The hull and deck of Rockport Marine’s custom 29-meter sailing yacht, known as Project Ouzel, have now been assembled and moved out of the construction shed. The construction of this modern classic sloop was announced in August 2023 and remains on schedule for its launch in 2025.
With the deck installed, the pilothouse superyacht was maneuvered back into the building for the permanent bonding process, which involves the cold-moulded Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar—a technique that Rockport Marine specializes in—along with a carbon fiber hull and a foam-cored plywood-fiberglass deck. This combination minimizes weight and internal volume, requiring less framing compared to a traditional plank-on-frame wooden yacht.
The owners of Project Ouzel are seasoned sailors and former owners of a 20-meter Baltic Yachts build. Their brief called for a “modern interpretation of a classic pilothouse cutter,” which was assigned to Langan Design. MCM Newport is overseeing the project.
Commenting on the construction update, Tom Degremont of Langan Design Partners stated: “The hull-to-deck joint is one of the most critical connections on any yacht. The deck will be permanently screwed and glued to the hull structure, so the team at Rockport Marine has been meticulously preparing the hull’s surfaces at the joint to ensure a solid structural connection. The installation of the inner bulwark will come next, with the teak cap rail added later.”
Sam Temple of Rockport Marine also provided insights into the progress of the project, saying: “While we have learned to trust our work through experience, there is always some unfounded anxiety in a significant move like this. Beyond ensuring a proper fit, we faced challenges in preventing the relatively thin deck panel from flexing under its own weight and in fitting the aft end of the deck into the bulwark tumblehome while aligning the chainplates with pre-cut holes.
He continued: “Everything went smoothly, nearly to the point of monotony—the result of thorough planning and fantastic support from Cote Crane service on the rigging side. We are eager for the interior and on-deck work that this step allows.”
With the deck now in position, the next milestone will be the installation of the deckhouse, where the Mark Whiteley-designed interior will be fitted. The designer’s previous work on the 56-meter Aquarius and 36.4-meter Audrey the First caught the owners’ attention. Renderings illustrate a simple, airy, and functional layout that blends contemporary and traditional yachting styles with white-wood paneling, ample portholes, and mahogany cabinetry.
Project Ouzel’s seaworthy design features a substantial 3.7-meter draft keel.
According to MCM co-founder and partner Peter Wilson, the design is “a wolf in sheep’s clothing.” Project Ouzel showcases a classic sheer line, low-profile deckhouse, and generous overhangs, while benefiting from a performance-oriented rig and a “modern underbody,” which includes a high-aspect rudder and contemporary keel.
“The Ouzel team meetings involve a high degree of collaboration between engineers, designers, interior architects, and the builder,” noted Rockport Marine president and third-generation boatbuilder Sam Temple. “This is a large and complex project for Rockport, so assembling the right team, including structural engineers, technical specialists, and experts in mechanical, electrical, mast, and rigging, is crucial for success. It truly reflects a spirit of teamwork.”
Powered by an EPA Tier-3-compliant engine and a “state-of-the-art” hydraulic power pack, Project Ouzel is expected to achieve over 1,000 nautical miles under power at speeds exceeding 10 knots.
Once delivered, the owners intend to use the yacht for exploration and coastal cruising, with plans to potentially compete in a regatta in the future.