For more than 115 years, Abeking & Rasmussen has built its reputation on full customisation. Every yacht that has left the German shipyard's facility has been a bespoke creation, tailored to the exact specifications of its owner. But in 2026, the yard is writing a new chapter in its storied history with the introduction of Aruby - its first-ever series yacht.
At 70 metres and approximately 1,770GT, Aruby represents a significant shift in philosophy for Abeking & Rasmussen. "Aruby is our answer to the modern owner's desire for the highest quality without the typical development lead times," explains Till von Krause, sales director yacht at Abeking & Rasmussen. The pre-engineered platform significantly reduces the timeline typically associated with custom yacht construction. By eliminating months of initial planning and technical development, prospective owners can move directly to the build phase without assembling their own new-build team or navigating the complexities of starting from scratch.
Inspired by the ruby gemstone, the yacht embodies “immense strength and longevity”. Developed in partnership with the award-winning studio Reymond Langton Design – a 25-year-strong collaboration - Aruby distills decades of client feedback into the semi-custom concept.
"Aruby is a turnkey path to ownership. Ready-to-build, there is no prior new build experience needed," says Tamara Gramberg, head of marketing and sales management at Abeking & Rasmussen. "Aruby is ideal for family use, entertaining and has perfect charter potential as well.”
The day begins on Aruby's expansive sundeck, where a forward-facing spa pool catches the first light of dawn. You slip into the warm water, coffee in hand, as the horizon shifts from deep indigo to soft gold. Around you, shaded loungers and a fully stocked bar await.
By mid-morning, the sundeck transforms. The dining table - seating 12 - is set for a leisurely breakfast. Fresh pastries, tropical fruit and freshly squeezed juice are served as the crew moves efficiently in the background, their presence felt but never intrusive.
As the sun climbs higher, life on Aruby gravitates toward the water. The main deck aft features a 2.4- by 5.2-metre swimming pool, surrounded by open-air lounge seating. Double doors connect to the main saloon, where circular lounge seating and a games table invite casual gatherings.
Steps lead down to the sea-level swim platform and beach club - "the natural hub of life on board”, as designer Pascale Reymond describes. "Located just aft of the guest cabins, it allows guests to move seamlessly from suite to sea," she notes.
Here, the beach club doubles as a gym and spa, offering everything from morning yoga sessions to post-swim massages. Jet skis, paddleboards and diving gear are stored nearby, ready for endless fun on the water.
As the sun begins its descent, the bridge deck aft comes alive. Al fresco dining is set, with the chef preparing a multi-course meal tailored to your preferences.
After dinner, the bridge deck lounge beckons. By day, it's a breezy vantage point with uninterrupted views and a fully stocked bar. By night, it transforms into an open-air cinema, complete with a sunken lounge aft around a firepit. Alternatively, head up to the sundeck's circular open-air cinema for a movie under the stars. For those not yet ready to retire, the upper saloon offers a second lounge perfect for late-night conversations.
When sleep finally calls, guests retreat to their accommodations. The 90-square-metre owner's suite on the main deck is a sanctuary that stretches the full 12.3-metre beam. Enter through a private office, pass two walk-in wardrobes and step into the main bedroom, where two private balconies offer sweeping sea views on either side. At the centre, a freestanding tub sits in a his-and-hers en-suite bathroom.
The remaining guests retreat to two doubles and two twins on the lower deck, or the 24-square-metre VIP suite on the bridge deck, complete with a private balcony.
Smart self-service options are at your fingertips, allowing you to curate your environment without waiting for crew assistance. It's what Abeking & Rasmussen calls the "new luxury" approach: highly efficient service that remains intentionally in the background.
Crew areas are thoughtfully separated from guest spaces, with a dedicated service staircase, a crew hangout spot forward of the bridge and pantries on the main and upper decks. The galley is located on the lower deck within the crew quarters, ensuring efficient service without compromising guest privacy.
At the heart of the yacht is a "future-fuel" ready diesel-electric propulsion system with pod drives and five main engines (approximately 650 kW each), guaranteeing exceptionally smooth and vibration-free operation. A 150 kWh battery pack ensures emission-free silence at anchor. "Every technical decision in Aruby follows one principle: performance with purpose," summarises COO Björn Schlüter.
The efficient, slim hull design allows for a comfortable cruising speed of 12.5 knots and a top speed of 16 knots, with a 4,500 nautical-mile range. The single-tier engine room maximises the volume dedicated to guest areas, ensuring that every square metre serves the owner's experience.
Whether you're a seasoned yacht owner seeking a proven platform or a first-time buyer looking for a turnkey solution, Aruby’s versatility makes it equally suited to family cruising, high-level entertaining or charter operations.
Contact the Abeking & Rasmussen team to learn more about Aruby.
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