huisman collaboration, Ngoni, has gone on sale. She remains for many one of the most stunning yachts ever launchedPhoto: Breed Media\u201cBuild me a beast. Don\u2019t build me a sheep in … <\/p>\n