The new 65m Aquarius II (Project 408) was ordered by experienced husband and wife owners of the world cruising ketch Aquarius (56m, Royal Huisman, 2018).
The team comprises owners’ project manager Godfrey Cray, Dykstra Naval Architects, interior designer Mark Whiteley and superyacht builder Royal Huisman.
Aquarius
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. Barth Regatta debuted in 2019 and will be showing her pace once again this March.
“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
The Aquarius II will feature a classic interior, the harmonious layout and timeless exterior. She also will have Royal Huisman’s industry-leading 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.
“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,” says Jan Timmerman, Royal Huisman CEO.
Delivery is scheduled for 2024.
Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard established in 1884 in Ronduite, building and refitting custom luxury sailing and motor yachts at its shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.
Credits: CarloBaroncini; Michael Kurtz Pantaenius/Royal Huisman