Aquarella is a rare thing, a genuinely fast British built motor yacht with the pedigree of Devonport behind her. Launched in 1994 and kept sharp through a thorough 2018 refit, she carries low, sleek lines over a dark hull that still look contemporary three decades on. At 42 metres she is built to move, reaching 24 knots when the schedule calls for it and settling into a comfortable 17 knot cruise for longer passages.
Her exterior is designed for life in the open air. The foredeck is a destination in its own right, with sun pads and a shaded table set up for lazy mornings and sundowners away from the main deck. Aft, a covered dining area keeps guests together for long lunches, while side decks and a swim platform make the water easy to reach. A full inventory of toys supports a day spent in and on the sea.
Step inside and the mood shifts to light and calm. Skylights and large windows pull the Mediterranean into the saloon, which is finished in pale woods and soft blues. A separate upper saloon offers a quieter retreat with its own views, and a dedicated bar anchors the social spaces. The design is modern without being cold, a comfortable base for both busy charter days and slow evenings at anchor.
Aquarella sleeps eleven guests across six cabins, a generous ratio that gives families and groups real space. The master is bright and well proportioned, supported by a mix of double and twin staterooms, each with its own ensuite finished in marble. Thoughtful storage and clean detailing throughout show a yacht that has been maintained with care rather than simply used.
Performance is the thread that runs through her. Twin MTU engines give her the legs to cover ground quickly, which opens up itineraries that slower yachts of her size cannot reach in a single week. From a fast morning run between islands to a relaxed afternoon drifting in a quiet bay, she adapts to the pace her guests set. Her range and speed together make her a practical choice for anyone who wants to see more of a coastline in the time a charter allows.
She is well suited to the Eastern Mediterranean, where the distances between the Greek islands and the Turkish coast reward a yacht that can move. A crew of five runs her with the attentiveness that a yacht of this size allows, keeping the experience personal from the galley to the tender.
What makes Aquarella interesting is the combination. Few yachts of her era pair this kind of speed with a modern, light filled interior and a layout genuinely built around outdoor living. She is not trying to be the biggest yacht in the bay, she is trying to be the most enjoyable one to spend a week aboard.
For charter guests who want pace, privacy and a sense of discovery, Aquarella delivers a week that covers more ground and feels effortless doing it. She rewards those who like to explore, and she does it with the quiet confidence of a yacht that has been doing it well for years.
