ProjectOUZEL
A 95-foot (29m) modern classic superyacht designed for world cruising. Constructed by Rockport Marine, managed by MCM Newport, concept and naval architecture by Langan Design Partners with a contemporary classic interior by Mark Whiteley.
When the owners—experienced sailors with an eye for detail—decided it was time for a new custom yacht to take them on far flung adventures, they knew one thing for sure: she had to be built in New England, where seaworthy boats and fine craftsmanship run deep.
MCM and Langan Design partnered with Rockport Marine on several earlier projects and knew the yard’s passion, three generations of know-how and, of course, the midcoast Maine location was a perfect fit for a New England project. MCM made the introduction and the rest is history.
Design
Project OUZEL is a custom design developed by Langan Design Partners of Newport, RI, guided closely by the owners’ brief. Her lines reflect a timeless aesthetic—graceful sheer, generous overhangs, and a low-profile deckhouse that nods to classic yachting traditions.
But there’s performance beneath the elegance. A modern rig, Park Avenue boom, and efficient keel give OUZEL the ability to move when called upon—a capable sailing yacht that doesn’t trade speed for style. The result is a thoughtful balance: traditional form with performance built in.
Construction Technique
Project OUZEL’s hull is cold-molded wood composite—a construction method using Douglas fir and western red cedar, paired with carbon fiber, E-glass, and foam cores. The result is a strong, lightweight structure that holds its shape under load and stands up well over time.
This approach is a specialty at Rockport Marine. Wood composite offers many of the performance and durability benefits of fiberglass, but with the warmth, quiet, and natural feel of a wooden yacht—and far less maintenance than traditional plank-on-frame construction.
About Wood-Composite Construction
Global Team & Collaborative Process
At the heart of Project OUZEL was a strong sense of teamwork. MCM assembled a seasoned, international group—many of whom had worked together before. Weekly partner meetings were straightforward and collaborative, with a shared focus on the needs of the boat and the owner.
The client was involved throughout as a full partner, helping to shape the vision and encouraging the team to push further when it mattered. Design, build, and interior ideas moved freely across the group, with mutual respect guiding decisions and allowing the best solutions to surface naturally.
Pictured L-to-R: Sam Temple, Rockport Marine; Peter Wilson, MCM Newport; Tom Degrémont, Langan Design. Not pictured: Sam Howell, Langan Design; Mark Whiteley, Mark Whiteley Design
Timeline
- Late 2021 – MCM Newport approaches Langan Design Partners.
- Early 2022 – Mark Whiteley Design and Rockport Marine join the team.
- August 2023 – Plans are approved and construction begins at Rockport Marine.
- December 2023 – Hull goes upright for the first time.
- September 2024 – Deck is fitted.
- November 2024 – Deckhouse is added.
- Mid October 2025 – Keel attached and mast stepped (Planned)
- Late October 2025 – Technical launch (Planned)
- November 2025 – Sea Trials (Planned)
- December 2025 – Delivery (Planned)
“I think there’s a sort of common perception that you can’t build a boat like this in the United States any longer and I think that when the world sees what we are creating here, they’ll realize you can build a world-class superyacht that stands shoulder to shoulder with the European boats if not even higher right here in Rockport Marine in Rockport, Maine. So I think that it’s going to turn a few heads for sure.”
Peter Wilson
President, MCM Newport