It is a great compliment when owners value the experience of their yacht so highly that the only material change, they want is to build a larger version, with exactly the same team. This is the story behind the decision of the experienced owners of the world cruising ketch Aquarius— the 186ft/56m built by Royal Huisman in 2018—to create a stunning new 212ft/65m ‘big sister’, Aquarius II.
The team comprises owners’ project manager Godfrey Cray, Dykstra Naval Architects, interior designer Mark Whiteley and superyacht builder Royal Huisman.
The owners’ brief retains a strong emphasis on performance. Aquarius II will feature a state-of-the-art carbon rig and integrated sail handling from Rondal, structured luff sails, and a retractable keel for optimal stability under racing conditions. Aquarius was first in class at her St. Barths Regatta debut in 2019 and will be showing her pace once again at the upcoming regatta in a couple of weeks. Hence the comment “After all, I want to keep winning Bucket races!” from her owner.
It is equally important for her owners to retain the elegance and family comfort of Aquarius, with her timeless exterior styling, classic interior and harmonious layout – all to be enhanced in Aquarius II by significant additional space and volume to optimize a luxurious yet understated lifestyle.
“AQUARIUS has proved to be an exciting sailboat,” commented her owners, “and she sails gracefully and powerfully. Her layout has exceeded expectations, with ample opportunities for both privacy and socializing. She is a ship for everyone.”
Aquarius II will feature Royal Huisman’s hybrid technologies for power generation and management. The benefits include ‘peak-shaving’ for optimum energy efficiency and flexible power generation.
Design and engineering preparations for Aquarius II are now well advanced, with construction of the Alustar® aluminum hull and superstructures scheduled to commence this summer. Delivery is scheduled for 2024.
Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman says: “We are very honored with the trust the owners of Aquarius have in Royal Huisman. The talented team is very motivated and delighted to be working on such a prestigious project.”
Main specifications of AQUARIUS II
Shipyard project number: Project 408
Type: Performance Ketch
Length: 212ft/65m /
Owners’ project manager: Godfrey Cray
Naval architecture + exterior styling: Dykstra Naval Architects
Interior design: Mark Whiteley Design
Construction: Alustar® aluminum
Rig + handling: Rondal carbon rig + Integrated Sailing System
Builder: Royal Huisman
More about the brief for AQUARIUS II
The core owners’ brief for AQUARIUS remains essentially intact for AQUARIUS II. The owners sought to create a stunning looking yacht, with a classic profile, for family enjoyment. The yacht should have favorable sea keeping characteristics that are ideal for world cruising as well as standing her in good stead for the occasional Bucket regatta. This should be:
“A modern classical yacht with a clean, uncomplicated look. Not a pirate ship but a modern, fashionable and chic looking yacht with performance, reliability and quality – a sailor’s yacht.”
The success of the project can be judged by these additional owners’ comments:
“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 build experience at Royal Huisman was a good one. The boat has exceeded our expectations and we are thrilled with what the shipyard built.”
“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.”
St. Barths Bucket Regatta 2022
More and more superyacht owners have come to recognize that the thrill of the regatta circuit coupled with the relaxed social ambiance they can enjoy ashore with fellow owners, guests and crew at a regatta makes the perfect complement to their ocean cruising itineraries. The entry list for this year’s edition of the upcoming St. Barths Bucket Regatta – from 17 to 20 March – contains over thirty yachts of which seven are delivered by Royal Huisman including Aquarius. Curious to see and learn more?
Please visit RoyalHuisman.com/st-barths-bucket-regattas-in-pictures
More about Aquarius (I)
Shipyard project number: 399
Length: 56m / 184ft
Naval architecture + exterior styling: Dykstra Naval Architects
Interior design: Mark Whiteley Design
Owners’ project manager: Godfrey Cray
Rig + handling: Rondal carbon rig + Integrated Sailing System
Builder: Royal Huisman
Delivery: 2018
Curious to see and learn more? Please visit RoyalHuisman.com/Aquarius
