The Beast in Halifax

Sept 27, 2018

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NGONI – extreme sail in Halifax

The Halifax waterfront has been attracting more and more large yachts in recent years. However, a recent visitor was a real show stopper. NGONI has to be one of the most extreme sailing yachts in the world.

“Build me a beast. Don’t build me a wolf in sheep’s clothing.” That was reportedly the owner’s request to the Royal Huiseman yard in the Netherlands. There is no doubting the yard, as well as designers Dubois Naval Architects and interior designers Rick Baker delivered in spades. With her slim hull, reverse shear and rounded plumb bow, NGONI is striking from every angle.

NGONI’s aluminum hull is 190’ overall, with a beam of 30’ and draws 17’ with her 100t keel raised and 26’ with it down. The mast soars 247’, spreads a 9,182 square foot mainsail and is one of the largest carbon spars ever built. For comparison the clearance under the Angus L MacDonald bridge is 153‘.

The deckhouse is moulded glass and the smooth foredeck conceals a Williams Diesel Jet 565 tender, as well as a Bombard C3 inflatable for the crew. There is also a spa pool, emptied when sailing.

Reported to cost in the $50,000,000 range, the attention to detail and the workmanship are incredible. NGONI was the last yacht designed by the late Ed Dubois. There are more details at www.royalhuisman.com .

Of course, you don’t need a superyacht to visit the city and continued improvements on the waterfront mean we see a steady stream of visitors aboard all manner of yachts throughout the season. In the fall, yachts migrating south from central Canada can be found waiting for a good weather window to head south. Being able to tie up right in the heart of the city is very attractive for both locals and visitors.

Thank you to TJ Maguire of Develop Nova Scotia for the pictures.

Details on Halifax waterfront facilities can be found at:

http://my-waterfront.ca/getting-here/marine/halifax/
www.developns.ca

5 photos:
Ngoni 1,2,3,4 by TJ Maguire
Visitors at Museum by G. Cairns