Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders is building a new 8.5 metre limousine tender for the 81 metre sailing yacht Sea Eagle II, a project that sits at the very top end of custom composite construction. The commission carries the exacting standards that come with supporting one of the largest sailing yachts in the world, and the brief reflects that ambition at every level.
The new build is the Auckland yard's 76th custom project, a number that underlines a consistent focus on specialised, purpose-built craft over production work. Lloyd Stevenson has long positioned itself around advanced composite engineering applied to boats designed for genuine use in exposed and demanding conditions, and this tender continues that trajectory.
Design work has been handled by Bakewell White Yacht Design, a longstanding collaborator with the yard. At this level, a limousine tender is expected to do considerably more than move people from ship to shore. Protection, comfort, and reliable performance are all part of the package, with the boat required to operate as a seamless part of a major sailing yacht programme.
Carbon fibre will be used throughout the construction. The choice is driven by the need to control weight while achieving the stiffness and durability required of a tender that will be launched and recovered repeatedly. Keeping overall mass down contributes directly to ride quality and predictable handling, whether the boat is running at speed or operating in open anchorages.
Propulsion comes from a 370hp V8 Yanmar paired with a ZT stern leg, with a predicted top speed of around 40 knots. That is a strong performance figure for a fully enclosed limousine tender carrying guests in climate-controlled comfort, and the package is designed to balance outright speed with the smooth, dependable operation the role demands.
Hull construction is already under way. A number of finer details remain in development, but the core fundamentals of the project are confirmed and the build is progressing with a clear direction.
The main cabin will be fully enclosed and air conditioned, with seating for up to eight guests. The design prioritises shelter from heat, wind, and spray, giving the tender the flexibility to operate comfortably across a wide range of cruising regions. Exterior seating is planned both forward and aft, allowing the layout to be adapted depending on conditions and use.
For the yard, the project fits naturally within an established portfolio of custom tenders and specialist composite craft. It also points to the continued role New Zealand boatbuilders play in the international superyacht supply chain, contributing at the highest level of fit, finish, and technical specification.
Further detail is expected in early 2026 as the design is finalised, with a planned launch to follow later that year.
