Aquarius ascends

Royal Huisman’s latest creation, the 65-metre Aquarius, combines innovation, custom craftsmanship and enhanced performance, elevating the original design to new heights.

30 October 2024

Royal Huisman has announced the transport of the 65-metre Aquarius from the hall, where the yacht – previously known as Project 408 – had undergone detailed outfitting and testing since her hull was turned in March of last year.

This performance ketch follows the first Aquarius by Royal Huisman, delivered in 2018. The earlier vessel, a 56-metre world-cruising ketch, was regarded as “close to perfect” by her experienced owners – a husband-and-wife team –who sought a larger yacht with enhanced performance in the form of the new Aquarius. The older vessel has now been renamed Apsara.

“We set out to build an elegant, muscular sailboat and the shipyard and the design team delivered a yacht that is both of those things and more,” the owners say in a statement. “Aquarius is a joy to sail and a joy to live on and her collection of features makes her a perfect boat for our needs.

“It is a dream come true to own a boat like this, and to look at her and sail her with such a strong sense of accomplishment and appreciation.”

The new Aquarius is a successor to Apsara, formerly called Aquarius.

Aquarius showcases a 45 per cent increase in volume over her predecessor.

The lightweight Alustar aluminium construction enhances performance.

The yacht will be fitted with carbon Rondal masts and booms.

Royal Huisman is regarded for pushing innovation while maintaining classic craftsmanship.

Aquarius transported for final stages of completion.

Interior design by Mark Whiteley will provide elegant living spaces.

Aquarius’ lifting fin keel optimises performance for diverse sailing conditions

Naval architecture and exterior styling is by Dykstra Naval Architects.

Enhanced social and crew areas will highlight the yacht’s increased volume and comfort.

The new Aquarius incorporates a semi-hybrid propulsion system for greater efficiency.

The owners’ desire for a larger yacht led to the creation of the new Aquarius, a yacht with increased volume and enhanced performance. The decision to build a larger version with the same team highlights the high regard the owners have for the original yacht.

The team responsible for both yachts includes the owners’ project manager Godfrey Cray, Dykstra Naval Architects, interior designer Mark Whiteley, and superyacht builder Royal Huisman. As the successor to the first Aquarius, this new project represents Royal Huisman’s commitment to fully custom superyachts.

Aquarius retains the elegance of her predecessor while offering a 45-percent increase in volume, larger social and crew areas, improved integrated sail-handling systems, and a lifting fin keel for optimised performance.

Royal Huisman says a significant aspect of this project is the application of lessons learned from the first Aquarius and other past builds. The yard focuses on continuous innovation, using its extensive project experience to refine processes.

For example, the lightweight Alustar aluminium construction of Aquarius allows for high-performance sailing without compromising comfort. Additionally, semi-hybrid propulsion has helped to enhance the yacht’s energy efficiency and reduce its environmental impact.

“We’re grateful the owners entrusted us with the realisation of their dream, which has become an exceptional and truly beautiful yacht,” says CEO Jan Timmerman.

“Aquarius showcases our commitment to innovation and client-focused solutions for both sailing and motor-yacht projects. Each superyacht we build benefits from decades of lessons learned and is tailored precisely to the owner’s vision. Aquarius exemplifies this collaborative approach.”

Following her transport to Amsterdam, Aquarius will be prepared for the final stages of the project, including the launch, installation of the carbon Rondal masts and booms, sea trials, and eventual delivery.

royalhuisman.com

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