Huisfit gives Mari Cha IV a new lease of life

Royal Huisman is has announced that it has been commissioned to undertake the conversion of the 42m (139ft) carbon composite offshore racer Mari Cha IV. To be re-commissioned as Samurai, the conversion will be carried out by Royal Huisman’s Huisfit division in Vollenhove for an experienced yachtsman wishing to add a cruising amenity to the original sailing performance. The client’s mission statement to Royal Huisman was that Samurai must be beautiful, stealthy looking, very fast, elegantly comfortable, technologically advanced and unforgettable to sail.

Modifications to the epoxy carbon fibre structure will provide the keyway for the addition of a new deckhouse, superstructure and cockpits based on exterior designs by Rhoades Young Design who are going to the extremes of weight saving to design a bespoke interior where there was once none.

Technically there will be a complete overhaul and upgrade of the onboard systems, including highspeed hydraulics for the winches, alarm, monitoring, entertainment, navigation, etc. As with everything related to this project weight saving will be the final mark of achievement whilst for practicality a lifting keel will replace her canting keel. A new color scheme, lightweight and easy-to-maintain teak-lookalike deck surfacing will harmonise with the updated deck equipment. Project management will be undertaken by yacht consultant Jens Cornelsen.

Samurai joins Huisfit’s list of current refit projects. One of these in particular, the 20m (65ft) Royal Huisman ketch Flyer, was a high performer in her day and won the 1977-1978 Whitbread Round the World Race (the precursor of today’s Volvo Race). She very recently returned to the yard to take advantage of the Huisfit program, as did the 24m (78ft) Heartbeat, which is back for a cosmetic upgrade to her exterior and interior.

Recent major projects include the Lürssen built 71m (232ft) M/Y Skat, 93m (305ft) S/Y Eos and 40m (131ft) M/Y Be Mine. "In each case, not only were the captains and/or owners’ representatives completely satisfied with Huisfit’s high quality standards, they were also appreciative of the hospitality, service and support they received while working on site."

Huisfit will be exhibiting this month at the Antibes Yacht Show (April 23 – 26) and later this year at the Monaco Yacht Show, Ft Lauderdale boatshow and METS Amsterdam.

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