Royal Huisman’s Aquarius is a seamless blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless craftsmanship, it redefines what it means to sail in an unrivalled masterpiece of precision.
Royal Huisman has long been synonymous with the finest in yacht craftsmanship, blending technology with artistry. Their latest creation, the 65-meter (212-foot) Aquarius, takes this legacy to new heights, setting fresh benchmarks for performance, luxury, and design at sea.
Known for crafting bespoke, high-performance superyachts, Royal Huisman’s portfolio continues to turn heads. The Aquarius is a striking example of the shipyard’s commitment to excellence. As a 65-meter performance ketch, it represents not only the pinnacle of Royal Huisman’s engineering but also a magnificent evolution from its predecessor, the 56-meter (184-foot) Aquarius, which was delivered in 2018. This new, larger version promises even more impressive performance, offering both the thrill of sailing and the luxury of world-class amenities.
A Legacy of Excellence
Royal Huisman’s history dates back to 1884 in the Netherlands, where it started by building small wooden working boats. Over the decades, the shipyard’s focus shifted, gradually embracing cutting-edge technology while preserving the traditional techniques that make their yachts stand out. Today, Royal Huisman is revered as one of the most prestigious yacht builders in the world with smart energy concepts and sustainable materials used with conscious to sustainability and the environment. Their Featherlight program, with the aim of improved performance as well as lower fuel consumption methods that have an impact on the oceans, depicts their sense of simplicity, sustainability and excellent functionality improving lead time and efficiency combined, engineering not only beautiful sleek vessels but also vessels that perform at the highest level, no matter the sea conditions.
The original Aquarius was hailed as “close to perfect” by its owners—a husband-and-wife team who wanted a yacht that combined exceptional performance with the comforts of a world-cruising vessel. Impressed with the design and performance, they approached Royal Huisman to build a larger version. This dedication to perfection and the desire to replicate the success of the original Aquarius is a testament to the shipyard’s consistent pursuit of excellence. As one client remarked when comparing Royal Huisman yachts to others: “You may find something that resembles a Huisman yacht, but it won’t be a Huisman yacht.”
Design Philosophy: Cutting-edge Engineering
The yacht’s design focuses on seamless integration between comfort and capability. Whether cruising under the stars or competing in a global regatta, Aquarius performs with grace and ease. It’s designed for blue-water cruising, meaning it’s built to handle both light winds and more challenging sea states, ensuring stability and comfort at all times. Every detail showcases the exceptional value of engineering, reflecting the pride Royal Huisman takes in its innovative systems. The engine design, often described as a feat of “surgical precision,” is truly state-of-the-art—it’s the beating heart of the yacht, especially for the engineers, building and developing, bringing them to life. Bringing all relevant parties—designers, engineers, and specialists—into one room to work together in real time, ensuring that every aspect of the yacht functions seamlessly. This methodology prevents issues further down the line, ensuring the design and engineering are perfectly integrated. The yacht’s advanced systems are another testament to Royal Huisman’s commitment to excellence excelling in noise and vibration suppression, an area in which the shipyard’s expertise ensures a remarkably quiet on-board experience. Aquarius incorporates cutting-edge sail handling technologies that make it easier to operate with fewer crew members, yet without compromising performance. These innovations ensure that the yacht is as simple to sail as it is impressive on the water.
Award-Winning Excellence
The Aquarius yacht has already received widespread recognition in the yachting world. In 2019, the yacht won multiple prestigious awards, including the International Superyacht Society (ISS) Award for Best Interior and Best Sail for yachts over 40 meters. Additionally, Aquarius was named “Best Sailing Yacht” in Robb Report USA’s Best of the Best Awards, affirming its status as one of the finest yachts in recent memory. The accolades earned by Aquarius are a testament to the high standards maintained by the Royal Huisman team. The yacht’s success at industry awards demonstrates the shipyard’s consistent ability to deliver yachts that not only perform at the highest level but also offer exceptional design, comfort, and innovation.
Prestigious Reputation
With the launch of Aquarius II, Royal Huisman has once again raised the bar for what is possible in the world of superyachts. Every element of the yacht—its design, performance, and comfort—has been carefully crafted to ensure that it stands out as a modern classic.
For those fortunate enough to experience it, Aquarius II represents the culmination of Royal Huisman’s unwavering dedication to perfection. Combining the latest in yacht-building technology with centuries-old traditions of craftsmanship to deliver an unforgettable yachting experience. For its owners, it represents not just a yacht, but a lifestyle—one that embodies freedom, luxury, and the pure joy of sailing Huisman Yachts will continue to be a benchmark for excellence in the world of luxury yachts, their prestigious reputation exceeds for many years to come.
Written By: Anastasia Tsigros
Published: 13th January 2025