Royal Huisman owners often take pleasure in recognizing that they have not only participated in the creation of...
…a fine yacht to sail, but one which has kept alive the finest traditions of craftsmanship and will give enduring pleasure to future generations. “I’m not really the owner of this wonderful work of art,” as one owner stated, “I’m just the custodian.” From time to time, Royal Huisman yachts move into the care of “new custodians”.
We spoke to the owner of the 43m / 142ft performance yacht RAVENGER, which was delivered by the shipyard as Sea Eagle (I) in 2015. We asked about his views on owning such a yacht.
What is your yachting background?
I travel a lot and have quite a few boats on different locations all over the world, but not as big as RAVENGER. For example catamarans for some competition and I have 65ft carbon sloops to sail in the US and in Asia.
Which features of RAVENGER particularly appealed to you and identified her as the boat to buy?
I very much like her beautiful lines and also the layout is well-done. She is solid build and well maintained by her previous owner, his crew and the shipyard. During trails I did not experience the noise I got used to onboard other yachts. She is so quiet!
Your recently acquired yacht did a full circumnavigation in her previous life and has many miles under her keel. Durability and build quality takes time to fully reveal itself in the small details you cumulatively discover. Now that you’ve had some time aboard, has RAVENGER’s quality met your expectations? What are your observations?
Wherever you look you can see the very good build quality. I have opened every locker onboard. She looks nice everywhere.
Are there any plans to make significant changes in the future to personalize her according to your personal needs and preferences?
We recently replaced her rod rigging with carbon fibre stays to complement her existing [Rondal] carbon mast and boom. Also we ordered new sails including a gennaker so we are ready to participate in future regattas.
Currently we are also adding a pantry just forward of the deckhouse salon. The upholstery and chairs will be replaced and some warm features will be added to spark up the interior and give it a modern look.
And last, but not least: the master suite will be updated with a double bed as I like my wife to join me for a sail.
“After his experience onboard RAVENGER he was very impressed
and said: ‘We don’t make them like that.’”
What are your future travel plans onboard RAVENGER?
After (hopefully) a nice 2021 season in the Med I wish to cruise her in Asia. Afterwards we will probably continue headed east. I always wanted to do a trip on a yacht around the world and this one is perfect.
Now that you are the “custodian” of a Royal Huisman yacht, do you sense there is anything special or different about belonging to that quite small and exclusive club?
I am happy to be part of the ‘Royal Huisman family’ and it will be cool to meet fellow owners of these yachts in the near future. I am very much looking forward to that.
Do you have any other comments or insights that might be of interest to the readers of “inhuis” around the world?
One of my good friends, who frequently sails with me, is representing another very well respected shipyard in his daily life. After his experience onboard RAVENGER he was very impressed and said: “We don’t make them like that.”
This article was first published in a previous edition of inhuis.
