Apsara (former Aquarius)   /   56 meter Classic Ketch

In the beginning of 2018, the 56m classic ketch "Apsara" (formerly named "Aquarius"), designed by Dykstra Naval Architects and built by Royal Huisman was delivered to her owners.
Mark Whiteley was appointed for the interior design of this yacht and the owners' representative is Godfrey 'Goddy' Cray.

The owners asked for an "elegant, muscular sailing yacht." They wanted to build a boat that is gorgeous to look at, and spectacular to sail.

"We created a slender hull with long overhangs for an elegant and classic-looking yacht with seakeeping characteristics that are ideal for worldwide cruising. The generous sail area combined with a ketch rig and modern underwater body, fin keel and spade rudder, adds light-air agility to her otherwise all-round performance" says Thys Nikkels.

With carbon spars, booms and standing rigging scaled to an air draft that maximises sail area while recognising the Panamax height limitation, the design details feature oval portholes in the low-profile dark blue hull, and a circular skylight around the mizzen mast to flood the owner's suite with natural light. Although designed for blue water cruising, Aquarius is a great contender in superyacht regattas. With below deck stowage for numerous toys such as a Laser, kayaks, windsurfers and bicycles – along with a 6.2m tender – she is as much at home at anchor in a secluded bay as on the race course or cruising the high seas.

The New England-inspired interior design reflects her classic profile and traditional lines with beautiful raised and fielded white-painted panelling, which is complimented by the finely crafted varnished joinery. "The brief called for a relaxed home afloat for the owner's family and friends, and aside from a split-level master cabin featuring a private deckhouse and cockpit, the accommodation includes a large deck salon, three en-suite guest cabins, a media room and even a dedicated fully equipped gym," says designer Mark Whiteley.