Bluewater contemporary classic Ouzel. 95' masterclass in New England boatbuilding

by MCM 16 Sep 14:54 UTC

Ouzel proves to be a fast sailer during her June sea trials © Tyler Fields

The multi-year commitment of a team spanning the North Atlantic has created the unique Ouzel, a 95ft superyacht, sailing this summer under the command of her delighted owner.

This beautiful modern classic sailing yacht, fully bespoke, now embarks on a fresh chapter that will see her bestriding the world's oceans.

During technical sailing trials, Ouzel's crew included several specialists - photo © Tyler Fields

Built by expert shipwrights at Rockport Marine, Ouzel represents a 'made in Maine' story with a difference. The project began back in 2021 with a conversation between Peter Wilson, of Owners Representatives MCM and the owner. They first brought Newport-based Langan Design Partners onto the team for the naval architecture and exterior, then added Rockport Marine, and finally Mark Whiteley Design of Lymington, UK for the interior.

Managing teams so widely spread was challenging, but they met remotely on a weekly basis to ensure that every element of the design and build process was expertly coordinated. Underpinning it all was a deeply involved owner making timely decisions and projecting a vision that brought all the partners together. It has been a stand-out project for all involved.

An aerial view captures Ouzel alongside the dock after sunset in Rockport Harbor - photo © Russell Kaye

Ageless building techniques

Ouzel was built using a wood-composite technique, in which Rockport Marine is one of the world's foremost experts. Layers of wooden planks are laminated in multiple orientations; carbon fiber is incorporated as advantageous and e-glass is laid as an outer sheathing. It requires timeless craftsmanship to handle the wood—in this case Douglas fir and western red cedar. But it offers a natural aesthetic, excellent insulation and still allows the builder to reinforce key areas by integrating carbon fiber and foam coring.

Ouzel is illuminated against the evening sky in Rockport Harbor, Maine - photo © Russell Kaye

"It's so satisfying for us to bring a project of this quality from raw materials to completion," said Rockport Marine President Sam Temple. "In Ouzel, I see the product of so many well-considered choices. The best of our combined abilities has delivered a balanced yacht where each of our disciplines find full expression.

"I'm pleased but not surprised that we are seeing increased acceptance of wood-composite building. The resulting yacht is low maintenance, doesn't corrode, has excellent strength to weight properties, and is beautiful."

Ouzel, 95ft superyacht - The covered cockpit aboard the 95-foot sailing yacht Ouzel features twin wheels and facing settees - photo © Russell Kaye

Classic feel, contemporary lines

From the start, the brief to Langan Design Partners was for a yacht that could express Maine's noble boatbuilding heritage by harnessing the classic lines of a pilothouse cutter. A long overhang at the bow is allied with a classic counter stern and an achingly sleek sheer. Teak-clad bulwarks and a traditional deckhouse complete a picture of timeless elegance.

Teak woodwork leads forward past Ouzel's pilothouse at night - photo © Russell Kaye

Below the waterline, however, it's another story. Ouzel has an efficient fin keel surmounted with a hydrodynamic bulb for optimum balance between stability and upwind performance. This pushes her draft down to 12ft and was a conscious owner choice to turbo-charge the yacht. She also features a deep spade rudder and a modern propeller. As her sea trials in June confirmed, she has a real turn of pace.

Just like everything on this project, the synthesis of performance and looks was a team effort. Mark Whiteley and Tom Degrémont worked particularly closely to ensure a smooth transition between the yacht's interior and exterior, harmonizing her classic lines and powerful cutter rig.

Ouzel, 95ft superyacht - Ouzel lies alongside the dock at Rockport Marine in Rockport, Maine - photo © Russell Kaye

On the wind

Above deck, Ouzel has taken advantage of modern sail handling techniques. She has a towering mast and a Park Avenue boom, both in carbon fiber. Doyle Sails has supplied a wardrobe of cruising laminate sails, including a pin-head main, high-cut Yankee, a staysail and a blade jib—chosen for ease of handling by a short-handed crew. Off the wind, there is a Code Zero.

Sail trials to date have been conducted in optimal conditions, on the flat water of Penobscot Bay with 10-15 knots of breeze. Light on the helm, Ouzel steamed upwind at 10 knots flying the staysail and Yankee. Cracking the sheets onto a fast reach, she grazed 12 knots, confirming her potential for rapid passages using a simplified sail plan.

Twin wheels frame the centerline passage through Ouzel's covered cockpit - photo © Russell Kaye

"When the client came on board and got to sail her for the first time, he was elated," said owner's representative Peter Wilson, President of MCM. "The performance ticked all the boxes he'd hoped it would. He said particularly that it was very easy on the helm; visibility was great; and he was very happy with the upwind and reaching performance. He was very pleased with the way she performs."

Tom Degrémont of Langan Design Partners added: "The impression of power, the speeds we reached, the feeling of control at the helm, the balance of the boat— everything felt exactly like I'd hoped it would feel. I couldn't be happier. In picture-perfect conditions, we hoisted the Code Zero a few times and powered across Penobscot Bay, surprised by how quickly we reached the other side. I'm delighted we matched all the performance goals we had."

Ouzel's covered cockpit provides a sheltered outdoor entertaining and seating area - photo © Russell Kaye

A haven on the oceans

For Ouzel's living spaces below deck, Mark Whiteley at MWD has tied a simple and functional layout to a design sensibility that gives the interior a superyacht feel. Bright painted upper panels are complemented by stunning mahogany cabinetry in an airy mix of tradition and modern design.

Ouzel's low-profile deck house provides an extraordinarily luminous raised salon with deep sofa seating and a large navigation station and desk to starboard, allying practicality to comfort. A companionway leads down to the lower salon, with a more classical arrangement of seating and dining space, well-lit by a combination of hatches and hull lights. The accommodation is laid out with three guest cabins and one crew cabin.

Ouzel, a 95ft superyacht - The owner's stateroom aboard Ouzel features a centerline berth, built-in settee, and extensive mahogany cabinetry - photo © Russell Kaye

"The style of the interior is modern classical, with proportions and detailing that reflect that," said Mark Whiteley, Principal at MWD. "The inset white paneling, hand-painted and brushed straight, is a real backdrop for the beautiful mahogany timber work and jewel-like metal detailing throughout the boat. It feels relaxed but also gracious and elegant, and I think that links into the look of the outside as well, which is elegant and timeless."

Ouzel, a 95ft superyacht - An alternate view of Ouzel's main saloon shows the companionway, mahogany cabinetry, and natural light from the pilothouse above - photo © Russell Kaye

A tribute to Maine

Ouzel is that rare thing: a fully bespoke sailing yacht whose design has walked a delicate line between great comfort and strong performance, all without compromising traditional boatbuilding skills. Showcasing how time-honored techniques and materials can be harnessed as part of a modern build, the yacht is an ambassador for an industry that is alive and well in Maine.

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. But the world is finding out that this is wrong. Ouzel proves 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."