AQUARIUS

From Royal Huisman comes the 65m/212ft luxury sailing yacht AQUARIUS, known during construction as PROJECT 408 before her delivery in 2025. She is the successor to the 56m/184ft sailing yacht AQUARIUS, which was also built by Royal Huisman in 2018, as the Owners desired for the exact same vessel, but with even more space on board and improved performance. The 65m ketch-rigged AQUARIUS is built with an Alustar® aluminium hull and superstructure, and her naval architecture and exterior styling come from Dykstra Naval Architects, while the interiors are by Mark Whiteley Design. The accommodation for guests and crew has yet to be revealed by the shipyard.

NOTABLE FEATURES OF AQUARIUS

• High performance sailing yacht
• Timeless interiors
• Cutting-edge carbon rig
• Lifting keel
• Spacious accommodation
• Air conditioning
• Wi-Fi

EXTERIOR

On deck, AQUARIUS II offers a large and comfortable shaded cockpit behind the main saloon, with each side lined with a plush sofa and accompanied by an alfresco dining table. A canvas shade above ensures the group can spend all day outside enjoying the ambience of the anchorage. The cockpit tables can be raised and expanded, allowing the setting to move easily from relaxed drinks to outdoor dining.

The Owner’s suite also has its own smaller private cockpit aft, furnished with seating and its own canvas shade. There is room for sun loungers farther aft before the helm controls near the stern.

The foredeck is lined with sunbeds and a forward seating area where guests can take in the views over drinks or a casual meal. Throughout the deck, concealed sailing equipment and carefully integrated fittings maintain a clean, uncluttered appearance. Continuous caprails and hidden footlights add discreet finishing touches to the outdoor spaces. A fold-out side boarding platform provides convenient access when arriving by tender. Her classic spoon bow, overhanging stern and black hull with a silver cove stripe complement the warm teak deckhouses.

INTERIOR

Designed by Mark Whiteley, the interiors combine classic joinery with the relaxed atmosphere of a New England summer house. Hand-painted cream walls and pale ceilings sit alongside satin-finished swietenia mahogany cabinetry, with nickel hardware adding subtle detail. Light fabrics, softly coloured accents and loose rugs bring warmth to the wood floors, while tongue-and-groove ceilings reinforce the understated nautical character.

The main saloon places its generous social seating to starboard, creating a comfortable gathering space away from the central passageway. To port, the dining table seats 12 and can be divided into two smaller tables or lowered to coffee-table height for a more informal lounge arrangement. Broad deckhouse windows frame the surrounding scenery, while a larger bar cabinet supports entertaining.

A separate media room provides a comfortable setting for films, complemented by a dedicated gym. The Owner’s deckhouse offers another inviting retreat, with U-shaped seating, a television cabinet and a fridge. Below, the aft Owner’s suite is arranged on one level, with its bathroom featuring marble counters, a generous walk-in shower and the same carefully coordinated woodwork and pale finishes.