29m OUZEL Showcases New England Custom Superyacht Building

Rockport Marine’s 28.96-metre sailing yacht OUZEL has emerged as a notable example of large custom-yacht construction in the United States. Built in Maine for experienced owners, the modern classic was conceived for long-distance world cruising rather than as a revival of traditional styling alone.

MCM Newport managed the project, with concept and naval architecture by Langan Design Partners and interiors by Mark Whiteley Design. The yacht was delivered in late June 2026 following sailing trials on Penobscot Bay.

Wood-composite construction at superyacht scale

OUZEL’s hull uses cold-moulded wood-composite construction based on Douglas fir and western red cedar. Carbon fibre, E-glass and foam cores are incorporated where appropriate to create a strong lightweight structure while retaining the insulation and character associated with wood construction.

Rockport Marine specialises in this technique and argues that it combines modern structural performance with resistance to corrosion and lower maintenance demands than conventional plank-on-frame construction. At almost 29 metres, OUZEL provides a substantial showcase for the method.

Classic profile with modern underwater engineering

Above the waterline, Langan Design Partners developed a pilothouse cutter with generous overhangs, a low deckhouse and traditional proportions. Below the surface, the yacht uses a modern fin keel with hydrodynamic bulb, deep spade rudder and contemporary propeller arrangement.

The rig also reflects the performance brief. A carbon mast and Park Avenue boom work with a cruising sail wardrobe designed for manageable operation, including mainsail, Yankee, staysail, blade jib and Code Zero.

Trials confirm the performance brief

During June trials in Penobscot Bay, OUZEL sailed at more than 12 knots in modest conditions and briefly exceeded 13 knots as the breeze strengthened. The project team reported a balanced helm and the controllability expected of a yacht intended for extended offshore passages.

The completed yacht is significant beyond its individual specifications because it demonstrates that a fully bespoke sailing superyacht can still be designed, engineered and built around a New England supply chain. OUZEL now begins the world-cruising programme for which the owners commissioned her.