Aquarius II readies to launch

Aquarius II has entered the final stage of production, Royal Huisman confirms. For the first time since its hull was turned in March last year, the 65-metre ketch has been moved for detailed outfitting and extensive testing as it readies to become one of the most striking vessels in the sailing fleet.

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

“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.”

This performance ketch is the successor to the first Aquarius (now named Apsara) built by the Dutch shipbuilder, which was originally delivered in 2018. The 56-metre world-cruising ketch was deemed “close to perfect” by its experienced owners: a husband-and-wife team who simply wanted a larger yacht with an even more impressive performance, which formed the basis of the Aquarius II design.

According to the shipyard, the only material change requested by the owners was that they wanted a larger version of Aquarius, built by exactly the same team. The team behind both Aquarius projects includes owners’ project manager Godfrey Cray, Dykstra Naval Architects, interior designer Mark Whiteley, and superyacht builder Royal Huisman.

A key element of this project is the implementation of lessons learned from the first Aquarius and other previous builds.

Aquarius II features a 45% increase in volume to the first Aquarius, larger social and crew areas, improved integrated sail-handling systems and a lifting fin keel for optimised performance. Made from lightweight Alustar aluminium the yacht also features semi-hybrid propulsion systems

Following Aquarius’s transport to Amsterdam, the yacht will now be prepared for launch, the stepping of the carbon Rondal masts and booms, a series of sea trials and its delivery later this year.

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