A classic ketch for family oriented Caribbean cruising and more is being built for an American couple, Royal Huisman has announced. The 183’7” (56-metre) megayacht, to be christened Aquarius, is set for delivery in late 2017.
Aquarius bears styling and naval architecture by Dykstra Naval Architects. The wood clad deckhouse, teak decks, long overhangs, rich-blue hull, and oval ports give her the profile the owners wanted. Royal Huisman has yet to release full specifications on her sailplan and structural dimensions, though the yacht is intended for good performance in light airs. Aquarius may further participate in some bucket regattas.
Full details are still being withheld on the interior as well by Royal Huisman. However, Aquarius will have a complementary classic decor by Mark Whiteley Design. It includes white painted panelling offset by varnished natural woods throughout all the accommodation. These include a split-level master suite, benefiting from a private cockpit and a circular skylight, the latter around the mizzen mast. Guests are treated to three staterooms, with two Pullman berths in one of them. Furthermore, because the owners have extra family members they wish to cruise with on occasion, the gym will have an additional Pullman berth.
Royal Huisman says every guest aboard Aquarius will have use of the above mentioned gym plus a media room, a sunny saloon thanks to being encircled with ports, and a shaded alfresco lounge. Aquarius will also boast a handful of fun toys. Windsurfers, kayaks, a Laser sailboat, and the 20-foot (6.2-metre) primary tender can all be boarded from a nearly 10 foot long (3 metre) side platform. For on-land explorations, bicycles will also be among the mix.
According to Royal Huisman, even though delivery is nearly two years away, the owners of Aquarius already plan maiden voyage travel in the Windward and Leeward Islands.