Antares

Antares was very impressive even during her first sea trials, a powerful ketch easily driven under both sail and power and since has constantly, up to the 2007 Superyacht Cup shown her peers the way. Having a finely balanced helm with mechanical steering, she easily achieves 14 knots in moderate sailing conditions. The interior is of a modern style with a 1930’s reference, creating an uncluttered appearance with a rich pallete of textured leather, edelmessing and specially selected French Walnut. The discrete furniture design maintains the clean and understated feel.

For Royal Huisman the challenge was to realise the owners brief in an MCA/Lloyds certified design. Whilst all projects represent the envelope of ‘fully custom’, closer inspection reveals a level of sophistication and automation that the shipyard had not experienced before on a yacht of this size. If it can be adjusted it is adjustable, generally at the push of a button. Take the helmsman’s mirrored helm positions: Seat up, seat down, seat back, even seat to port or starboard; a button does it all, adjusting comfort and eye levels to the individual users’ personal preferences. It’s First class seating on the water.

Then there’s the stern swim platform. Standard on most yachts? But add the push button drop down cap rail and the first step is down not over. Mooring cleats in the way, they are ‘pop ups’ in the deck for uncluttered walkways. Stern to the quay, Med style, close the transom and deploy the gangway and turn on the lights. If it’s dive time then inside a water tight door, a door within a door access is gained to a fully functioning fill station conveniently located at the swim platform for offloading equipment to the main tender.