The sky is the limit, or is it?

The press release arrived with the subject line, “SKY – the world’s tallest sloop – is ready to build.” It is not uncommon for designers and builders to imagine their next project, create it, and then market it. This one came from Dutch shipbuilder Royal Huisman, and forgive us, but our minds went to a recent tragedy.

When the 184-foot luxury yacht Bayesian sank in a storm, which led to seven deaths among the 22 people on board, among the observations was how size matters to a superyacht owner and that naval architects are seduced into providing solutions. Bayesian had the second highest mast in the world, and the 264-foot SKY will reportedly have the world’s tallest mast.

“These floating fashion items are driven by appearance and bragging rights – and you lose prestige if someone has a bigger mast than you,” said yacht designer Chris Freer.

Bayesian capsized at anchor, though her rig was aluminum, while SKY’s rig will be carbon, with its height equaling that of the Statue of Liberty from ground to torch. For details on the record breaker, click here.