Dutch yard Royal Huisman has unveiled its latest project, the 56-metre classic ketch sailing yacht Aquarius, which has recently been fitted with her two Rondal masts.
Aquarius’ sophisticated exterior design and engineering were conceived by Dykstra Naval Architects, while The yacht’s interior has been designed by Mark Whiteley Design.
The luxury sailing yacht was ordered in December 2014 from an American couple whose brief called for a yacht that is equally well suited for Bucket regatta racing and round-the-world family cruising. The 56-metre Aquarius was built by Royal Huisman in Netherlands at their Vollenhove shipyard , and delivered to her owner in 2017.
With a beam of 9.5 metres, Aquarius has been designed for high speed and agility. Thys Nikkels of Dykstra Naval Architects commented: “The owner’s brief has been for a stunning looking yacht for family enjoyment. We created a slender hull with long overhangs for an elegant and classic-looking yacht, with favourable sea-keeping characteristics that are ideal for worldwide cruising.”
Her two carbon-composite masts combine stiffness and strength with low weight. Dykstra Naval Architects explained that the standing rigging has been scaled to an air draft that maximises sail area, but is within the Panamax height limitation. The height of the masts is all the more impressive given that the mizzen mast rests on an oval skylight above the owner’s cabin.
The interior styling by Mark Whiteley matches the yacht’s classic exterior with elaborate white painted panelling and timber elements. The living areas include a bunkroom for the owner’s extended family, featuring twin beds and a set of Pullman berths above. Among other amenities, are a fully equipped gym, a media room, and a mid-deck lounge shaded with sun canopy.
Whiteley said: “The brief called for a relaxed home afloat for the owner’s family and friends, and aside from a split-level master cabin featuring a private deckhouse and cockpit, the accommodation includes a large deck saloon, three en-suite guest cabins, a media room and even a dedicated fully equipped superyacht gym. One cabin will serve as a bunk-room for the owner’s extended family with twin beds that can convert to a Queen-sized double with a set of Pullman berths above. The gymnasium too will have an optional Pullman fitted.”
The yacht will be able to comfortably accommodate up to 8 guests across 4 suites, an elegantly furnished master suite and three en-suite guest cabins, and provide enough space for 11 crew members.
Aquarius will also carry a 6.2-metre jet drive tender and an Aero sailing boat. A wide array of water toys, such as kayaks, windsurfers, and bicycles will also be available onboard. Her twin helms will be well connected to a large shaded main cockpit area, which itself adjoins an even larger glass-rimmed deck saloon.
Following delivery Aquarius and her new owners will head to the Windward and Leeward islands for her maiden cruise.
