Since being delivered to her owner in June this year, 47m (154’) sailing yacht NILAYA has spent the summer cruising the Mediterranean before undertaking her first and extremely fast Atlantic crossing into English Harbour, Antigua.
Sailing yacht NIYALA – image by Martinez Studio
She is now taking a breather before the St Bart’s Bucket after already gaining over 10,000 nautical miles under her keel. Royal Huisman collaborated with Nauta Design to create a yacht which matched the owner’s brief exactly and the result was an entirely innovative aluminium/carbon hybrid engineered to a process developed by the European Space Agency. The FeatherlightTM approach, as it has been christened delivers speed, safety, reliability and silence – the four priorities for the owner. During construction weight-monitoring – to give an 11% weight reduction – was continuous over a three-year design and build period to ensure the comfort and regatta-winning capabilities the owner demanded.
Luxury yacht NILAYA by Martinez Studio
Naval architects Reichel/Pugh worked closely with Nauta on NILAYA’s liveability creating outstanding guest areas on deck including a sunken living/sunbathing area on the foredeck, a huge, covered lounge and dining setting on the cockpit and a beach area with sunpads and sofa plus cathedral step access to the swimming platform, created when the transom door is opened. During the planning stage, the deck concept was mocked up for the owners to consider before approving the layout. The team also undertook an extensive CFD seakeeping study, including the testing of 12 different models, to perfect the hull shape for competition.
Superyacht NILAYA by Carlo Borlenghi
The interior also benefitted from careful consideration with lightweight materials being used throughout including cork and foam to reduce noise and vibration instead of the usual heavy insulation material. The layout consists of the forward full beam owners’ suite, the VIP cabin and the TV lounge forward of the main saloon, two guest cabins, galley, crew mess, chart table, engineer’s station, and four double crew cabins aft of the main salon.
NILAYA by Giuliano Sargentini
Jim Pugh commented on this stunning superyacht, saying “This yacht is going to turn some heads wherever she is, but particularly at the St Bart’s Bucket.” Meanwhile her owner has been impressed so far, having this to say, “We just finished an Atlantic crossing, and I must admit that the yacht is very comfortable and fast; congratulations to Reichel / Pugh, Nauta and Royal Huisman.”
NILAYA by Giuliano Sargentini
We wish sailing yacht NILAYA well in her racing career and hope her owners enjoy many happy years cruising around the world.
