Dutch yacht builder Royal Huisman has turned the hull of project 408, Aquarius II, at its yard in Vollenhove. The 65-metre performance ketch is a larger version of the 56-metre Aquarius I built for the same owners.

The team behind the Aquarius II consists of owners’ project manager Godfrey Cray, Dykstra Naval Architects, interior designer Mark Whiteley and superyacht builder Royal Huisman.

The hull of the Aquarius II leaving the Royal Huisman building hall (by Tom van Oossanen)
The hull of the Aquarius II leaving the Royal Huisman building hall (by Tom van Oossanen)

The yacht 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 original Aquarius was first in class at its St. Barths Regatta debut in 2019.

Also read: Royal Huisman sheds little bit of light on 85-metre New World Sloop

Hybrid technologies

Aquarius II will feature Royal Huisman’s hybrid technologies for power generation and management. The benefits include peak-shaving for optimum energy efficiency and flexible power generation.

The yacht has an Alustar aluminum hull and superstructure. Delivery is scheduled for 2024.

The hull of the Aquarius II moved outside (by Tom van Oossanen)
The hull of the Aquarius II moved outside (by Tom van Oossanen).

Also read: First Royal Huisman Featherlight sailing yacht emerges from building hall

Main specifications of the Aquarius II

  • Royal Huisman project 408
  • Type: Performance Ketch
  • Length: 65 m / 212 ft
  • Owners’ project manager: Godfrey Cray
  • Naval architecture + exterior styling: Dykstra Naval Architects
  • Interior design: Mark Whiteley Design
  • Construction: Alustar aluminum
  • Rig + handling: Rondal carbon rig + Integrated Sailing System

Pictures by Tom van Oossanen/Royal Huisman.

Also read: Royal Huisman unveils 100-metre sailing yacht concept Wing 100