A new chapter in superyacht elegance

Royal Huisman delivers powerful performer Aquarius: a new chapter in superyacht elegance. This 65-meter / 213-foot  ketch showcases the shipyard’s dedication to craftsmanship and commitment to - exceeding owner expectations. 

There is no finer complement to a team than when yacht owners ask for a new vessel just like the last one, only bigger and more powerful performance. This is precisely the story behind the new Aquarius. Recently completed sailing trials on the North Sea proved she is the exquisite powerhouse her owner requested. In 14 - 18 knots of true wind speed and armed with just her cruising sails she was clocking 15 - 16 knots on a reach.

On first glance, it is hard to tell their previous Aquarius, now Apsara, and new Aquarius apart. The 56m / 186ft version launched in 2018 and the brand new 65m / 212ft replacement look identical from a distance – by request. The husband and wife behind the builds had put considerable effort into creating their first large custom yacht and loved it,  calling it “close to perfect”. But as their family grew, and anticipating more time aboard and longer voyages, they realized more space was necessary. Rather than reinvent the wheel, the owners reassembled the original team to deliver a larger version of their family’s yacht. This time having the objective of  achieving perfection. 

The team (described by an independent commentator as “some of the most experienced and talented brains in the superyacht world”) comprises superyacht builder Royal Huisman, owners’ project manager Godfrey Cray, Dykstra Naval Architects, and interior designer Mark Whiteley. Her carbon rig and state-of-the-art sail-handling systems by Rondal ensure thrilling performance and effortless handling. “The yacht is incredibly well-balanced; her sailplan, keel, rudder and hull are all in sync,” notes an ecstatic Cray. “The torque-assist steering system really makes the yacht a pleasure to helm.”

Designing and building a world cruising yacht is one thing, but the owners also announced that they wanted to repeat the 2019 and 2022 St. Barths Bucket-winning performance of the original Aquarius. Conscientious about weight, Royal Huisman conducted a design and finite analysis study on the hull structure, work that reduced the weight of the ‘Alustar’ aluminum hull and superstructure by about 10 tonnes. - This allowed the keel to be a bit heavier for improved stiffness and stability. 

A nine meter increase in overall length may not seem like a huge difference, but with more hull depth, and increased beam, the new Aquarius has 50 percent more volume than her predecessor. The main and owner’s cockpits and both deckhouses have scaled up proportionally. The yacht features Royal Huisman’s hybrid technologies for power generation and management. The benefits include peak-shaving for optimum energy efficiency and flexible power generation.

“Her balance, combined with great visibility from the helm of the bow, stern and sails adds to the driving experience.”

— Owners’ project manager Godfrey “Goddy” Gray

“It’s a tribute to any shipyard to have clients returning,” said Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman. “It says everything about their trust in us to fulfill their dreams and aspirations for a custom yacht of such timeless elegance backed by modern innovation. Clients give us different reasons for their repeat orders, but among the most regularly mentioned is ‘absolute client focus’. This includes dedication to building whatever the client has in mind with highest standards of craftmanship, customer service, and a flexible can-do approach.”

As this latest delivery embarks on her maiden voyage, she carries the legacy of Royal Huisman. Handing over this exceptional yacht marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for her owners and reaffirms Royal Huisman’s position as a leader in the custom sailing superyacht sector.

The announcement with additional photos and editor's notes can be found here (opens new tab).