| Royal Huisman 105 |  |
The 40-meter mast and overlapping genoa is balanced by a
3.95-meter keel with torpedo bulb to keep the center of gravity low and a
trim tab to reduce the chord length while maximizing lift. Just a five-degree
angle will double the lift when sailing upwind and provides easier handling
off the wind.
Top: The small TV lounge on the lower deck. Photograph by Ed Holt. Bottom: Strip windows set into the turquoise hull illuminate the master
suite. Photograph by Stephane Bravin. (Click images to enlarge)
"Most of the hull’s efficiency comes from the appendages,"
admits Briand, "including the high-aspect rudder that also helps to improve lift
and maneuverability." The only reason he decided against a racing plumb bow was
because it would look unattractive with the relatively high
freeboard. This drive to reduce weight was also the principal reason
behind the owner’s decision not to build MCA conformity into the yacht (he has
no plans to charter). Apart from an estimated seven percent savings in cost, the
decision means the yacht weighs several tons less than originally predicted.
Furthermore, all the granite counters and the wood paneling are foam-sandwiched.
Instead of rock wool for insulation, melamine was used for soundproofing because
it is both lighter and more efficient at dampening resonance at various
frequencies. Building the articulated transom door out of carbon fiber saved an
additional 600 kilograms.
 A carbon-fiber washbasin in the owner’s cabin. Photograph by Justin Ratcliffe. (Click image to enlarge)
Once under way, there is no doubting that Gliss lives up
to her sporty GT image. The mainsheet traveler moving across the cockpit is
sufficient to remind you that this is a hands-on sailing boat. The owner was inspired to build with Royal Huisman after his
previous Jongert 29 was overtaken by 34-meter Unfurled, designed by
German Frers and launched by Royal Huisman in 2000. The two yachts share the
same simple deck layout, twin helms, carbon rig and flip-over anchor deployment,
but Gliss has gone for pared-down sailing solutions such as simple slab
reefing instead of in-boom furling and drum instead of captive
winches.
Top: Interior detailing. Bottom: Deckhouse towel rack. Photography by Justin Ratcliffe. (Click images to enlarge)
However, the owner’s brief is most clearly reflected in the
bold, functional design of the interior layout and décor. The panoramic
deckhouse serves as the main living area and is completely open to the cockpit,
a solution that blurs the distinction between interior and exterior. This
feeling is reinforced by the fact that the cockpit and deckhouse are on a single
level, the same teak decking is used throughout, and the latticework teak tables
mirror the bench seats on deck. The deckhouse is effectively a hardtop extension
of the cockpit, providing protection from both the Mediterranean sun and
Caribbean squalls. The open entrance can be closed off with an awning during bad
weather, and the entrance to the guest area belowdecks is protected by a
self-draining » threshold that
can be locked in different
positions.
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