The story of Aquarius, a legendary yacht crafted by renowned boat builder Robert Perry, is a tale of adventure, passion for the sea, and the enduring bonds formed between the people who call her home.
It all began with Mike Folkestad and Kate Adams, a couple driven by a shared love of the ocean. In the early 1980s, they approached Robert Perry, whose boats had already earned a reputation for excellence, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Perry, a local to the region, understood the elements—the unpredictable winds, the deep blue waters, and the vast horizons. He knew that a yacht was not just a vessel, but a home, a sanctuary that would need to stand up to the challenges of Bluewater cruising while offering the kind of comfort and safety that would allow its owners to live on the water for years to come.
As the years passed, Mike and Kate's adventures eventually led them to the Salish Sea, where the enchanting islands and peaceful waters offered the perfect setting for a slower, more intimate lifestyle.
In 2004, after two decades of adventures, Mike and Kate made the difficult decision to sell Aquarius to Rick and Coleen Lindler, a couple who shared their deep passion for the ocean.
Rick and Coleen were no strangers to the sea. Both had spent years exploring coastal waters, and when they found Aquarius, they knew it was the vessel they had been waiting for. With their sights set on living aboard full-time, they sailed Aquarius throughout the Salish Sea, making the yacht their home for the next two decades. For them, Aquarius wasn't just a boat—it was a lifestyle, one steeped in tranquility and the promise of endless exploration.
As the years passed, Aquarius grew into more than just a private residence. It became a symbol of a life lived freely, a story of timeless adventure and the allure of the sea. When Rick and Coleen decided it was time for new caretakers to continue the boat's legacy, Aquarius was passed into the hands of Mitchell Lovell and Alicia Franssen.
Mitchell and Alicia, both of whom had grown up with a deep love for the water, found their calling not just in sailing, but in sharing the beauty of the San Juan Islands with others. Through their care and dedication, they have turned Aquarius into a vessel of discovery—showing people the magical islands, the culinary delights, the countless wildlife, and the stunning sunsets that paint the sky over the Salish Sea. Every day aboard Aquarius is an opportunity for visitors to connect with the natural world, while also honoring the vessel’s storied past.
Today, Aquarius continues to sail, still embodying the spirit of exploration and the joys of life on the water. Its journey from Taiwan to the shores of the Pacific Northwest has spanned nearly four decades, and each chapter of its story—whether under the care of Mike and Kate, Rick and Coleen, or Mitchell and Alicia—has been marked by a deep respect for the sea and the lives it touches.
As long as Aquarius remains afloat, it will continue to be a symbol of adventure, community, and the enduring allure of life on the water.
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