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The 65-Meter Aquarius Secures Robb Report Top Sailing Honors for Royal Huisman
Stretching an Established Superyacht Profile
The 65-meter ketch Aquarius represents a direct technical evolution over its 56-meter predecessor delivered in 2018. Built for repeat clients who wanted to retain the aesthetic identity of their original hull, the newer platform added 26 feet of length to accommodate a significantly altered lifestyle layout. This structural extension translated directly into a 45 percent increase in overall interior volume, creating room for expanded social spaces, a fourth stateroom, a private gym, and an enlarged galley.
Managing the Physics of an Enormous Rig
Increasing a sailing hull’s volume demands a proportional upgrade in technical systems to maintain competitive performance on the racecourse. To handle the massive sail areas required, the engineering team integrated a 221-foot main mast alongside a 199-foot mizzen mast. Built by sister company Rondal using high-tech carbon composites, the towering rig interfaces with an integrated sailing system and custom Doyle sails to keep the 212-foot vessel fully responsive under canvas.
Deep Water Performance via Retractable Engineering
Navigating diverse coastal regions while preserving high-speed pointing capabilities required a flexible underwater configuration. The solution features a retractable keel that extends down to 25 feet, providing the necessary righting moment when the ketch is pressed hard during tight upwind legs. When entering shallow cruising grounds or private anchorages, the keel retracts to reduce the draft without compromising the core structural integrity of the lower hull and engine room.
Power Management and Crew Flexibility
The machinery spaces house a modern hybrid power-management system designed to optimize energy distribution during long offshore passages and competitive maneuvers. This infrastructure supports an adaptable operational model where the vessel can adjust to entirely different onboard environments. The yacht can be configured to compete in aggressive superyacht regattas, like the St. Barths Bucket, utilizing a full crew of 30, or it can be managed by a captain and a minimal crew for relaxed family voyages.
A Registry of Peer-Reviewed Honors
The technical decisions behind the build have attracted significant industry scrutiny, resulting in a series of major international awards. Beyond securing the recent top sailing honor from Robb Report, Aquarius was previously named Sailing Yacht of the Year at the World Superyacht Awards. The vessel also secured victories in the specific 40-meter-and-above category, supplemented by a dedicated design accolade for naval architecture, confirming that the shipyard’s engineering choices align with current global standards.
