Aquel II - 1987
37.37m. (122') Cruising Sloop

Aquel II was the beginning of Dubois Naval Architects superyacht involvement. Designed for Californian Bob Milhous who wanted something "different" Dubois was one of three designers approached and won the commission in March 1985. Aquel II was the first yacht (outside Perini Navi) to use captive winches. Dubois developed the idea from a fishing reel winch with Falmouth based Peter Powell. The concept was to hide winches, ventilators and other sailing "clutter" within or beneath the superstructure, producing a particularly streamlined and modern appearance.

Aquel II was a sloop and at the time had the tallest mast in the world for a yacht. Her striking lines and apparent abandonment of traditional style caught many an eye and began a long association with Neville Crichton who as a result of Aquel II commissioned Esprit - built by Alloy Yachts in 1989/1990 and starting the long Dubois/Alloy Yachts association. At the time of writing (2003) Crichton has commissioned 6 Dubois designed Superyachts all built by Alloy Yachts. Alloy has built a further 5 Dubois designs to date and are currently planning another 2. These have varied between 32.5m. (106') and 55m. (180') LOA.

Aquel II is seen not only by DNA but also by the yachting world as a turning point in yacht design and construction.