Mixed Emotions As Heesen Yachts Launch MY Lady Petra

Photo: Suus Heersema

There was great celebration at the Heesen yard in Oss last Saturday the 28th of April, as they launched their newest Superyacht the 47m (154ft) christened MY Lady Petra. She is the eighth yacht in Heesen's award winning 47m series. The project was started back in 2010 after the contract was signed, and has been a very special project for the company as the owner of MY Lady Petra is former owner and founder of the shipyard Frans Heesen.

There was also sadness on the occasion of launching his new Superyacht, as Frans Heesen took the opportunity to announce his retirement from official functions in his company.

"Its time for me to enjoy life with my family and friends" says the successful Dutch businessman. "I am going to be the Brand Ambassador of this wonderful company that I found some 35 years ago. I will always be there to support the brand and promote it to the end of my days!"

The interior design was by Bannenberg and Rowell, and chosen by Mr and Mrs Hessen because they appreciate the richness and variety of materials used by the company in interior designing. The inspiration for the interior decor came from numerous sources including 20th century industrial Dutch design, optical geometric studies and shapes inspired by industrial components such as formers and frames. Omega Architects have been working with the Heesen yard for the past 20 years creating the beautiful lines that are seen on their yachts, including the lines of MY Lady Petra.

MY Lady Petra has been designed with family and grandchildren in the forefront of the designer and owners vision. Forward on the main deck where on most Superyachts you would find the owners suite, has now been turned into the media and games room. The owners suite is now on the upper deck so that Mr and Mrs Heesen can escape for quiet periods when numerous grandchildren are running riot downstairs. The other guest cabins are all located on the lower deck. Frans Heesen has created this yacht to enjoy life with his family and friends.