The world cruising ketch Aquarius received the “Best Sail 40m+” award as well as the overall award “Best Interior”.

Both awards were handed out at the annual “International Superyacht Society Awards of Distinction”. Congratulations to Aquarius’ owners and gratitude on the part of her design and build team, who feel particularly honored by this recognition.

The owners’ brief was for an elegant yet muscular sailing yacht with a classic profile, for family enjoyment. The yacht should have favourable sea keeping characteristics that are ideal for world cruising as well as standing her in good stead for the occasional Bucket regatta.

Aquarius 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 specialists. Exceptional co-operation from the highly talented client team ensured a harmonious build and a highly successful outcome.

Heesen teamed up with renowned British studio Winch Design to create the ultimate explorer yacht, conceived to take adventurous owners off the beaten path in seven-star comfort, rugged but luxurious in style and high efficiency thanks to FDHF hull design.

To be built to the highest Lloyds Classification and safety standards Xventure is the ideal yacht for extended offshore passages. A remarkable cruising range of 5,000 miles (with even longer range as an optional extra) enables her to reach remote bays and creeks, and to remain on station longer than other yachts.

Not just designed to accommodate rough waters, however, Xventure pays respect to the oceans and the environment. The optional hybrid propulsion system delivers reduced fuel consumption and exceptionally low noise and vibration levels. She also conforms to the latest Tier III exhaust and pollution emission regulations to reduce her footprint, while her FDHF hull makes her highly efficient.

At 57m long, Xventure offers an unusually high interior volume of approximately 1,280GT.  This, combined with great views from everywhere on board will delight the Owner and his guests. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows afford views out to sea from the main deck guest suites and Owner’s full-beam apartment, as well as the upper deck saloon. A glass-ceilinged winter garden on the observation deck provides expansive vistas from every angle with a swimming pool forward.

One of Xventure’s key design features, however, is the access that she provides to various transport modes for a variety of expeditions, whether it be a helicopter, large tender, jet skis or submarine if the owner chooses. A double-height tender garage accommodates an 11.4m Intrepid 375 Sports fishing boat port-side, with a second 8.6m Beachlander in a side garage. These are unusually large tenders designed to allow guests to move to and from shore in great comfort and variable weather conditions. They are also ideal for carrying extensive gear required for local expeditions. Personal watercraft, scuba diving equipment storage, a 4.5m crew tender and storage for fishing equipment and small toys are neatly accommodated, as is the option to carry an Airbus H135 helicopter to visit remote areas for heli-skiing or heli-fishing.

Possessing Heesen’s DNA and proven engineering, she answers a new calling within yachting – that of remote cruising. Offering long range, a robust build, helicopter capability, and vast storage space she is tough, independent, exhilarating and daring.

A true Heesen explorer yacht, Xventure is the dawn of a new era of great adventures.