In 1969 the prestigious design firm of Sparkman & Stephens entrusted Royal Huisman to construct what became the legendary sailing yacht ‘Running Tide’. Having won no less than three SORC’s and three Newport-Bermuda races on top of wins and top places in plenty of other important regattas, luxury yacht Running Tide was particularly special due to her being the first of the Sparkman & Stephens designs that was commissioned in the then highly advanced, lightweight Aluminum.

Sparkman and Stephens designed sailing yacht RUNNING TIDE built by Royal Huisman - Image courtesy of Royal Huisman archives

Today some 45 years later Royal Huisman and Sparkman & Stephens have been commissioned to build their 35th project together; only this time using today’s other advanced, lightweight material carbon fiber for hull, deck, spars and standing rigging.

Brendan Abbott chief designer at Sparkman & Stephens comments: “The brief called for an exquisite and systems rich design, finished to the highest standards in all regards. We were asked whose capabilities could exceed the requirements, and there was really only one recommendation we could make – Royal Huisman.”