superyacht aquarius cost

• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Aquarius: Modern classic masterpiece makes for a surprisingly sensible superyacht

• August 27, 2020

Named for the sign of astrological quality, this stunning 186ft world-cruising ketch is the result of serious sailors challenging the best of the best to produce something elegant, fast and seaworthy. Rupert Holmes reports

A demanding brief for Aquarius from experienced sailors has produced a masterpiece from some of the most experienced and talented brains in the superyacht world. Within five months of handover she had already clocked up 11,000 miles.

It’s often tempting to sum up new yachts with a short phrase describing their key characteristics. The brief for Aquarius included that she should be, ‘an elegant, muscular sailing yacht with a classic profile for family enjoyment’. But that barely scratches the surface of the main requirements for this giant ketch.

The owners also wanted a yacht that would combine good seakeeping characteristics with performance, reliability and quality. Essential features included relative simplicity, robustness of systems and a contemporary interpretation of elegant, classic lines, with a clean and uncomplicated appearance.

Aquarius ’s graceful lines and timeless shape belie a rugged world cruiser configured to be self-sufficient for extended periods when voyaging well beyond the popular Med and Caribbean circuits. In addition, the yacht is welcoming for family and friends, while providing sufficient performance to compete in superyacht regattas .

Designed to perform

“The owner loves sailing, so top performance was important,” says Dykstra’s Erik Wassen, who led the design team. “Not to the level of a racing yacht, but having the feeling of sailing well and being responsive like a smaller yacht.” A further stipulation was that the boat should not be experimental. The result is a sensible superyacht interpretation of a performance yacht.

With a whopping 50ft of bow and stern overhangs, there’s far less internal volume than might be expected for a yacht of this length. Also maximum beam is less than one-sixth of the overall length. Even so, any temptation to spoil the lines by raising the black-painted freeboard to provide more space for systems was successfully resisted.

Article continues below…

Sea Eagle II: The inside story of the world’s largest aluminium sailing yacht

Royal Huisman has an enviable track record of producing superlative sailing superyachts, with hundreds of projects completed to date. Yet…

Liara: The Baltic 112 superyacht designed to cruise the world in supreme comfort

Over the past decade we’ve been treated to the rise of the custom built cruiser-racer. Arguably inspired by the success…

Considerable work and talent was therefore needed to fit all the requirements into the slender hull. The design team repeatedly honed the arrangements until everything would fit, including adequate space for crew accommodation and servicing of systems.

A fixed 4.8m draught keel fits with the theme of simplicity, while also freeing up the internal space that a lifting or telescopic keel would otherwise occupy. Wassen says: “If it was for optimum performance, you go to seven, eight, nine, ten metres.” The problem is that quickly stops being practical, so his aim was to: “try to get her in the same sort of harbours as the J Class yachts – you can still enter St Barth’s Bucket , for instance.”

Computational Flow Dynamics (CFD) work informed the final hull shape. “In our first hull design we noticed the centre of effort shifted when going from close-hauled to a beam reach to running,” says Wassen. “By optimising the hull shape in the CFD we could minimise that effect, giving much more equal rudder pressure on different points of sail.”

A sense of scale as the seemingly tiny figures prepare the mizzen staysail

The response and feel of a smaller boat was achieved “through having an ample sail plan – the boat has lots of sail – and giving her lots of stability,” he adds.  “We kept her as light as possible, which is always difficult because of the weight of the systems and of the ballast needed to provide stability.”

Aquarius ’s skipper James Turner has been very impressed with the handling so far: “With the correct sail plan Aquarius is a delight on the helm, responsive with weight to the wheel,” he reports. “Contrary to what her length and volume might suggest, she feels lively yet forgiving, almost playful on the wheel.”

A clean and uncluttered deck layout was a key priority, but was rendered more difficult by the lack of bulwarks. The profiles of both deckhouses were kept as low as possible, while individual sails are sheeted to similar points, which concentrates deck gear in discrete locations.

Despite her significant sail area, push-button controls mean Aquarius can be sailed by three

Clustering several different items into a single feature also helped to achieve this goal. For example, the boxes for vents and skylights ahead of the main deckhouse also form the backrests for the cushions when this area is used for sun lounging. In addition they house discrete B&G units that provide headsail and spinnaker trimmers with the key data needed for racing.

Project manager Godfrey Cray was keen to use halyard locks to reduce the number of winches around the mast base – the final arrangement has just two winches here instead of the usual four. Attention to detail extends to the cowl vents that have a protection ring of black composite below the polished stainless steel caps so that there is no chance of lines snagging.

The large mizzen was a feature from the inception of the project and provides a powerful configuration for fast reaching and downwind sailing with the mizzen staysail set. A further advantage of this sail plan is that no compromises were needed to keep air draught below the Panamax limit.

Optimised hull shape and big sail area means Aquarius has the response and feel of a smaller yacht

Doyle Sails New Zealand was involved in the project from an early stage, which gave time to tweak the sail plan and for aerodynamic and finite element analysis work to optimise the deck layout and improve overall load predictions. Aquarius is a fast enough boat for the apparent wind to often be forward of the beam.

A 1,580m2 running asymmetric spinnaker is included in the inventory and is clearly important when racing. However, optimisation of the reaching sails was also a priority to enable Aquarius to realise her enormous potential. In addition to the main and mizzen a 460m2 mizzen staysail and 770m2 Code 0 boost the sail area to an impressive 2,200m2 when reaching.

Rondal performance furling booms are a key means of simplifying sail handling , without compromising performance. They allow control of the foot tension of the sail, while providing a very practical means of reefing and stowing the sails.

“Typically, these systems are getting more and more reliable,” says Wassen. “There are hardly any boats that are not specifying them, except for some that go all the way to more racy slab reefing systems to reduce weight aloft.”

Square-top sails were shunned because of the difficulties of handling the top batten. However, the large roach main and mizzen still require running backstays, which are handled by captive winches. “They take more space and are heavier,” says Wassen, “but the captive winches mean you always have the opportunity to ease the runners under load if you have to make an unexpected tack or gybe.”

The twin wheels are positioned far enough outboard to give good sight lines to the bow and the rig. Key sail controls are also located at each helm station to facilitate easy handling. A drawback to this, though, is that you can’t always see the function you’re adjusting.  “It’s something we don’t often do,” says Wassen, “and making it look inconspicuous and classic is difficult.”

The solution was a more modern style console with a lot of controls that are fully concealed by hinged teak covers when not in use. This enables the boat to be sailed with only three people on deck.

Key challenges

While the brief for Aquarius deliberately avoided pushing hard against the boundaries of engineering and materials technology, there were still many challenges to overcome before the owners’ vision and dream could be realised.

In particular, a huge effort was needed to fit the accommodation and systems into the low-volume hull. This involved an iterative process between four parties – naval architect, interior designer, the engineers at Royal Huisman, and the owners – to ensure systems and adequate crew quarters could be accommodated, while leaving enough space for the owner and guest accommodation to meet the brief.

There is plenty of relaxation space split across Aquarius’s three cockpits

Interior designer Mark Whiteley initially presented two concepts – one for a relatively dark panelled interior, the other with mahogany furniture and trim balanced by white wall spaces. After the two had been mocked up at full scale for a section of the boat, the owners chose the lighter option. Whiteley subsequently described his challenge as creating, “a light and contemporary classic feel, rather than a more sombre and historically referenced one”.

While this early decision informed the big picture, he says the finer details needed careful judgement to give the boat its unique feel. The final coat of white paint on the wall panels, for instance, was brushed by hand to provide additional character and interest. He says: “This added to the relaxed informality and chic, understated quality you might associate with a house in the Hamptons.”

The main cockpit is the primary social hub of the boat, so considerable effort was put into refining it. This extended to the folding arrangements for the tables and to the design of the additional fold-away seats that face the main U-shape seating areas.

Mahogany joinery is balanced by white trim

The owner wanted a single floor level in the deckhouse, without a higher level for the seating areas, while retaining a view through the windows when sitting down. The lower edge of the windows therefore needed to be brought down as far as possible, which in turn provides a lot of natural light. The skylights also help to flood the interior with natural light.

Two versions of the magnificent owner’s suite were mocked up full-size to ensure every aspect was optimised to the maximum extent possible. There’s ample natural light from the large oval fan light around the mizzen mast, plus four port lights.

The bed is positioned to give a view towards the stairs to the private aft deckhouse, which opens onto its own cockpit. Attention to detail extends to secure stowage for water carafes and personal items.

Natural light floods into the owner’s suite from large fanlights around masts

Guest accommodation includes two double suites, plus a further flexible cabin that’s primarily configured as a twin. Two extra berths can be provided here to accommodate a larger number of children, via a Pullman on the inboard side and a recessed bed that drops down from the deckhead on the outboard side. A great deal of effort was expended to ensure there is no evidence of these extra beds when the cabin is in its normal mode.

There’s also a fully equipped gym, plus a lower saloon, with a huge cinema screen and top end concealed sound system. Quarters for up to 10 crew are provided in five cabins forward. This area has its own access from the foredeck, while guest areas can also be reached from the galley.

What does Whitely like most about the accommodation? “The relaxed feel and the balance between the classic and the contemporary, it really works. I also like the owner’s suite a lot: it’s a fantastic living space.”

The owner’s suite includes private aft deckhouse

Aquarius is the latest addition to a very distinguished lineage of modern classics produced in the past decade by a collaboration between Dykstra and Royal Huisman, including Kamixitha , Meteor and Pumula .

It’s a stunningly successful partnership that, with Aquarius , has produced another beautiful new superyacht that combines the ultimate in elegance with superlative comfort, style and performance.

Specification

LOA: 56.18m (184ft 4in) LWL: 41.17m (135ft 1in) Beam: 9.51m (31ft 2in) Draught: 4.80m (15ft 9in) Displacement: 264 tonnes Mainsail: 520m2 (5,597ft2) Mizzen: 440m2 (4,736ft2) Blade: 430m2 (4,628ft2) Air draught: 58.50m (192ft 11in) Spars: Rondal carbon with Rondal/Carbo-Link continuous standing rigging

First published in the July 2019 issue of Supersail World.

The Best Yacht Concepts From Around The World

The Stunning Ritz Carlton EVRIMA Yacht

Gliding Across Tokyo’s Sumida River: The Mesmerizing Zipper Boat

CROCUS Yacht: An 48 Meter Beauty by Admiral

• Zuretti Interior Design
• Zuretti Interior
• Zuccon International Project
• Ziyad al Manaseer
• Zaniz Interiors. Kutayba Alghanim
• Yuriy Kosiuk
• Yuri Milner
• Yersin Yacht

• Superyachts

AQUARIUS Yacht – Awesome $200M Superyacht

AQUARIUS yacht was built in 2016 by Feadship shipyard in Aalsmeer, Netherlands.

With her length of 92 m (302 ft), AQUARIUS is ranked in 73rd place on the list of longest motor yachts in the world. Currently, she sails under the flag of the Cayman Islands .

AQUARIUS yacht interior

The interior of AQUARIUS was designed by Dutch design firm Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design based in Amsterdam.

The yacht offers a spacious living area, a cinema, a beautiful spa, a gym with incredible sea views, and a sizeable beach club.

The elevator allows guests to move more seamlessly from deck to deck. The master suite features a spacious dressing room as well as a his-and-hers bathroom.

The other six luxuriously designed VIP cabins can accommodate an additional twelve guests.

A crew of up to 30 members takes care of the guests’ well-being while they are on board the luxury yacht.

Specifications

With a beam of 13.50 meters (44.3 ft), a length of 92 meters (302 ft), and a draft of 4 meters (13.1 ft), AQUARIUS has a weight of almost 2,900 gross tons.

Her immense superstructure is made of aluminum, and her decks are constructed in classic teak.

The two MTU M63L diesel engines each produce 3,000 hp and allow her to reach top speeds of 17 knots.

Her fuel tank holds 275,800 liters of diesel and, at a cruising speed of 12 knots, her total reach lies close to 5,500 nautical miles. 

Like her interior, the exterior of the AQUARIUS yacht was also designed by the Dutch design firm Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design.

She has a helipad on the foredeck, a hot tub on the upper sundeck, and a large pool on the aft deck.

She also carries two tenders and plenty of water toys for guests to enjoy. In addition to a large swim platform, the crew can also set up various water slides if required.

Of course, the luxury yacht has a variety of jet skis, kayaks, snorkeling equipment, and water skis on board. 

The purchase price of the AQUARIUS yacht was US $200 million, and she is currently also available for charter for US $1.5 million per week.

In winter, she is mostly underway in the Caribbean, and in the summer months in the Mediterranean. 

Aquarius Yacht in Gibraltar

Do you have anything to add to this listing?

• Sinot Yacht Design

Love Yachts? Join us.

Related posts.

VIVA Yacht – Incredible $175 Million Superyacht

TM BLUE ONE Yacht – Captivating $15 M Superyacht

PI Yacht – State-of-the-art $120M Superyacht

MADSUMMER Yacht – Phenomenal $250M Superyacht

S/Y AQUARIUS Yacht Review

• Inspiration

56m Sailing Yacht AQUARIUS Review 

So how did AQUARIUS progress from idea to award-winning luxury ketch? 

Exteriors 

Interiors 

Accommodation

View more info and photos of s/y aquarius ..., recent yacht reviews.

Columbus Yachts announce the launch of ...

Yacht Review: 60m Feadship Superyacht ...

Luxury charter yacht SCORPIOS: Never ...

YACHT REVIEW: 67m owner customised ...

YACHT REVIEW: 46m luxury charter yacht ...

In Focus: 62m Oceanco charter yacht ...

In focus: Explorer yacht EMOCEAN from ...

Yacht Review: Glittering glamorous gold ...

Luxury Yachts At Events

St Petersburg & Tampa

The Caribbean

The Mediterranean

The Pacific Northwest

The South Pacific

Sunshine Coast & Jervis Inlet

Yachts for Sale

Selling a Yacht

Tenders    &    Toys

Recent Sales

NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN

Yachts for Charter

Destinations

Experiences

Charter Management

Charter Deals

Yacht Marketing

How to Charter

Superyacht Management

Crew Structure

Crew Management

THE WELLESLEY

Superyacht Construction

New Yachts for Sale

Yacht Design

Yacht Shipyards

Custom Construction

Built on Trust

Heesen 55m Steel

Benetti Oasis

Yacht Shows

News & Blog

AQUARIUS Yacht for Charter

Overview | Exterior | Interior | Accommodation | Photos | Layout | Price

AQUARIUS Yacht Price

Charter rates, summer: western mediterranean.

From: 235,000€ p/week

Summer High

From: 220,000€ p/week

From:220,000€ p/week

Winter High

Enquire about aquarius.

Contact our charter brokers about chartering this yacht. 

Related Yachts

28m | Pershing | 2012

VENTUM MARIS

64m | Amels | 2011

30.9m | Baglietto | 1997

DESTINATIONS

YACHTS FOR SALE

YACHTS FOR CHARTER

CHARTER MANAGEMENT

[email protected]  

+377 97 77 67 57

SEO by The Agency

Yachts for sale

Selling a yacht

Recent Sale

Charter Guide

REQUEST BROCHURE

Leave us your contact details and our team will be in touch shortly to provide you with your quick request.

REQUEST AVAILABILITY

Request layout, request itineraries.

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our latest offers, news and the finest selection of superyachts.

THANKS FOR YOUR ENQUIRY

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR CHARTER AND OUR TEAM WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH A RELEVANT YACHT SELECTION.

PROJECT 408 UNVEILED AS 65m AQUARIUS II

It is a great compliment when owners value the experience of their yacht so highly that the only material change they want is to build a larger version, with exactly the same team. Yet that is the story behind the decision of the experienced husband and wife owners of the world cruising ketch AQUARIUS (56m / 186ft, Royal Huisman, 2018) to create a stunning new 65m / 212ft ‘big sister’, AQUARIUS II.

The team (described by an independent commentator as “some of the most experienced and talented brains in the superyacht world”) comprises owners’ project manager Godfrey Cray, Dykstra Naval Architects, interior designer Mark Whiteley and superyacht builder Royal Huisman.

AQUARIUS at the St. Barths Bucket Regatta: ‘close to perfect’

The owners’ brief retains a strong emphasis on performance. AQUARIUS II 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. AQUARIUS was first in class at her St. Barths Regatta debut in 2019 and will be showing her pace once again this March. Hence the comment “After all, I want to keep winning Bucket races!” from her owner.

It is equally important for her owners to retain the elegance and family comfort of AQUARIUS, with her exquisite and timeless exterior styling, classic interior and harmonious layout – all to be enhanced in AQUARIUS II by significant additional space and volume to optimize a luxurious yet understated lifestyle.

“AQUARIUS has proved to be an exciting sailboat,” commented her owners, “and she sails gracefully and powerfully. Her layout has exceeded expectations, with ample opportunities for both privacy and socializing. She is a ship for everyone.”

Family enjoyment onboard AQUARIUS: one of many features that answer that role is the mid-deck lounge area with sun canopy, easily set up when at anchor.

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

The Royal Huisman team always takes it as high praise when clients – such as AQUARIUS’ owners – come to us for a repeat project or, equally, recommend us to friends, family or associates. We have been fortunate to receive this compliment on a regular basis over the years.

Design and engineering preparations for AQUARIUS II are now well advanced, with construction of the Alustar® aluminum hull and superstructures scheduled to commence this summer. Delivery is scheduled for 2024.

Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman concludes: “We are very honored with the trust the owners of AQUARIUS have in Royal Huisman. The talented team is very motivated and delighted to be working on such a prestigious project.

Regular repeat orders and referrals are no coincidence. They show we must be doing something right. In truth, we need to get many things right to earn such confidence but that doesn’t mean we never get a thing wrong. The key factor is the effort we put into solving problems and learning from them. Clients give us different reasons for their repeat orders, but among the most regularly mentioned is client focus. This includes dedication to building what the client wants, with the greatest attention to the detail; high standards of customer service before, during and after the build experience; and a flexible, can-do approach to design, engineering and production, that drives innovation to resolve complex challenges and fulfil the owners’ dream.

As a result, we are able to consistently realize individually defined, highly regarded and reliable custom superyachts. And that translates into satisfied clients. None of this is easy. But it does give our team immense joy and satisfaction, especially when they have the privilege to realize a dream such as AQUARIUS II.”

Below: AQUARIUS truly defines what it means to be a ‘modern classic’: a stunning yacht of rare beauty, combining classic hull lines with a powerful modern rig and a clean, contemporary chic above and below decks. AQUARIUS is ‘close to perfect’: her owners simply want a larger yacht – and even more impressive performance.

Main specifications of AQUARIUS II

Shipyard project number: Project 408 | type: Performance Ketch | length: 65m / 212ft | 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 | builder: Royal Huisman

The English press release with editor’s notes can be found via the following link  (opens in a new tab).

Various design mockups of AQUARIUS (I) months ahead of the start of the actual production: getting it right. Virtual reality can be very realistic as well, but ergonomics, interactions and a “physical live” experience cannot be 100% imitated with a Virtual Reality (VR) headset or a digital 3D-model. Curious to see and learn more? Please find the article “Design mockups” at this website: News > Inhuis stories & updates [ link ]

The core owners’ brief for AQUARIUS remains essentially intact for AQUARIUS II. The owners sought to create a stunning looking yacht, with a classic profile, for family enjoyment. The yacht should have favorable sea keeping characteristics that are ideal for world cruising as well as standing her in good stead for the occasional Bucket regatta. This should be:

“a modern classical yacht with a clean, uncomplicated look. Not a pirate ship but a modern, fashionable and chic looking yacht with performance, reliability and quality – a sailor’s yacht.”

The success of the project can be judged by these additional owners’ comments:

“We set out to build an elegant, muscular sailboat and the shipyard and the design team delivered a yacht that is both of those things and more. The build experience at Royal Huisman was a good one. The boat has exceeded our expectations and we are thrilled with what the shipyard built.”

“AQUARIUS is a joy to sail and a joy to live on and her collection of features makes her a perfect boat for our needs. It is a dream come true to own a boat like this, and to look at her and sail her with such a strong sense of accomplishment and appreciation.”

Curious to see and learn more of AQUARIUS? Please visit royalhuisman.com/aquarius [link]

St. Barths Bucket Regatta 2022

More and more superyacht owners have come to recognize that the thrill of the regatta circuit coupled with the relaxed social ambiance they can enjoy ashore with fellow owners, guests and crew at a regatta makes the perfect complement to their ocean cruising itineraries. The entry list for this year’s edition of the upcoming St. Barths Bucket Regatta – from 17 to 20 March – contains over thirty yachts of which seven are delivered by Royal Huisman including AQUARIUS. Curious to see and learn more? Please find the article “St. Barths Bucket Regattas: in pictures” at this website: news > inhuis [ link ]  

AQUARIUS For Charter

A stunning yacht with all the options one could want, that beach club is fabulous! - Broker

Available for charter in Greece.

Stunning 2016 Mengi Yay AQUARIUS is a firm favourite to the charter connoisseur. She has recently been featured in the all-new Netflix sequel 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery'.

The yacht sleeps 10 lucky guests in 5 beautiful staterooms. In a style of her own with her straight bow, she is fully optioned with a lavish beach club and balcony extensions either side of the salon and boasts two private balconies in the master stateroom. Equipped with an Eco cruise option, she is one of a kind.

An amazing yacht on board which to enjoy Greek waters!

The best of AQUARIUS

• Eco option for a very low fuel consumption.
• Multiple balconies extending exterior space.
• Massive beach club for her category.
• Gym / Exercise Equipment
• Swimming Pool / Deck Jacuzzi
• Zero Speed Stabilizers

1 x Axopar 22 Spyder with 200HP Mercury 1 x tender Extender 75 HP Evinrude for 4 people

Toys: 2 x i-Aqua (like a seabob) 1 x Lift e-foil board 2 x paddle boards 3 x Inflatable ringos 1 x set of waterskis Seat lounge for water with speaker 1 x professional wakeboard 1 x wakeboard Snorkelling equipment

The white 37' tender and two amphibians, which can be seen in certain photography, are not for charter with the vessel.

AQUARIUS comfortably accommodates 10 guests in 5 stunning staterooms. The main deck Owner’s stateroom features a king-sized bed, two balconies, an office and stunning en suite facilities. On the lower deck, there are three double staterooms and one twin, all en suite.

• Length: 46m/150ft
• Gross Tonnage: 493
• Max. Draught: 2.5m/8ft 2"
• Hull construction: Laminated Cold Molded Wood
• Exterior Designer: Ginton Naval Architects BV
• Interior Designer: BTA Yacht Design
• Engines: 2 x CAT C32 ACERT 1450
• Generators: 2 x Onan 50kW and 1 x 27 kW
• Flag: Maltese
• Classification Society: RINA

Location and rates

Mediterranean

EUR 220,000

EUR 235,000

The use of the Eco cruise low fuel consumption option is a plus charterers love. - Captain

Check Availability

Choose your preferred dates below and we'll check to see if this yacht is available.

Good news - AQUARIUS is available for charter on those dates.

Click here to enquire now!

Sorry, AQUARIUS is not available on those dates.

However, please enquire and our consultants will find you a similar option.

Your guide to chartering a yacht

Let us guide you through the superyacht charter process, from finding the perfect motor or sailing yacht and destination, to the contracts and onboard etiquette.

The best charter destinations

Choosing the right destination is a key component to creating the perfect yacht charter. We’re here to help you make the right choice.

Need help or advice?

The yachting journey can be complex with many decisions to be made. Get in touch with Ocean Independence, and one of our specialist consultants will help you make the right choices.

As a truly global company with 15 offices worldwide, we’re available 24/7 to help with any enquiries.

Stay in the know

Sign up to our newsletter to find out about all things yachting, including new listings, global events and the latest news in the industry.

Follow us on socials

Enter a search term below to search our website.

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Conservation and Philanthropy
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• BOATPro Home
• Superyacht Insight
• Global Order Book
• Premium Content
• Product Features
• Testimonials
• Pricing Plan
• Tenders & Equipment

More details of 65m Royal Huisman Aquarius II revealed

Dykstra Naval Architects has revealed more details about the 65-metre Aquarius II , currently under construction at the Royal Huisman shipyard. 

The sailing yacht was commissioned by an experienced yachtsman as successor to his smaller 56-metre Aquarius , and reunites the original design and build team: Dykstra Naval Architects , Mark Whiteley and Royal Huisman . 

While bigger is generally considered better in the yachting world, large sailing yachts bring a set of unique challenges, as Erik Wassen of Dykstra Naval Architects explains. "Once you step over the 60-metre hull length it’s a challenge to get enough sail area on the boat for a mast height of 62.5 metres. That’s normally the threshold (to fit under the Bridge of the Americas)," says Wassen. "But this owner said: 'I’ve done that; I’ve gone through the Panama Canal, so I’m not too worried about the mast height.' That gave us a new opportunity to provide the boat with ample sail area, and we raised the mast five metres, so it’s 67.5 metres air draught. She can’t cross the Panama Canal, but she will have a lot of sail area, so in light breeze conditions she will be driven quite well."

The owner's brief was to capture the essence of his current Aquarius , but with an additional nine-metre increase in length that grants around 45 per cent more volume with space for a fourth guest cabin, a  gym and a newly configured owner's cabin with a wraparound sofa.

Aquarius II will have two masts, a lifting fin keel with a draft of 7.6 metres and will fly a total downwind sail area of more than 4,500 square metres. "The owner likes to sail, so the boat needs to be relatively quick in getting the canvas up. That’s taken care of with the in-boom furling and also by keeping the deck equipment relatively simple and minimising clutter. Aquarius II will be quite easy to get under sail," says Wassen.

"When boats get bigger and heavier, they tend to get a bit sluggish in their response. I think the beauty of Aquarius was that she was much more responsive than you would imagine from a yacht of that size, and the owner wants to have at least a similar sort of responsiveness with the bigger boat," he adds. "Hence the large sail area; you want to have a boat with a lot of stability and a lot of sail area that will be easily driven, so in light conditions she will accelerate quickly when you get a gust."

Rondal and Doyle have collaborated with Royal Huisman to ensure optimal performance on a race circuit with a crew of 30 but easy to sail around the world with a reduced delivery crew.

Drawing on experience from the original Aquarius , the new Aquarius II will have semi-hybrid power generation, battery and load smoothing, climate control improvements, side boarding arrangements and a sail and mast design that takes full advantage of the load reductions offered by Doyle’s structured luff developments and Carbo-Link’s solid carbon Elipse rigging. "With a 400-tonne boat, the loads on the rudder are tremendous. There’s a very fine line between having a good feel on the helm and struggling with the helm. So we put quite a lot of effort in optimising the rudder shape and balance," says Wassen.

In terms of aesthetic differences, the yacht will have a slighter lower forestay, a different ratio between the main and mizzen masts and a lower-profile deck house.

Aquarius II i s expected to be completed in 2024. Other projects at the yard include the world's largest sportfisher . 

Sign up to BOAT Briefing email

Latest news, brokerage headlines and yacht exclusives, every weekday

By signing up for BOAT newsletters, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy .

More about this yacht

Similar yachts for sale, more stories, most popular, from our partners, sponsored listings.

672 Wine Club

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Benchmark Wines
• Brian Fox Art
• Disneyland Resort
• Gateway Bronco
• Royal Salute
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide

You Can Charter the 151-Foot Superyacht From the New ‘Knives Out’ Movie for $228,000 a Week

Cruise the mediterranean as if you were detective benoit blanc himself., rachel cormack.

Digital Editor

Rachel Cormack's Most Recent Stories

• Porsche Design Unveils Two Limited-Edition Chronographs to Celebrate 50 Years of the 911 Turbo
• Remote Lands and Aman Unveil New Private-Jet Trips Around the Globe, From Morocco to Bhutan
• Thieves Who Allegedly Stole a $1 Million Patek Philippe From a Man in Beverly Hills Just Got Nabbed
• Share This Article

The sequel to Rian Johnson’s 2019 murder mystery Knives Out is making waves in more ways than one.

Related Stories

• This Chinese Autonomous Car Start-Up Is About to Go Public in the U.S.
• BMW Just Unveiled a New 717 HP Station Wagon for the U.S.
• This Mint Green Ferrari F40 Could Fetch $2.5 Million at Auction

Delivered by Turkey’s Mengi Yay in 2016, the superyacht pairs a straight bow with a handsome wood hull and superstructure. She offers a generous interior with five lavish cabins for up to 10 guests. The main deck owner’s stateroom features a king-sized bed, two balconies, an office and an en suite. On the lower deck, you’ll find three double staterooms and a twin cabin. There will also be a crew of nine catering to your every whim as if you were an A-lister.

Outside, meanwhile, Aquarius sports a veritable beach club at the stern, a Jacuzzi on the foredeck, a sizable flybridge and several other spots for sunning. She also comes with a full fleet of toys and tenders in case you need to make a quick escape. The vessel even has a spot on the aft deck for a couple of roadsters.

As for grunt, Aquarius is powered by twin Caterpillar engines that give her a cruising speed of 12 knots and a top speed of 15 knots. Of course, the yacht’s also equipped with stabilizers that make cruising the Mediterranean a real treat.

Aquarius is available exclusively with Ocean Independence . You can book her for charter in Turkey for roughly $228,000 (€220,000) a week.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

Read More On:

• Cruises/Yacht Charter
• Ocean Independence

More Marine

This New 116-Foot Pocket Explorer Will Make Larger Expedition Yachts Jealous

Meet Zephyr, a Giant 378-Foot Megayacht With Not One But Two Pools

This Gigantic 814-Foot Cruise Ship Will Double as a Floating Hotel During the Monaco Grand Prix

Forget Boring White. This New 123-Foot Superyacht Comes in a Sleek Custom Silver.

Meet the Wine Club That Thinks Differently.

Receive editor-curated reds from boutique California producers four times a year.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Marine

11 Fascinating Facts About Tankoa’s Library-Quiet 169-Foot Project Secret

Bee Explorer Yacht in Photos

More from our brands, gut health goes viral with colostrum, digestive enzymes and fiber on the rise, nfl to meet again on private equity on august 27th in minneapolis, how to watch every ‘alien’ movie online for free (and get the blu-ray set for 50% off), over 100 firefighters are tackling a blaze on somerset house’s roof in london, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors.

Please use a modern browser to view this website. Some elements might not work as expected when using Internet Explorer.

• Landing Page
• Luxury Yacht Vacation Types
• Corporate Yacht Charter
• Tailor Made Vacations
• Luxury Exploration Vacations
• View All 3697
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yachts
• Classic Yachts
• Catamaran Yachts
• Filter By Destination
• More Filters
• Latest Reviews
• Charter Special Offers
• Destination Guides
• Inspiration & Features
• Mediterranean Charter Yachts
• France Charter Yachts
• Italy Charter Yachts
• Croatia Charter Yachts
• Greece Charter Yachts
• Turkey Charter Yachts
• Bahamas Charter Yachts
• Caribbean Charter Yachts
• Australia Charter Yachts
• Thailand Charter Yachts
• Dubai Charter Yachts
• Destination News
• New To Fleet
• Charter Fleet Updates
• Special Offers
• Industry News
• Yacht Shows
• Corporate Charter
• Finding a Yacht Broker
• Charter Preferences
• Questions & Answers
• Add my yacht

• Yacht Charter Fleet
• Fleet Updates News

Netflix’s Glass Onion Yacht: Take a closer look inside

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on X
• Share via Email

By Steph Loseby   4 January 2023

The 45m (150ft) superyacht AQUARIUS has wowed audiences in her debut appearance on the thrilling murder mystery Netflix film, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery , which has already proven a huge hit after ranking number one on Netflix’s ‘top 10 Films in the UK today’.

A long-awaited sequel to the original Knives Out film that arrived in 2019, Glass Onion features more opulence and drama as Daniel Craig returns as Detective Benoit Blanc to solve a very layered murder mystery.

While the first  Knives Out  film was set in a very Cluedo-Esque manor house in Massachusetts, USA , the second movie heads to a house called the ‘Glass Onion’ on a private estate on a fictional Greek island called 'Pisceshite Island.' 

A number of scenes take place on board yacht AQUARIUS, the first being when the luxury motor yacht transports a group of friends to the lavish private estate of a tech billionaire, but when someone turns up dead, it appears that everyone on the island is hiding their own dark secrets, making each of them a threatening suspect. 

Glass Onion Yacht

Superyacht AQUARIUS - the real star of the show

Delivered in 2016, the Mengi Yay yacht AQUARIUS is the perfect charter platform for yachting vacations spent entertaining in style. Her generous deck spaces play host to a wide range of amenities including a luxurious full-beam beach club with a 3-way opening, an outdoor bar, a Jacuzzi and ample space for sun lounging and relaxing. 

Designed for waterfront living, the lavish yacht is home to some impressive leisure and entertainment facilities that make her the ideal charter yacht for socializing and entertaining with family and friends.

Luxury yacht Aquarius is the perfect charter platform for yachting vacations spent entertaining in style

Accommodating 10 guests across 5 beautifully decorated cabins, the yacht is extremely versatile for a variety of charter party configurations comprising a beautiful master suite with two private balconies on either side offering sweeping panoramic views and a further 3 double cabins and 1 twin cabin which are situated on the lower deck. The super yacht charter is also capable of carrying up to 9 crew onboard to ensure a seamless and high-end luxury yacht rental experience. 

How much does the Glass Onion yacht AQUARIUS cost to charter?

She currently has an asking price of €220,000 for a 7-day charter and cruises the Mediterranean all year round.

Glass Onion Location

A destination offering peace and tranquility like no other.

Glass Onion was filmed in Greece and Serbia, primarily on the luscious island of Spetses , a playground for Greek tycoons and the Global Elite. Oozing old-world glamor, nautical charm and scenic beauty, there is no doubt that this is one of the most exclusive charter regions in the Mediterranean.

Beautiful nature, perfect beaches and a complex history ‒ Spetses is an island that has all three.

Viewers will most likely want to know where the luxurious villa they see on their screens is located and they may even wonder if they can stay there themselves. The answer is yes. Filming for Miles’s luxurious villa took place on the nearby mainland at Villa 20 in the Amanzoe resort near the small town of Porto Heli and you can request to book and stay there this summer if you wish.

Amanzoe Resort

Live like the movie stars.

During production, the cast and crew of Glass Onion reportedly stayed at the Amanzoe resort where filming took place in the summer of 2021.

Luxurious, sophisticated and simply divine, the Amanzoe resort is described as a modern-day Acropolis from which 360-degree views encompass olive groves and the Aegean sea. Created by a team who worked hard and methodically to create a "world-class exclusive resort worthy of the incomparable beauty of Greece", it definitely stands out from the crowd. 

The masterpiece of Amanzoe’s villas is the Acropolis-inspired Villa 20, the perfect backdrop for a movie like Glass Onion

With the option to stay in luxurious cabanas, pavilions and exclusive villas, each offering private pools with stunning views and fragrant gardens, the resort caters to everyone's needs and wants. Home to a tranquil wellness center, a private beach and a distinctive beach club, which is a destination in itself, it is certain that guests will feel relaxed from the moment they arrive.

The Amanzoe is currently closed and will reopen for an exciting summer season on the 1st April 2023. Giving you a glimpse of the luxurious lifestyle, guests on a Mediterranean yacht charter can enjoy a night at this resort in one of the best 6-bedroom villas for around €13,500 per night in April while in the middle of summer that increases to €17,729 per night.

Yacht rentals in the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean abounds in outstandingly beautiful cruising grounds that the SuperyachtSet adores. Comprising perennial favorites such as the Balearics , Amalfi Coast and Greece, a private yacht charter here truly never disappoints. From serene anchorages to glittering cities fizzing with life, this destination has it all.

To find out more about chartering in the region, check out our Mediterranean yacht charter guide for more information, or check out our  ideas and tips for cruising in this summer hotspot  as well as our sample itineraries handpicked by experts with in-depth knowledge of the region.

Itineraries

If you’d like to learn more about chartering motor yacht AQUARIUS, please contact a recommended yacht charter broker .

Alternatively, if you are interested in renting a yacht that has appeared in a hit TV show or film, take a look at our article: Top yachts in TV and Film that you could charter today .

Top yachts in TV and Film that you could charter today

99m Canadian Vickers 1943 / 2020

60m Mondo Marine 2017

73m Admiral Yachts 2018

47m Delta Marine 2007 / 2019

95m Lurssen 2014

85m Lurssen 2013 / 2022

• READ MORE ABOUT:
• Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
• Yacht Aquarius
• Netflix Film
• Greece yacht charter
• Mediterranean yacht charter

RELATED STORIES

Previous Post

Explore the Bahamas onboard 55m superyacht charter LADY JJ

First look inside the 85m explorer yacht WANDERLUST

EDITOR'S PICK

Latest News

13 August 2024

9 August 2024

8 August 2024

• See All News

Yacht Reviews

• See All Reviews

Charter Yacht of the week

Join our newsletter

Useful yacht charter news, latest yachts and expert advice, sent out every fortnight.

Please enter a valid e-mail

Thanks for subscribing

Featured Luxury Yachts for Charter

This is a small selection of the global luxury yacht charter fleet, with 3697 motor yachts, sail yachts, explorer yachts and catamarans to choose from including superyachts and megayachts, the world is your oyster. Why search for your ideal yacht charter vacation anywhere else?

446ft | Lurssen

from $4,368,000 p/week ♦︎

378ft | Lurssen

from $2,831,000 p/week ♦︎

279ft | Golden Yachts

from $980,000 p/week ♦︎

289ft | Golden Yachts

from $1,179,000 p/week ♦︎

274ft | Feadship

from $1,072,000 p/week ♦︎

305ft | Feadship

from $1,501,000 p/week ♦︎

Maltese Falcon

289ft | Perini Navi

from $490,000 p/week

400ft | Lurssen

from $3,000,000 p/week

As Featured In

The YachtCharterFleet Difference

YachtCharterFleet makes it easy to find the yacht charter vacation that is right for you. We combine thousands of yacht listings with local destination information, sample itineraries and experiences to deliver the world's most comprehensive yacht charter website.

San Francisco

• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Follow us on Instagram
• Find us on LinkedIn
• Add My Yacht
• Affiliates & Partners

Popular Destinations & Events

• St Tropez Yacht Charter
• Monaco Yacht Charter
• St Barts Yacht Charter
• Greece Yacht Charter
• Mykonos Yacht Charter
• Caribbean Yacht Charter

Featured Charter Yachts

• Maltese Falcon Yacht Charter
• Wheels Yacht Charter
• Victorious Yacht Charter
• Andrea Yacht Charter
• Titania Yacht Charter
• Ahpo Yacht Charter

Receive our latest offers, trends and stories direct to your inbox.

Please enter a valid e-mail.

Thanks for subscribing.

Search for Yachts, Destinations, Events, News... everything related to Luxury Yachts for Charter.

Yachts in your shortlist

Find anything you save across the site in your account

Inside the Glass Onion Yacht—Which You Can Charter for $228,000 a Week

Taking place on a private Greek island , the trip in Rian Johnson’s newest Knives Out movie, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, would be undeniably indulgent—if not for the murder mystery and seemingly never-ending plot twists. Still, for a lofty price, you can turn some of the more luxurious moments from the film into a reality. As Robb Report shares, the lavish yacht seen in the beginning of the movie is available for private charter throughout the Mediterranean for $228,000 a week. 

According to Ocean Independence, the on-board beach club is “massive for her category.”

The 151-foot vessel is named Aquarius and is available to the public through Ocean Independence, a company specializing in luxury yacht sales, management, and charters. Delivered by Turkish shipbuilder Mengi Yay in 2016, the ship holds up to 10 people across 5 staterooms. “In a style of her own with her straight bow, she is fully optioned with a lavish beach club and balcony extensions on either side of the salon,” the boat’s description reads. The primary stateroom also comes with two additional private balconies for even more opportunities for indoor-outdoor living and taking in the incredible Mediterranean views. 

When it comes to entertainment, Aquarius leaves little to be desired. Her on-board amenities include a gym and exercise equipment, a jacuzzi, and multiple aquatic toys including paddle boards, a water ski, a wakeboard, and snorkeling equipment. Two twin Caterpillar engines power the boat, which can reach top speeds of 26 knots with a cruising speed of 11.5 knots, and a 9-member crew will also be available throughout the charter. 

The yacht has plenty of balconies and decks for indoor-outdoor living. 

While most would hope their time on Aquarius only resembles the comedic and lighthearted moments from Glass Onion, there is one part of the movie guaranteed to transcend the fictional and real world: The ship captain seen in the movie, Andino, is actually Aquarius ’s real-life captain Ali Göksoy. 

More Great Stories From AD

Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the best of design in your inbox.

Step Inside Lil Baby’s Epic Atlanta Oasis

Shop Lil Baby’s Open Door

Price Tower, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Only Skyscraper, Sold for $10 in 2023 and Has Been Embroiled in Controversy Ever Since

2024 Hotel Great Design Awards: 20 Stunning New Hotels for Global Exploration

9 Beautiful Oceanfront Homes Around the World

These Ultra-Luxe Homes Are in Climate Danger Zones—Why Do People Continue Buying Them?

Prairie-Style Homes: Everything You Need to Know About Frank Lloyd Wright’s First Design Era

Embrace Unexpected Color Combinations with the Newest Arrivals

Tour a Greenwich Village Town House That Doubles Down on the Wow Factor

Emily in Paris Season 4: Lily Collins Shares Secrets About the Show’s Chic Sets

Ben Affleck’s Houses: Inside the Actor’s Real Estate Portfolio

Demisch Danant Crafts a Serene, Minimalist Interior for a Young Family in Brooklyn

Not a subscriber? Join AD for print and digital access now.

Find anything, super fast.

• Destinations
• Documentaries

A Word from the Captain on Aquarius

By Catriona Cherrie

Fifty-six metre sailing yacht Aquarius was delivered in January 2018 by Royal Huisman and has since completed several trips, including winter cruising in the Caribbean and a summer in the Mediterranean. Her captain, James Turner, has sailed the ship from destination to destination and was an integral part of the design process. Captain Turner holds a special place in his heart for this Royal Huisman build and tells of his experiences onboard in the following interview.

What are the features of Aquarius that most impress you, as a captain? First and foremost, it is her striking aesthetic: her long elegant sheer, low, bold deckhouses and significant rig plan all stylishly combined with modern features that pair traditional with contemporary very well. Looking more closely and from an operational perspective, it is the layout of controls/screens and functions of the helm area and deckhouse. At the heart of Aquarius’ design and build was the desire of building a very capable sailing boat for family cruising to regatta racing: her power, handling and turn of speed to combine seamlessly.

How would you rate her sailing capability – in terms of both performance and sail handling? As can often be found, handling ease is a compromise to performance and vice versa. However, in Aquarius’ case, I believe her designers did exceptionally well to maximise both. With her very powerful rig and sail plan, her performance, power and capability are not something to underestimate – without anticipation, one can be surprised at her power. However, her systems, handling and control all aid to make her handle with relative ease. One thing that is immediately striking about Aquarius is the size and height of her mizzen mast with her high roach sails; as such the force potential of the mizzen cannot be underestimated.

From an overall, operational, point of view, how well has Aquarius met the objectives set by the Client team? I believe that Aquarius has exceeded the owners’ expectations. The client wanted something that was elegant yet muscular, a yacht that looked as at home on the race course as it does in a far-flung anchorage. They wanted to entertain their family and closest friends. The luxury accommodation had to be comfortable, stylish, yet understated and it had to boast light and space. At the time of writing, the owners have enjoyed only a few trips on board. However, they are exceedingly proud of what they have built and are most excited about what they will continue to achieve with Aquarius. To quantify the objectives set from the beginning, I think Aquarius has not only met but surpassed the brief.

How would you describe the experience of building a custom superyacht like Aquarius at the Royal Huisman shipyard? Being a part of the build of Aquarius at Royal Huisman is and will remain a highlight of my career. It is no wonder that Huisman has developed the reputation they have within the industry. It is not only their organisation and efficiency as a facility, but it is also above all their pride in what they do that shines through. Without wanting to sound cliché the bespoke construction of a yacht is the realisation of the client’s dream.  It is this unwavering understanding, through everyone involved that creates the realisation. This for me made the goal relatively easy to achieve as we were all on the same page. They just get it.

With that being said, we look forward to hearing more about the adventures of Aquarius and the future projects from Royal Huisman.

"As can often be found, handling ease is a compromise to performance and vice versa. However, in Aquarius’ case, I believe her designers did exceptionally well to maximise both. With her very powerful rig and sail plan, her performance, power and capability are not something to underestimate – without anticipation, one can be surprised at her power." Captain James Turner, Captain of Aquarius

"As can often be found, handling ease is a compromise to performance and vice versa. However, in Aquarius’ case, I believe her designers did exceptionally well to maximise both. With her very powerful rig and sail plan, her performance, power and capability are not something to underestimate – without anticipation, one can be surprised at her power."

Related News

Featured events.