The new custom superyacht Ouzel, a 95-foot sloop, floated on her lines smartly after her technical launch at Rockport Marine, the boatyard where the sleek, contemporary classic vessel took shape over the last three years. With her launch, Ouzel begins mechanical and systems trials, putting to the test the intent of her owner to build a comfortable long-range cruising yacht that performs beautifully.
For her designers and builder, the launch also marks a return to the proud tradition of New England builders launching large yachts through collaborative effort across the region and globally.
Designed by Langan Design Partners, of Newport, R.I., with interior design and exterior styling assistance by Mark Whiteley Design, of Lymington, UK, the 95-footer was built using Rockport Marine’s wood-composite construction technique, which combines an engineered blend of cold-molded wood, carbon fiber, E-glass, and foam coring.
Leading the project on behalf of Ouzel’s owner has been another Rhode Island firm, MCM Newport, which has extensive international experience building and managing large yachts of all types and, in this case, represents a yachtsman who chose to buck the trend and build a superyacht on U.S. shores rather than European.
MCM’s president, Peter Wilson, said, “There’s a common perception that you can’t build a yacht like this in the United States any longer. When the world finally gets to see what this team has created, they’ll quickly realize 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 in Rockport, Maine. She’s going to turn a few heads for sure.”
The design and build partners met weekly via video call through all phases of Ouzel’s construction, problem solving and smoothing the process, always anticipating next steps. They also met in Rockport periodically with Wilson and the owner to assess progress, review full-scale mock-ups, and provide consistent input to the Rockport team.
After the launch, Rockport Marine President Sam Temple said, “It’s satisfying to bring a project of this quality from raw materials to this moment.
Of course, it has also been a challenge, but we have had a strong team in MWD, LDP, MCM, and wise clients. The people have been as much a joy as seeing this yacht take shape. Looking at the longer term, I’m pleased but not surprised that we are seeing increased acceptance of wood-composite building, which requires as little maintenance as any other composite vessel, yet has all the technical and aesthetic advantages of wood.
Tom Degremont of Langan Design Partners said, “We’re seeing consistently brilliant work by the team at Rockport to blend ageless boatbuilding skills with modern techniques and materials to create such a strong and graceful yacht. My partner Sam Howell and I are excited to see the whole package come together as Ouzel touches the water for the first time.”
Mark Whiteley of Mark Whiteley Design said, “The quality of craftsmanship achieved by Sam Temple and his team here in Maine ranks right alongside the world’s best, and Rockport’s wood-composite build technique enhances the aesthetic, acoustic, and even aromatic ambiance of the interior. At this stage, we still have a few systems to test out, but we are very pleased to see the boat afloat in such fine shape.”
Peter Wilson, President of MCM, said, “On behalf of the owner, I can say we’re enjoying this stage of the process as Ouzel moves from a construction project to a fully operable and elegant sailing vessel. The work done by Rockport and its design partners has fully justified our decision to build in the U.S.”.
