(Part 1/3)

Sailing yachts are undergoing a resurgence as cutting-edge technology meets traditional style to create fast-paced vessels that are more responsive than ever. An upstanding example of this trend is the Royal Huisman sailing yacht AQUARIUS which has started life from a clear Owner vision that has been refined by master craftsmen. 

Sailing yacht AQUARIUS – © Carlo Baroncini Photography

The Brief

The husband and wife Owner team are dedicated world cruisers with an interest in occasional racing, and requested ‘an elegant, muscular sailing yacht with a classic profile for family enjoyment’.

The Royal Huisman shipyard has over 134 years of history in constructing sailing yachts in various materials from traditional wood to lightweight carbon composite, and to realise the Owner’s vision they drew on the experience of Senior Designer Erik Wassen from the renowned studio Dykstra Naval Architects, which has worked on notable projects with the shipyard before such as the three-masted 90m/295ft classic schooner ATHENA:

“The owners, who are very good at visualisation, immediately understood you can’t hide anything behind a foot rail, so we’d better keep it clean! And we did.” – Erik Wassen, Dykstra Naval Architects

Another critically acclaimed and award-winning studio brought in to satisfy the design brief was UK-based Mark Whiteley Design, who was given instructions by the Owners that the interiors should be ‘Not too busy or fussy, but calm and elegant, providing a ‘New England’ feel of relaxed informality and understated quality’.

Royal Huisman yacht AQUARIUS © Carlo Baroncini Photography

Aquarius staysail © Carlo Baroncini Photography

The Design

Full-scale mock-ups were created of the Master suite and other interior and exterior deck areas to experience the layout in-person, leading to improvements for a better ‘live-aboard’ lifestyle experience. The classic design also benefits from the latest research and techniques for excellent performance as well as visually-appealing traditional elegance.

At first glance, onlookers will behold a deck layout designed to be functional while remaining minimal, with fixtures and fittings presented with an eye to form: Rondal flush deck hatches and an absence of guardrails create a clean impression, however, the adaptable design allows for guardrails to be rigged for safety during dockside events.

Side deck © Carlo Baroncini Photography

Another example of the minimalism and multi-functionality is the foredeck, which is dedicated to the Owner with a private forward cockpit connecting directly to the suite below. The spacious alfresco dining area converts into a sunbed, and additional sun loungers can be placed on the foredeck for everyone to savour the views.

Inside, mahogany panelling and furnishings are complemented by pristine white wall sections and subtle changes to the traditional design, such as the above-deck salon coffee tables which elevated and convert into a grand formal dining area to seat all 10 guests. The lower deck salon features an extensive cinema screen, and the onboard gym has a selection of free weights, a flat bench, an exercise bike, rowing machine and treadmill for workouts during extended periods at sea.

Helmstation © Carlo Baroncini Photography

The crew quarters have not been neglected either and mahogany veneers and the same cream and ivory colour scheme can be found throughout. Large circular windows naturally illuminate the rooms, and areas subject to wear and tear such as the mess have been panelled in a material resembling wooden wall panelling yet offering much greater resiliency. Altogether, sailing yacht AQUARIUS is prepared for the rigours of long-term life at sea and for taking part in regattas.

The Result

Following her delivery in January 2018 her proud new Owners took her for her maiden voyage in the Caribbean followed by a summer in the Mediterranean and provided a feedback on her handling and how well she accomplished her objectives:

Could you please rate, out of ten, your level of satisfaction with the finished Aquarius compared with the vision you set out to realise?

‘Aquarius is a 10+ in terms of our satisfaction. 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.’

What has been your response to Aquarius’ capability and handling under sail?

‘So far, Aquarius has proven to be an exciting sailboat, and she sails gracefully and powerfully. We have yet to test her under all conditions, but her performance to date has been excellent.’

Main cockpit  © Carlo Baroncini Photography

Do you enjoy helming her? Is there a point of sailing on Aquarius that is especially pleasing to you?

‘I enjoy helming her in winds of 10 knots or more. From 12-15 knots, she sails beautifully, and is ‘near-perfect’ on beam reaches.’

How does the layout above and below decks work socially, compared with your vision? Is there anything you would change?

‘Her layout has also exceeded our expectations, with ample opportunities for both privacy and socializing. We wouldn’t change a thing.’

From a family and guests’ perspective, does everyone – whatever their age – get everything you hoped for out of Aquarius?

‘Yes. She is a ship for everyone. There are plenty of things to do, many areas to find comfort and excitement, and she is an enjoyable yacht for all aboard.’

Deckhouse interior  © Carlo Baroncini Photography

Build quality takes time to fully reveal itself in the small details you cumulatively discover. Now that you’ve had some time aboard, has Aquarius’ quality met your expectations?

‘We are still working through a few new-boat issues, but overall, her quality has met our expectations.’

What are the features of Aquarius, whether under sail or at anchor, that you especially enjoy?

‘I find her to be a joy to sail and a joy to live on and her collection of features makes her a perfect boat for our needs.’

Is there one feature in particular that gives you renewed pleasure every time you come aboard?

‘Her elegance!’

Have the yard and the team succeeded in delivering the balance of (relative) system simplicity and (robust) operational reliability you and your Project Manager were aiming for?

‘Yes. So far, we are very happy with this balance.’

Deckhouse © Carlo Baroncini Photography

Do you have any regrets about the project?

‘No.’

How would you describe your overall view of the build experience at Royal Huisman?

‘The overall build experience was a good one. The boat has exceeded our expectations and we are thrilled with what Royal Huisman built.’

Are you looking forward to the opportunity to put Aquarius through her paces at St. Barths Bucket Regatta?

‘Yes, of course! We are very excited to see what she can do under racing conditions and confident she will be an impressive racing boat.’

Do you have any other comments or insights that might be of interest to the readers around the world?

‘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.’

To be continued …

Look out for the next article on this fabulous vessel if you want to find out more about AQUARIUS‘ exciting interiors and the exterior deck areas, which we will look into in more detail.

Information has been provided courtesy of Royal Huisman and the Owners of S/Y AQUARIUS

Please, not that Aquarius is not available for charter nor she is available for sale.