Dutch shipyard Royal Huisman has revealed that its 65 metre Project 408 will be named AQUARIUS II, a successor to the shipyard's 56 metre Aquarius.
The new ketch-rigged sailing yacht is to be built for the same owner and is now in the advanced stages of the engineering phase. Although their existing yacht Aquarius was ‘close to perfect’, the owners simply want a larger yacht that's even more impressive performance.
“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.”
Her owners have brought in the same team, consisting of the owners’ project manager Godfrey Cray, exterior design by Dykstra Naval Architects, interior designer Mark Whiteley, and superyacht builder Royal Huisman.
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. The yacht will feature 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.
Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman comment: “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."
Construction on its Alustar aluminium hull and superstructure will begin in summer at the yard with delivery in 2024.
