Royal Huisman Antares Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

As a custom-built ketch, Antares is designed for balanced, long-range passage-making rather than regatta sprinting. The choice of a ketch rig allows the sail area to be divided into smaller, more manageable units, which is crucial for a yacht of this displacement. According to technical insights from Dixon Yacht Design, the hull features a moderate draft and a bulb keel, providing the necessary stability to carry her large sail plan while maintaining a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Under power, she is driven by a Caterpillar C18 engine, which, combined with a high fuel capacity, grants her a significant motoring range of approximately 3,500 nautical miles. Handling is aided by sophisticated hydraulic systems for winches and furling, allowing the crew to manage transitions between the mizzen, main, and headsails with precision. Anecdotal reports from those who have sailed her emphasize her "ship-like" feel; she tracks exceptionally well and exhibits a high degree of sea-kindliness, resisting the jerky motions often found in lighter, high-performance cruisers. The dual-helm configuration in the aft cockpit provides excellent visibility of the sail plan and the horizon, though the yacht is frequently operated from the protected bridge during long passages.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of Antares is a showcase of classic French Walnut joinery and intricate wood carving, a hallmark of Rhoades Young Design. The layout is optimized for an owner-operator or a family, featuring a sprawling full-beam owner’s suite aft with private access to the deck. This suite includes a dedicated study, a walk-in wardrobe, and a spacious ensuite, ensuring total privacy from guests and crew.

The main salon is split-level, utilizing the deckhouse to flood the upper lounge with natural light, while the lower dining area offers a more intimate setting for formal meals. Guest accommodations include two well-appointed cabins, providing a total guest capacity of nine when utilizing Pullman berths. The crew quarters are located forward of the galley and engine room, designed to be self-sufficient and comfortable for long stints at sea. A notable variation in her design compared to other Royal Huisman yachts of this era is the emphasis on the "deck-saloon" concept, which blurs the line between the protected cockpit and the interior living space, making her particularly well-suited for both tropical and high-latitude cruising.

Popular Mentions & Media

Antares has been a frequent subject of architectural praise in the nautical press, often cited as a benchmark for custom ketch design. She was featured prominently in Yacht International and Boat International upon her launch, winning accolades for her engineering and interior finish. Her global travels have been well-documented through various superyacht media outlets, highlighting her successful transoceanic passages and her presence at international yacht shows as a representative of Dutch shipbuilding excellence.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing or maintaining a custom vessel of this complexity requires a specialized survey focusing on high-load systems and material integrity. Potential areas of focus include:

• Alustar Hull Integrity: While Alustar (a high-strength aluminum alloy) is exceptionally durable, a specialized ultrasonic hull thickness survey is mandatory to check for galvanic corrosion or plate thinning, especially around through-hull fittings.
• Captive Winch Service History: The hydraulic captive winches that manage the main and mizzen sheets are under immense load. Prospective buyers should verify the service intervals of the hydraulic pumps and the condition of the winch drums.
• Rigging Life Cycle: For a ketch of this age, the standing rigging—typically solid rod or composite—must be inspected for fatigue. If the rig has not been pulled and "NDT" (Non-Destructive Testing) tested within the last five years, this should be a priority.
• Teak Deck Thickness: Royal Huisman decks are traditionally thick and well-laid, but after nearly two decades of use and cleaning, the remaining depth of the teak planks should be measured to ensure they do not require a costly replacement.

The Verdict

The Royal Huisman Antares is an elite-tier blue-water cruiser that stands as a testament to the longevity of Dutch engineering. She is best suited for an owner who values understated elegance and the mechanical reliability required for true global exploration.

Pros:

• Superlative Build Quality: Constructed at one of the world's premier shipyards using the highest grade materials.
• Redundant Systems: Designed for autonomy in remote areas with robust mechanical and electrical systems.
• Timeless Aesthetic: The Rhoades Young interior and Dixon exterior have aged gracefully, avoiding the "dated" look of many early-2000s yachts.
• Versatile Sail Plan: The ketch rig offers numerous sail combinations for comfort and safety in heavy weather.

Cons:

• Operational Costs: Maintaining a 40m custom yacht with complex hydraulic and electronic systems requires a significant annual budget and a dedicated professional crew.
• Draft Limitations: While moderate for her size, her draft still limits access to some shallow-water cruising grounds like the Bahamas.
• Complexity: The sheer volume of custom components means that replacements often require bespoke fabrication rather than off-the-shelf sourcing.