MODERN CLASSIC

Aquarius, nowadays Apsara, is a stunning yacht of rare beauty. She combines classic hull lines with a powerful modern rig and a clean, contemporary chic above and below decks. This world cruising ketch truly defines what it means to be a ‘modern classic’.

With naval architecture by Dykstra Naval Architects and interior design from Mark Whiteley Design this magnificent 56m / 184ft ketch was realised by Royal Huisman together with Rondal and an outstanding team of rig specialists. Exceptional co-operation from the highly talented client team ensured a harmonious build and a highly successful outcome.

UNDER SAIL

A strongly co-operative culture was established from the outset, with all team members as focused on understanding and contributing to their colleagues’ individual objectives and the wider goals of the project as they were to delivering on their own specific responsibilities. This concerted approach led to the emergence of a design-led sail plan, carefully crafted to deliver the owners’ requirements, with sail crossovers, integration of the sail and boom package, ease of use and low maintenance factors all pushing the design process forward.

AT ANCHOR

From almost any angle, the perfectly judged sheer and long overhangs of Apsara’s slender hull, crowned by its majestic rig, provoke admiring comments. The black topsides, subtly enhanced by oval portlights, fairleads and a silver cove stripe that finishes in a flourish aft, gleam a discreet yet shimmering black as they flawlessly reflect the ripples on the water.

EXTERIOR

Visitors stepping onto the decks of Apsara for the first time are likely to be powerfully struck by the confident and highly successful fusion of classic and modern design references. The hull lines and traditional deckhouses say ‘classical purity’ yet the clean, spare execution and modern detailing on deck could be equally at home on a far more contemporary yacht. This is no easy trick to pull off but, by paying attention to detail in every aspect, the team have succeeded in achieving ‘classical modernity’ that others might only dream of.

INTERIOR

Mark Whiteley has designed a classic modern interior based on the owners’ preference for brush-painted white panelling and deckheads, with contrasting mahogany joinery for walls and flooring. The overall ambiance, as they set out in their brief, should not be too busy or fussy, but calm and elegant, providing a ‘New England feel of relaxed elegance’ – achieved by Mark Whiteley with crisp mouldings and fine detailing to add a touch of contemporary sharpness. The selected mahogany is crown cut Swietenia, chosen for its nuanced warm tones to complement furnishing fabrics in equally subtle shades of ivory and cream.

NAVAL ARCHITECTURE

To build a slender hull with adequate structural stiffness to cope with the heavy loads imposed by the near-100 tonne keel and the enormous rig (up to 60 tonnes on the forestay alone) is challenging enough. But Ngoni’s deck and hull are also punctuated by numerous openings: giant deck cut-outs for a large tender garage, crane, flush sail lockers, spa pool and cooled waste locker, plus large rectangular portholes, a sea-level gym door, fold-out side boarding platform, two submarine anchors and retractable thrusters.

UNDER SAIL

Intensive research and analysis went into the development of the advanced and extremely powerful 71m / 233ft carbon rig and foils. The 853m2 / 9,182ft2 square-top mainsail is notable not just for its load-reducing halyard lock but for the innovation allowing the square-top and its supporting diagonal batten to detach automatically and furl neatly into the styled performance boom with minimal intervention from the crew. While hoisting, the diagonal batten attaches automatically too.

EXTERIOR

On approaching Ngoni, the observer is immediately struck by her dramatic lines and tall rig, perfectly complemented by the sculpted low profile superstructure that centres the design with elegant understatement. The dynamic curve of the sheer line: first convex, then subtly concave and finally convex once more for the sweep over the beach deck, suggests a natural affinity with the sea.

INTERIOR

The luxuriously appointed guest cockpit offers an intimate outdoor space for reading and relaxation, playing games or simply watching the marine world around you. The deckhouse overhang, together with electrically-powered retractable windbreakers, ensures a sheltered environment in all conditions.