AQUILA

The 85.60m (280′ 10″) motor yacht Aquila was built in 2010 by Derecktor Shipyard and completely refitted by the Pendennis Shipyard in the UK in 2016. With her steel hull and aluminium superstructure, she is a striking vessel from every angle. Tim Heywood was the principal designer for the yacht’s exterior while the original interior design was carried out by Liz Dalton of Dalton Designs, and the Dutch design firm Azure Naval Architects was responsible for the naval architecture. Today, Aquila features beautifully refitted interiors by Redman Whiteley Dixon (RWD) and Susan Young Interiors.

NOTABLE FEATURES

• large, spacious public areas
• a huge saloon on the main deck
• staterooms with en-suite bathrooms and spa tubs
• six decks served by an elevator
• central spiral staircase
• fully-equipped gymnasium
• on board Jacuzzi

In June 2016 after an extensive 12-month refit programme Pendennis redelivered the vessel. Considering she is the largest yacht to be refitted in the UK, the sheer scope of the work completed on all five deck levels is exceptionally impressive. For the technical changes, enhanced interior and exterior designs, Aquila had to be stripped back to her bulkheads in most areas. The dedicated refit team also updated the lighting, social spaces, modernised technical systems as well as restyling the vessel across an area of over 750m2.

This unprecedented refit included reconfiguring the owner’s suite, adding a 60m2 private deck area and also repositioning the Jacuzzi to the forward sun deck. A cinema was integrated into the main salon. As part of the yacht’s five-year survey, there were also technology upgrades which include new AV and IT systems, air conditioning, fresh air handling systems, radomes and the rebuilding of four generators. In addition to this, Aquila also benefited from a complete infrastructure repaint.

The task of reformulating spaces and improving the flow between each area of the vessel was commissioned to Redman Whiteley Dixon (RWD) and Susan Young Interiors. The interior now has a mixture of dark wood finishes, pale leather panels with nickel trim along with many new special surface materials. All blend together to provide a magnificent interior. One of Aquila’s main features is a spectacular chandelier which cascades 11.2m (40ft) through four decks. The chandelier comprises 850 impressive hand-blown glass pieces.
Throughout the refit, attention to detail was the key. The pattern of the parquet flooring mirrors the ceiling detail in the owner’s salon complimented even further by atmospheric lighting and lavish furniture.

As soon as guests arrive on board they will receive a warm welcome in the large saloon on the main deck. This saloon is styled as an elegant library complete with a grand piano and fireplace featuring accents in different, exotic woods as well as millwork in American cherry wood.

There are dual gyms, a fitness centre as well as a yoga/aerobics studio. A recreation salon can be found on the owner’s deck and on the aft deck a large oval table can be used for al fresco dining. The bridge deck has a comfortable media and recreation salon along with an aft-deck exterior balcony. There’s a sun deck that can be used for sunbathing and an outdoor bar or observation lounge, perfect for relaxing.