In April, Heesen Yachts announced that Dutch entrepreneur and yachting enthusiast Laurens Last had completed his acquisition of the shipyard. The plan is for strategic expansion in key international markets. “I am honored to take the ownership and ensure the brand continues to flourish for generations to come,” Last announced.

It’s a significant undertaking, given the speed with which Heesen continues to sell and turn out new builds. So far this year alone, the yard announced the sale of the 180-foot Project Angelica and 164-foot Project Orion, delivery of the 180-foot yachts Solemates and Serena, and launch of the 180-foot Project Agnetha.

According to Heesen, yachts in this size range have defied market downturns in other categories. Buyers, the yard says, “are increasingly drawn to vessels that are as versatile and efficient as they are comfortable and stylish.”

Solemates, the most recent delivery, certainly fits that description. It’s the second Heesen for this owner, with significant interior customization by Luca Dini Design and Architecture. Heesen’s team says the interior was transformed enough to feel bespoke, with features such as a redesigned main staircase with acrylic panels embedded with gold flakes and crystals.

“The latest Solemates reflects an evolution of an already great product,” says Rupert Connor of Luxury Yacht Group. “The team at Heesen should be complimented on their willingness to constantly improve their product with every single iteration of their designs.”

That’s what is required for a brand to flourish, the new yard owner says, for many generations to come.

Project Frida

The 180-foot Project Frida is in build now and scheduled to launch this year. Interiors are by Luca Dini Design and Architecture. Heesen describes the style as reinterpreting “classic yacht design through a modern lens.”

Project Agnetha

Accommodations are for 12 guests in six staterooms, with a 925-square-foot master.

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The 180-foot Heesen Moskito typically spends summer days in the Mediterranean, perhaps at anchor with all of the water toys out. Come late afternoon, the anchor is weighed in time for an evening cruise with dinner on the upper deck aft. Charter guests see the moon, the stars and twinkling lights ashore as a warm breeze keeps everyone comfortable.

In the Caribbean, Moskito’s crew particularly enjoys being in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, especially the crystal-clear waters and reefs of Canouan and the neighboring Tobago Cays. These shoal waters are fantastic for scuba diving and snorkeling, and a visit to the turtle sanctuary is a highlight. A great end to the day is a barbecue with music from a steel-drum band, either on a beach or on board.

Given how popular the yacht has proved for charter through its exclusive agency, IYC, it’s almost hard to believe the project was started on spec. Indeed, Moskito began life as Project Pollux, named for the son of Zeus and one of the Gemini twins in Greek mythology. The yacht launched in August 2020 and sold about a month later, with the British owner taking delivery in spring 2021. Moskito is the fifth of presently 13 Heesen 55M FDHF Series trideck motoryachts, with four under construction.

This 760-gross-ton, steel-and-aluminum superyacht’s striking exterior and space planning come from Frank Laupman and his Omega Architects team. The efficient fast-displacement hull platform is by Van Oossanen Naval Architects. Moskito’s interior is the ninth Heesen with a scheme by London-based Bannenberg & Rowell.

Moskito’s interior entertainment areas—a salon, dining area and sky lounge—and six guest staterooms make for a solid charter platform, along with outdoor spaces such as the full-length sun deck, which has a hot tub and several sun loungers. At water level, there’s a beach club abaft the engine room that includes a sauna, hammam and day head, also popular amenities for enticing charter bookings.

The yacht’s six en suite guest staterooms provide up to 13 berths. The owner’s suite is forward on the main deck with an entrance off the lobby and 880 square feet of full-beam real estate. A desk and dressing area are immediately inside, followed by the stateroom with full-height picture windows that provide fabulous views. The forward-facing super-king berth is on centerline with a desk and chair to port, and a pair of armchairs and a table opposite.

Four guest staterooms are on the lower deck: two with forward-facing king berths, and two with twins that convert to super kings. One of those twin-berth staterooms also has a Pullman berth. The sixth guest stateroom is on the bridge deck with a double berth and could be used for private staff.

The yacht also has quarters for 13 to 14 crew, though Moskito’s owner staffs 19 in order to cover crew rotations. There are six twin-bunk cabins forward on the lower deck, along with a mess and the yacht’s laundry. The captain’s double-berth cabin is on the upper deck.

Crew can move around discreetly through most of the yacht. The main-deck galley amidships to port serves as the crew hub. From there, stairs connect with the crew cabins, the bridge, and pantries on the main and upper decks.

Moskito has two Ribeye tenders: a 21-footer for crew, and a 23-footer for guests to enjoy. The yacht also has inflatable docks, Sea-Doos, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, Seabobs, wakeboards, water skis and several Fliteboards for a variety of watersports interests and skill levels. I’m told that guests progress through them quickly.

Twin 1,350 hp 8V 4000 M63 MTU diesels deliver the yacht’s thrust via a pair of straight-shaft ZF boxes and five-blade nibral propellers. The top speed is quoted at 15.5 knots, with a long-distance run at 12.5 to 13 knots yielding a range around 4,500 nautical miles. On the bridge, the five-screen ECDIS setup includes dual radar.

Moskito may have started its life as a spec yacht, but given its popularity on the charter market, its continued success seems certain.  

BVI Namesake

This superyacht shares its name with Moskito Island in the BVI, which, like nearby Necker Island, is owned by Sir Richard Branson.  The name is believed to be a corruption of Miskito, the native people from the Mosquito Coast in Central America.

Making It Happen

Rotating captains Ian Robertson and Thilo Burks foster a can-do culture among the crew. Popular shoreside pursuits for guests include tennis and golf. Several of the crew play themselves and will serve as partners as needed. Other crew can instruct guests in yoga, Pilates and Irish dancing.

Stream Your Heart Out

Moskito has Starlink high-speed broadband connectivity, which means guests can do whatever they need to do online, wherever the yacht happens to be. Crew say that on transatlantic crossings, they have had no problem streaming live sports and movies.

Souvenir Screening

With permission from guests, Moskito’s crew will shoot GoPro and drone footage throughout a charter. Typically, they will screen a selection of images and videos with a soundtrack. On departure day, guests receive USBs with all the imagery as a keepsake of the trip.

Take the next step: heesenyachts.com and iyc.com

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Heesen Yachts has announced the delivery of Orion, an all-aluminum, 164-foot, hybrid superyacht that is the Dutch shipyard’s third delivery of 2025.

Orion is Heesen’s third vessel in its 50-meter Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) aluminium series equipped with hybrid propulsion. The yacht’s eco-conscious cruising setup includes silent operation up to 10 knots, reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions.

The superyacht is the result of a collaboration between Heesen, the owner’s team and designer Cristiano Gatto, who worked with the owner to create bespoke furniture for Orion. Gatto and his team, working alongside Heesen’s engineers and craftspeople, also developed a contemporary interior using more than 37 different materials, including Italian marble, high-gloss woods and woven leather, according to the builder.

“The delivery of Orion is a moment of great pride for everyone at Heesen,” stated Ruud van der Stroom, Heesen’s Chief Commercial Officer in a press release. “This yacht perfectly encapsulates our DNA: precision Dutch engineering, innovative hybrid technology, and the ability to deliver a high-quality product through dedicated collaboration with owners, designers and our team of experts.”

Constructed from lightweight aluminium with the Fast Displacement Hull Form developed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects and engineered by Heesen’s in-house team, Orion is powered by two MTU 12V 2000 M61 (IMO III) engines. This setup enables a reported top speed of 16.3 knots and a transatlantic range of 3,750 nautical miles at 12 knots, consuming only 25.9 gallons per hour (excluding hotel loads). In hybrid mode at 10 knots, consumption drops to a miserly 11.9 gph.

With a 7-foot draft, Orion is well suited for a wide array of cruising grounds from the Bahamas to the Mediterranean. The superyacht has a vertical bow and sole-to-ceiling windows that bring in an abundance of natural light, a key component of Frank Laupman of Omega Architects’ exterior design. The 499 GT interior accommodates 12 guests across six staterooms, including a main-deck owner’s stateroom and a full-beam VIP suite.

Peter van der Zanden, head of engineering at Heesen Yachts, emphasized the technical achievements: “Our expertise in lightweight aluminium construction, combined with the efficiency of the Fast Displacement Hull Form and the advanced hybrid propulsion system make Orion an exceptional yacht. This synergy doesn’t just result in reduced environmental impact and enhanced longevity for the yacht’s components; it delivers an unparalleled experience for the owners.”

Orion will join Ocean Independence’s charter fleet, offering select charter opportunities.

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Heesen Yachts in the Netherlands has delivered the 180-foot Solemates, which is scheduled to debut for the public at the Monaco Yacht Show this autumn.

Solemates is built on Heesen’s 55m Steel platform. It is the second yacht this client has ordered from Heesen’s team. The yacht’s construction began on spec at Heesen, and then the owner added “significant customization,” according to the shipyard, in close collaboration with Luca Dini Design.

The yacht has a Fast Displacement Hull Form by Van Oossanen Naval Architects and exterior styling by Omega Architects. Most of the customizations on Solemates were to the interior.

“The latest Solemates reflects an evolution of an already great product,” Rupert Connor of Luxury Yacht Group stated in a press release. “Whilst most changes from the previous model are minor, the cumulative effect across the entire platform have resulted in a significantly better yacht. The team at Heesen should be complimented on their willingness to constantly improve their product with every single iteration of their designs.”

Ralf Oortman, project manager for Solemates at Heesen Yachts, said the client understood the nuances of the build process. “Crucially, their deep understanding and knowledge of the client’s specific lifestyle and preferences were key to the project’s success,” Oortman said. “This allowed for highly productive discussions that streamlined decision-making and ensured the highest standards were met, resulting in a yacht that perfectly fits the owner. This seamless teamwork also allowed us to create unique features; the atrium, for instance, is a real work of art and provides a stunning ‘wow factor’ that truly differentiates Solemates within her series.”

Silvia Margutti of Luca Dini Design helped to transform the yacht’s interior, which has what Heesen calls a “vibrant color scheme” along with a redesigned main staircase. That staircase now includes acrylic panels embedded with gold flakes and crystals. Another example of customization is up on the sundeck, where there’s an enlarged hot tub.  

Solemates comes in at 760 gross tons. The yacht will be available for charter to select clients through Luxury Yacht Group.

What does Heesen CEO Niels Vaessen say about Solemates? “The delivery of Solemates to a valued repeat client is a moment of pride for everyone at Heesen. It underscores the enduring appeal of our yachts and the deep trust clients place in our ability to deliver complex, high-quality projects that blend Dutch craftsmanship with bespoke luxury.”

Take the next step: head over to heesenyachts.com

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Heesen Yachts in The Netherlands has launched Project Agnetha, a 180-foot yacht that’s available for delivery to an owner in the second quarter of this year.

Project Agnetha is part of Heesen’s 55-meter Steel series. It has 760 gross tons of internal volume and is built on a fast displacement hull form. Heesen says the yacht’s top speed is 15.5 knots with a pair of MTU 8V 4000 M63 engines. Exteriors are by Omega architects, and interiors are by Luca Dini Design and Architecture.

The superstructure on Project Agnetha has a “shark tooth” motif on the wheelhouse overhang, with no pillars on the superstructure aft—adding to the broad, uninterrupted sea views for the owner and guests. The main deck’s dining area lacks window mullions for this same reason.

“The Heesen 55-metre Steel Class is constantly evolving, and Project Agnetha is the result,” Mark Cavendish, chief commercial officer at Heesen, stated in a press release. “The beauty of buying this kind of superyacht is that the shipyard has taken care of all the technical aspects and has perfected the platform, incorporating in-depth feedback from our constant dialogue with brokers, owners and captains. So when clients join the project, they can enjoy the fun part of building a superyacht, focusing on all those details that will make the yacht truly theirs.”

Project Agnetha accommodates 12 guests in six staterooms, including a main-deck owners’ space with his-and-hers dressing rooms and bathrooms, and a veranda to starboard. Four guest staterooms are on the lower deck, and a VIP stateroom is on the bridge deck.

The interior is designed with a palette of warm tones.

What else is new at Heesen? The shipyard recently delivered Serena, marking Heesen’s first delivery of this year. Serena is 180 feet length overall. The project was sold and managed by Arcon Yachts Monaco. Construction on that yacht began back in spring 2022.

Luca Dini’s Design and Architecture was also involved with this build, as was Omega Architects. Heesen says Serena has a 4,500-nautical-mile, transatlantic range at 13 knots and a top hop of 15.5 knots, with a pair of MTU 8V 4000 M63 engines.

According to Richard Kaye of Arcon Yachts Monaco: “We have fine-tuned the yacht with the owner, enhancing an already fantastic design. By incorporating windows into the beach club to create a serene sauna and relaxation zone, and making subtle changes throughout the vessel, we have tailored it to the owner’s wishes. The result is a stylish and practical design that everyone should be proud of.”

Take the next step: head over to heesenyachts.com

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Heesen Yachts in the Netherlands just announced that it has sold Project Angelica, a 180-foot motoryacht in the builder’s 55-meter Steel series.

The deal was finalized on December 30, marking Heesen’s fourth sale in 2024. Delivery of the yacht is scheduled for the second quarter of 2027.

Exterior design on Project Angelica is by Omega Architects. Interiors are by Luca Dini Design and Architecture. Heesen says the buyer is an experienced superyacht owner who has requested modifications to tailor the vessel to his lifestyle of year-round cruising.

“Bringing the owner’s vision to life will be a collaborative effort involving Heesen’s skilled specialists, the owner’s team, and the designers at Luca Dini,” the builder stated in a press release. “Together, they will personalize the yacht’s interior aesthetics to reflect the client’s unique preferences and create a truly one-of-a-kind superyacht.”

Internal volume on Project Angelica is 760 gross tons, with interior space that spans nearly 4,300 square feet. The layout includes seven staterooms for a total of 12 guests.

The yacht is being built with the Fast Displacement Hull Form developed by Van Oossanen and engineered by Heesen. Power will be a pair of 1,350-horsepower MTU 8V 4000 M63 IMO III engines, with projections for a top hop of 15.5 knots and a transatlantic range of 4,500 nautical miles at 13 knots.

The owner, apparently, put Heesen through its paces before signing on the dotted line to buy the yacht. According to Ruud van der Stroom, chief commercial officer of Heesen Yachts: “Their vision for Project Angelica was both challenging and inspiring, engaging our design and engineering teams as they crafted innovative solutions to meet the client’s specific requirements.”

Heesen’s 55-meter series, he added, is ideal for this type of client, as it “offers an exceptional platform for clients to express their individuality and achieve their ambitions. It combines striking exterior design, outstanding seaworthiness and unmatched Dutch craftsmanship. The interior volumes are among the largest in their class, and the quality of workmanship is unparalleled. We are thrilled to welcome this client to the Heesen family and look forward to creating a superyacht that will be a remarkable addition to our fleet. Together, we will transform Project Angelica into a true reflection of its owner’s vision.”

What else is happening at Heesen Yachts? The shipyard has 11 yachts under construction, with deliveries scheduled through 2027. Deliveries expected in 2025 include Serena, Orion, Venus, Agnetha and Frida.

Take the next step: visit heesenyachts.com

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Heesen Yachts in the Netherlands makes so much news about yachts starting construction, being sold and having owners take delivery, it can be hard to keep up.

The shipyard’s announcements this year began back in January with the delivery of the 180-foot Iris Blue. Just one month later, in February, the yard announced the sale of the 164-foot Project Jade. In April, the 164-foot Cinderella Noel IV was delivered to its owners, followed in June by delivery of the 164-foot ALP. One month after that, in July, Heesen announced the sale of the 180-foot Project Venus, about a week before the joining of the hull and superstructure on the 164-foot Project Sophia. Then the 180-foot Project Agnetha was announced for sale in late July, the same month that Heesen announced the naming of the 187-foot Santosha (formerly Project Akira), which was on track for delivery before the end of this year. In August, Heesen launched the 180-foot Serena, with delivery expected to take place to the owners this month.

And the year’s not even over yet.

“There is no other shipyard in the world where you can sign for a yacht in June and they deliver in 10 months a high-quality yacht customized to our needs,” says Rupert Connor from Luxury Yachts, which represents the owner of Project Venus. “Their revised 55-meter platform offers a best-in-class layout and engineering platform. Our whole build support team is thrilled to be working with Heesen again.”

The trick is in Heesen’s ability to offer not just fully custom builds, but also semi-custom designs that the shipyard starts building on spec and then usually sells to the owners with enough time left to customize interiors, in particular. Peter Wilson, the owner’s representative on Santosha, also is a return collaborator with the shipyard for that and other reasons. “Collectively, we have been working as a cohesive team, with each party doing their utmost to achieve a world-class superyacht—one that is distinct from her peers,” Wilson says. “This was our second project with Heesen, and we look forward to many more in the future.”

The earlier that owners commit to a project, of course, the more expansive their customization requests can be. On Serena, which began construction in spring 2022 and should be delivered this month, the owners got involved early enough that the bar areas on the main deck and in the sky lounge could be outfitted in bronze. The atrium was redesigned to span three decks and then adorned with hand-blown glass and hand-sculpted metal light fixtures by John Pomp. In other areas, the interior was filled with light woods in velvet finishes, smoked eucalyptus, bronze metal accents, soft fabrics and leather. Amazonite marble inlays added elegant, colorful accents, while chevron-patterned wood panels enhanced the vertical surfaces in the atrium and lobbies.

And again, it was not the first project for an owner’s representative working with Heesen. In this case, according to Richard Kaye of Arcon Yachts Monaco: “Following the successful delivery of Reliance in 2023, Serena marks the second yacht in Heesen’s 55 class that we have had the pleasure to sell and project-manage. We are delighted to continue our close partnership with Heesen Yachts, fellow experts in the superyacht industry.”

By many accounts, the yard’s formula is winning fans for all the intended reasons. As Kaye puts it: “Serena is special within the boundaries of building a superyacht on a proven platform, offering a personal touch while benefiting from a reliable base.”

New Chief Commercial Officer

After 16 years with Heesen Yachts overseeing the sales of custom and semi-custom builds, Mark Cavendish is retiring. Heesen’s new chief commercial officer is Ruud van der Stroom, who most recently worked at Keppel Offshore and Marine and the Damen Shipyards Group. Earlier in his career, he trained as a Dutch Royal Navy officer and studied naval architecture.

Increasing Middle East Demand

Heesen Yachts recently welcomed Hisham Abushakra as the shipyard’s agent for the Middle East. The yard says the region has a thriving community of high-net-worth individuals who are showing increasing demand for premium yachts. “Heesen Yachts is committed to establishing a strong presence catering to their specific needs and preferences,” the shipyard announced.

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Heesen Yachts in the Netherlands has delivered the 186-foot Santosha, which is the first hull in the builder’s 57m series.

Exteriors are by Omega Architects, with interiors by Harrison Eidsgaard. According to the shipyard, the yacht is “highly personalized” to meet the preferences of the owners, who have years of chartering experience.

“We are honored to have had the opportunity to build this exceptional yacht for such a wonderful family,” Niels Vaessen, CEO of Heesen Yachts, stated in a press release. “Both the Heesen and owner’s teams worked tirelessly to bring Santosha to life. I am confident she will set a new standard for Heesen yachts, offering unparalleled comfort and style for those who love to cruise.”

During sea trials in the North Sea, Heesen’s team says, Santosha achieved a top hop of 22 knots with twin IMO Tier III-compliant MTU 16V 4000 M65L engines. The yacht’s displacement is approximately 510 tons at half load.

The client was introduced to Heesen by MarineMax and Northrop & Johnson. MCM helped to coordinate the project throughout the build process.

MCM’s Peter Wilson says the all-aluminum yacht “combines exceptional speed and performance with hydrodynamic efficiency. At slower speeds, she offers a remarkable range, and her shallow draft makes her incredibly versatile, allowing her to excel in various conditions, making her a multipurpose vessel. The owner’s design talent and considerable experience from many other projects was brought to bear on Santosha, and her success is in no small part due to their intimate involvement throughout.”

Santosha also represents a significant milestone in Heesen’s yacht design and engineering. “The accuracy of the weight calculations was critical in achieving the Bahama draft,” said Peter van der Zanden, head of Heesen’s engineering department. “This yacht exemplifies our commitment to precision engineering and design excellence.”

Accommodations are for 12 guests in six staterooms. The owner’s apartment is on the main deck, spanning nearly 700 square feet.

When will Santosha debut in the United States? The yacht is expected to be at the Palm Beach International Boat Show in March 2025.

Take the next step: go to heesenyachts.com

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Some people buy a shallow-draft yacht because they spend a lot of time in the Bahamas. Other people want the speed benefits. Both are true of Bob Book, who, with his wife, Amy, has owned dozens of vessels over the past 50 years. What he calls “the most important thing” about his newest Heesen is something you’d never expect. Actually, it’s two things: his two golden retrievers.

“We don’t like staying on anchor because we have to take them out at night,” he says. Their previous Heesen, a 154-footer from 2017, had a 10-foot draft. Their current 164-foot Heesen has a draft of 7 feet, 3 inches fully loaded. It makes a world of difference in the Bahamas, he says: “We can get in anywhere, so we can go to the Exumas, we go into Highborne, we go into Staniel. We couldn’t do that with the other boat.”

It’s not every day that a pair of dogs dictates the depth of a yacht. But it’s not every day that a shipyard has a client like Book. Self-described as cursed for being “a perfectionist in an imperfect world,” he’s extraordinarily detail-oriented about technical features and creature comforts alike. In fact, the gusto that he brought to the engineering of this project is matched by his enthusiasm for tailoring every part of the interior.

Soon after cruising began aboard the 154-footer, a Heesen 47M Steel, Book knew he wanted to buy another boat from the Dutch shipyard. This latest Book Ends started as the spec build Project Sapphire in 2020. The contract signing came in 2021, after Book visited the shipyard.

Project Sapphire was a good fit for a few reasons. First, it was a Heesen 50M Aluminum. “She’s really sexy,” Book says. “I like her lines. I like her shape.”

Second, Heesen had tweaked the hull design. This one had a shallower draft than prior 50M Aluminum deliveries, and the yard anticipated 12 percent better efficiency with a top hop of 23 knots. “The 47-meter was a ship, a great boat,” he says, “but it was a slow boat because it’s full-displacement steel, and I wasn’t willing to make that compromise. I’m a speed freak.” One of his “slower” center-consoles hits 50 knots, he notes, adding that the new Book Ends has seen 27 knots.

The next order of business was customizing the interior and on-deck areas. Project Sapphire was already pretty far along, with work by Cristiano Gatto Design. Book gathered with a variety of designers and rethought everything.

Today, there isn’t a corner on board without his influence. This yacht has custom carpeting, with tiny real-silver balls in the salon. Wispy sheets of silver leaf are under glass as the dining area tabletop, fluttering while underway. He added seemingly routine things, such as recessed lighting that outlines sculpted ceiling details.

“None of this was here,” Book says. “I have a guy who’s a genius in Florida. He templated the whole thing. He laid on the floor for hours figuring it out. We did it in 60 days, and it’s magnificent. It changes the whole feel of the boat.”

Book is just as proud of areas out on deck. He’s a fan of the foredeck lounge, for instance. “When you’re underway, this is the greatest spot to sit,” he says. “You feel like you’re on a sailboat. You don’t hear anything.”

The main deck aft has an elevated seating area, giving everyone unobstructed views and allowing conversation with anyone at an adjacent bar and seating area. “That was supposed to just be a flat sunbed, which nobody would want to lie on anyway,” Book says.

From center-consoles to superyachts, Book cannot get enough of the boating lifestyle. He also can’t speak highly enough of Heesen. “Heesen has a great young management team in place,” he says. “Niels [Vaessen], who I’ve known for many years, is the former CFO and now the CEO. He’s great. I’ve known Thom Conboy for years. He’s probably the most knowledgeable sales ambassador Heesen could ever have. He knows every aspect of boating. And Mark Cavendish [director of sales and marketing] is fantastic.”

Book is already hinting that he’ll commission another superyacht from the shipyard, saying simply that the next Book Ends will be “bigger and faster.”

No doubt his two golden retrievers will approve too.  

Book Ends, the Restaurant

If you’re ever in Viareggio, Italy, order a T-bone or other fine cuts of beef at the Book Ends steakhouse on the harbor. Bob Book partnered with a local restaurateur to open it in December 2023. Photos and paintings of some of his yachts hang on the walls.

35, 36…

Counting just superyachts, the current Heesen is Book’s 19th boat. Among all his boats past and present, it’s number 35. A 68-foot Riva under construction as a tender makes number 36. The next Heesen could be number 37—unless the buying itch strikes in the interim.

Lights, Please

The dining area chandelier is by Riki Lighting, which designed the signature chandelier for the recently opened Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Although the company doesn’t do residential or yacht projects, Book persuaded the CEO to make an exception. “He loved the whole boating experience,” Book says. “It’s really a beautiful piece.”

Take the next step: heesenyachts.com

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Heesen Yachts in the Netherlands is revealing details about Santosha, a 187-footer that is the first hull in a new class of high-speed aluminum builds from the Dutch shipyard.

Previously known as Project Akira, this yacht’s design was first revealed at the 2019 Monaco Yacht Show. Heesen’s team then began construction of the yacht on spec, with delivery expected this autumn.

The owners who purchased the build took the interior design in a direction different from what Heesen originally planned. The yard worked with interior designer Harrison Eidsgaard to include sustainable materials—including recycled wood, performance leather and “art silk” carpets—along with what Heesen calls “a carefully curated art display” on board.

Peter Wilson, who is acting as the owners’ representative, stated in a press release: “Our collaboration with Heesen on this project has yielded an excellent result. Collectively, we have been working as a cohesive team, with each party doing their utmost to achieve a world-class superyacht—one that is distinct from her peers. This was our second project with Heesen, and we look forward to many more in the future. Once delivered, I have no doubt that the clients will enjoy Santosha to her fullest.”

Some additional details about Santosha that Heesen just revealed include accommodations for 12 guests in six staterooms, a glass elevator, a 375-square-foot beach club, and a master bathroom inspired by the Garden of Eden, including a bas-relief snake. Heesen describes the master suite as an “owners’ apartment” that’s 750 square feet in size with a study.

Exterior design on this yacht is by Omega Architects. Heesen is projecting a 22-knot top speed. Range is expected to be 3,900 nautical miles at 13 knots. Gross tonnage is 780. The power package is twin MTU 16V 4000 M65L engines.

To allow for shallow-water cruising in regions including the Bahamas, draft on Santosha is about 7½ feet.

“Santosha is a yacht designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life, combining elegance with practicality and meticulous attention to detail with a relaxed ambience,” Heesen’s chief commercial officer, Mark Cavendish, stated in a press release:. “It stands as a true testament to Heesen Yachts’ commitment to excellence and innovation in yacht building.”

What does Santosha mean? The yacht’s name is Sanskrit and serves as a reminder to “remain happy under any circumstances or be contented with what we can achieve,” according to the shipyard. A lotus will be the yacht’s logo.

Take the next step: click over to heesenyachts.com

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