Royal Huisman has officially delivered the 65-metre sailing yacht Aquarius II, marking the next chapter for a passionate and seasoned yachtsman. Following successful sea trials, the newly completed superyacht has embarked on her maiden voyage to Falmouth, UK, departing from Royal Huisman’s Amsterdam facility.
Commissioned as a successor to the 56-metre Aquarius (now Apsara), Aquarius II reunites the original powerhouse team: Dykstra Naval Architects, designer Mark Whiteley, and Royal Huisman. While the new yacht adds nine metres in length, she offers roughly 45% more volume—making space for a fourth guest cabin, gym, and a redesigned owner’s suite with a wraparound lounge.
Bigger, Bolder, and Faster
Going beyond the typical 60-metre hull threshold, Aquarius II features an impressive 67.5-metre air draught, surpassing the height limit for Panama Canal transit—but unlocking new performance potential. “The owner wasn’t worried about Panama. He wanted sail power,” explained Erik Wassen of Dykstra Naval Architects. The result is a towering sail plan of over 4,500 square metres and a design focused on light-wind performance and responsiveness.
Fitted with a lifting fin keel (7.6m draught) and twin masts, the yacht has been engineered for both performance and simplicity. In-boom furling, minimal deck clutter, and a fine-tuned helm ensure she is as responsive as her predecessor, despite her larger size.
Designed for Racing and Global Cruising
Built to perform in both regattas and global cruising, Aquarius II is supported by cutting-edge innovations from Rondal, Doyle Sails, and Carbo-Link. The yacht incorporates semi-hybrid power systems, advanced climate control, and structural luff technology for optimized sail efficiency.
Even with a racing crew of 30 in mind, Aquarius II is designed to be managed by a lean delivery crew, enabling flexible operation whether on the race circuit or circumnavigating the globe.
As she sets sail, Aquarius II embodies the pinnacle of custom sailing yacht design—blending beauty, performance, and engineering precision to meet the ambitious vision of her owner.
