Aquijo

Aquijo is one of the most important modern sailing superyachts and a landmark project in large-yacht sail construction. Built jointly by Oceanco and Vitters and delivered in 2016, she measures approximately 86 metres and is widely recognised as the world’s largest high-performance ketch.

The yacht was created as a rare collaboration between two major Dutch shipyards. Oceanco brought its experience in building very large custom yachts, while Vitters contributed its specialist knowledge of advanced sailing yacht construction, rig systems and performance sailing. The result is a yacht that combines the scale and amenities of a large motor yacht with the character and technical complexity of a true sailing vessel.

Aquijo was designed by Tripp Design Naval Architects, with interior design by Dölker+Voges. Her exterior is defined by a powerful ketch rig, long clean decks, a strong sheerline and a purposeful sailing profile. At her size, the yacht has immense visual presence, yet her design remains balanced and elegant, avoiding the top-heavy appearance that can affect very large sailing yachts.

The yacht’s rig is one of her defining features. Aquijo carries two towering masts and a very large sail plan, giving her genuine sailing capability on a scale rarely seen in the superyacht fleet. She was designed not simply as a motor yacht with sails, but as a high-performance cruising ketch intended to deliver powerful sailing, long-distance comfort and technical sophistication.

Inside, Aquijo offers the amenities expected of a large luxury yacht while retaining the atmosphere of a sailing vessel. Publicly reported features include a guest elevator, large windows, flexible guest accommodation, a private owner’s terrace, generous deck areas and a substantial beach club and wellness area.

Aquijo is reported to accommodate up to 14 guests in 7 staterooms for private use, while charter arrangements may be configured for 12 guests depending on regulations and layout. Her accommodation is supported by a professional crew of around 16 to 17, providing the service level expected of a yacht of this size and complexity.

The yacht’s lifestyle facilities are unusually strong for a sailing yacht. Public charter information refers to a beach club wellness area, spa facilities, gym, guest elevator, deck spaces for dining and relaxation, and a selection of water toys including kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling equipment, scuba gear, wakeboards, waterskis and towables.

Technically, Aquijo has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, with a gross tonnage of approximately 1,538 GT. She is powered by twin Caterpillar diesel engines and is reported to reach around 17 knots, with a cruising speed of about 15 knots and a range of approximately 3,200 nautical miles at economical speed.

Aquijo is significant because she proves that a yacht of near-motor-yacht scale can still be built around genuine sailing performance. She remains one of the most impressive sailing yachts available for private cruising and charter, and stands as a major achievement for Oceanco, Vitters, Tripp Design and the wider Dutch superyacht industry.

Key features

• Built jointly by Oceanco and Vitters
• Delivered in 2016
• Approximately 86 metres in length
• Recognised as the world’s largest high-performance ketch
• Exterior and naval architecture by Tripp Design Naval Architects
• Interior design by Dölker+Voges
• Steel hull and aluminium superstructure
• Gross tonnage of approximately 1,538 GT
• Two-masted ketch rig
• Large high-performance sail plan
• Reported accommodation for up to 14 guests in 7 staterooms
• Charter arrangements commonly listed for up to 12 guests
• Professional crew of around 16 to 17
• Guest elevator
• Private owner’s terrace
• Large windows and generous interior volume
• Beach club wellness area
• Gym and spa-style facilities
• Kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling equipment and scuba gear
• Wakeboard, waterskis and towable water toys
• Reported top speed of approximately 17 knots
• Reported cruising speed of approximately 15 knots