We had the exclusive opportunity to interview Jacques Clemens, the owner of a Hutting 40, a sailing yacht famously known as the ‘Rolls-Royce of the Seas’.
Club de Mar-Mallorca has more than 540 moorings, welcoming all types and sizes of boats and yachts. Strolling along the docks, one can see large yachts owned by well-known personalities, small sailing boats belonging to passionate sea lovers, classic boats that still compete in regattas, expedition vessels and even traditional boats converted into luxury yachts. In short, it´s a rich variety of vessels that delights all who appreciate these floating feats of engineering.
However, for those less familiar with the nautical world, some hidden gems may go unnoticed, sparkling in their unique way. One such gem is ‘Parcival’, a 1999 Hutting 40, built by the renowned Dutch shipyard Hutting Yacht. Her owner, Jacques Clemens, a regular of the club for more than 8 years, speaks of her with special affection. This boat has accompanied him to various destinations, served as his home on the high seas, and offered him the joy of sailing. As he puts it, ‘in rough seas, Hutting 40 makes you barely feel the waves’.
The club had the privilege of stepping aboard this vessel where the high quality materials, expert engineering and rarity in the market have earned her the nickname of ‘Rolls-Royce of the Seas’.
Why is this boat known as the ‘Rolls-Royce of the Seas’?
This vessel is one of the most exceptional boats made by Hutting, due to her size, materials and the limited number of units launched since 1972. The hull, deck and superstructure are crafted from aluminium, making her one of the most durable sailing boats, resistant to both time and harsh weather. Another detail worth noting is that, since the 1970s, only about twenty of these boats have been built, adding to her exclusivity. And, of course, a key highlight is the sailing experience she offers – smooth and effortless.
What initially drew you to this model?
In 1989, when the Berlin Wall fell, the German yachting market opened up to the world. That same year, while sailing across the Baltic Sea, I saw this boat for the first time and immediately loved it. I said ‘This is my boat’. From then on, I began looking for potential sellers, but with so few units on the market and the tendency for these boats to pass down through generations, due to their quality and excellent preservation, it was impossible to acquire one. Finally, in 2016, at the Düsseldorf Boat Show, I met someone interested in selling the boat, and they had it right here, at Club de Mar-Mallorca. So, I travelled to Mallorca, saw the boat and it was love at first sight.
How many seas have you sailed with this boat?
We have only sailed among the Balearic Islands, exploring Mallorca, Formentera, and Menorca. But we’re planning a grand voyge across the Mediterranean Sea to visit the Greek islands, Croatia and Italy.
We should mention that we are the second owners of this boat. Her first owner covered a greater distance, crossing the Atlantic and sailing in the Caribbean. However, despite the long distances covered, the boat remains in prime condition.
We hear you’re taking the boat back to her place of origin, the Dutch shipyard. What’s the purpose of this visit?
The boat is currently 25 years old, and it’s time for a thorough check-up. It’s spent many years in the water and shows some minor wear. That’s why we want to take her back to the shipyard to have for a full tune-up to ensure she will last another 25 years.
