Ouzel: modern classics from Rockport Marine
Ouzel is a fully custom project developed by Rockport Marine in collaboration with the American firm Langan Design Partners (responsible for the overall concept and naval architecture) and British designer Mark Whiteley (interior design).
The project was overseen by MCM Newport, whose president, Peter Wilson, admitted that the concept was ambitious from the start: “There’s a common belief that building a yacht like this in the United States is no longer possible. When the world finally sees what this team has created, they’ll quickly realize that here at Rockport Marine in Maine, it is indeed possible to build a world-class superyacht that rivals, and perhaps even surpasses, European yachts. I’m certain it will turn heads.”
The yacht features a classic exterior with long overhangs and a varnished square deckhouse, but beneath the vintage appearance lies cutting-edge technology.
Ouzel’s hull is constructed using cold-molded wood-composite materials: layers of Douglas fir and Western red cedar are combined with carbon fiber, fiberglass, and a foam core. The result is a strong, lightweight, and durable structure that offers all the advantages of fiberglass while maintaining the warmth, quietness, and natural feel of a wooden yacht.
The owner was unwilling to sacrifice speed for style, so the sloop is equipped with modern rigging, a Park Avenue boom, and a high-performance fin keel with a bulb, ensuring excellent performance and handling.
As for the interior, the owner was captivated by the design of the 56-meter yacht Aquarius, built by Royal Huisman and awarded by the International Superyacht Society. Without hesitation, he invited its designer, Mark Whiteley, to create something similar for Ouzel.
The Mark Whiteley Design studio styled the yacht in the spirit of American New England, with a focus on classic, calm, and elegant aesthetics. The interior features abundant mahogany, solid furniture with rounded corners, and polished brass accents. The result is a space that feels solid, conservative, and exceptionally cozy.
After her technical launch, Ouzel will undergo final outfitting and sea trials. By the 2026 season, she is expected to join the ranks of prestigious classic regattas.
