Heesen Sell 47m Project Hé

Heesen Yachts in Holland announced earlier this week that the 47m (154ft) displacement, YN 16947 Project Hé, was sold on June 13 2014. Mark Cavendish, Sales and Marketing Director at Heesen Yachts comments: "This is the fourth contract we have signed in the first six months of 2014. We are delighted to see that the market is finally picking up!" This is a great order book for the yard in the first six months of the year.

She has a well engineered round bilge hull with a bulbous bow. She will be powered by two MTU 8V 4000 M63 that will ensure smooth and safe cruising in all sea conditions and a range of 4,000nm at 12kts, while zero speed stabilizers will guarantee maximum comfort at anchor.

Her sophisticated interior is designed by London based and multi award winning studio Bannenberg & Rowell Design who are on their fifth successful collaboration with this Dutch megayacht builder. The fleet includes the 37m Aurelia, 47m Elandess (now Raasta), Lady Petra and My Secret, and the recently launched 65m Galactica Star.

Guru designer in Bannenberg & Rowell Design Dieter Rams’ motto to omit everything superfluous so that the essential is shown to the best possible advantage guided Bannenberg & Rowell in their approach to the interior design of Project Hé. The project name "Hé" in Chinese means "the simplest form of peace and harmony" and Bannenberg & Rowell chose it to unify in one ideogram the essence of their design theme: simplicity as the ultimate form of sophistication.

Twelve guests will enjoy a relaxing atmosphere on board where light colors are combined with natural and discreet contrast finishes. She will be delivered to her owners in February 2015.

Heesen Yachts Sell - 45m Project Necto

Heesen Yachts have announced that their first 45m (148ft) fly bridge megayacht YN 17145 "Project Necto" has been sold to a yacht connoisseur with a true passion for speed and power.

She is a powerful sportster and the largest built by a Northern European shipyard to date. She will be capable of an impressive 30kts thanks to her well engineered all aluminium semi-displacement hull and twin MTU 16V 4000 M73L engines. Speed and power combined with the interior luxury and comfort are the characteristics of this semi-displacement megayacht that will have a range of 2.750nm at 12kts.

Frank Laupman of Omega Architects has created her exterior lines. He has introduced a piece of innovation excellence by introducing the "knuckle", a design element that interrupts the line of the raked bow and gives her a much sharper and narrower bow that adds an aggressive look.

Her interior is by Italian designer Cristiano Gatto who is currently working on his third project with the Dutch shipyard. The owners chose a contemporary yet cosy design for the interior of their 45m sportster. Ten guests will be accommodated in five cabins, with the full beam master suite located on the main deck and the four guest cabins two twins and two doubles on the lower deck.

The owners dedicated special attention to the outdoor areas of their new megayacht, that includes an extremely spacious sundeck. The 84 sqm sundeck is completely free from fixed furniture to give the space for guests to carry out their morning exercise. It is an unusual and particularly remarkable design feature on a megayacht of this size.

She is due to be delivered to her owners after intensive sea trials in the North Sea in January 2016.

Heesen Sell 47m Project Margarita

Heesen Yachts announced last week that YN 16847, "Project Margarita" was sold on May 19, 2014 to an yachting enthusiast who is looking forward to cruising with his family in great comfort and style. Project Margarita is the first of the newly styled megayachts in the award winning 47m (154ft) class, a new breed of Heesen megayacht.

Her interior consists of silk, wool and linen fabrics that complement the rich textures featured in the main saloon, other elements include the walnut floor, oak walls and gloss lacquered ceiling. Large windows stretch across the entire length of the saloon in the sky lounge creating a light and airy place for guests to relax. The saloon also includes a bar and home cinema system.

The  owner's master suite includes an en-suite bathroom with a central bathtub and a pale travertine marble floor, a large private study and walk-in wardrobe. The guests will be accommodated on the lower deck in two double and two twin suites, all of which have en-suite bathrooms that have interesting marble walls and limestone floors.

Her impressive 180 sqm exterior deck spaces offers her 12 guests a variety of options to enjoy - an 85sqm of a sundeck, al fresco dining in four different areas, lounging around the Jacuzzi, and sunbathing on the large sun pads in front of the bridge in peace and quiet.

She will be delivered to her owners later this month on June 30 2014 after intensive sea trials in the North Sea for summer cruising in the Mediterranean and will be available for inspection at the Monaco Yacht Show next September, so look out for her if your there!

Heesen Christen "My Sky"

Heesen announced the christening of YN 16551 that's now known as "My Sky". She is a 51m (167ft) full displacement long range megayacht of 600GT with a range of 5,400nm at 10kts. Her bold but sleek exterior is from the design board of Frank Laupman of Omega Architects. Her flush mounted tinted windows were thermo bonded to the superstructure create a continuous wall of glass that gives this vessel a very distinctive sleek look.

World renowned architect Erick van Egeraat designed the ultra-contemporary, sharp and sophisticated interior. There is a strong contrast between dark and light throughout the yacht and a luxurious atmosphere is created; combining crisp white leather with dark high-gloss Makassar wood.

My Sky accommodates 12 guests in five cabins. The spacious full beam master suite is located on the main deck forward and has a large bathroom including a full natural stone clad steam shower and a spacious walk-in closet. The four guest cabins are located on the lower deck.

The main saloon aft, with its large circular dining, lounge and bar area with a 6m2 LED screen, connects to the main deck aft, which organizes built-in settees and seats around two low coffee tables. The upper deck lounge, with its 270 degrees view and circular seating area, opens onto the aft terrace, accommodating a large dining table ideal for al fresco dining, even under way. Finally, the Sundeck's large Jacuzzi, surrounded by sun-pads to aft, is perfect for total relaxation.

The touch and go helicopter pad at the bridge also turns into a large sun terrace providing secluded lounging even when the boat is docked stern into the marinas.

She is due for delivery to her new owners in November 2014 after intensive sea trials in the North Sea.

Heesen Yachts Launch 50m "Monaco Wolf"

A wolf is born! as Heesen Yachts announce that YN 16650 was launched on March 28th, 2014. During the private ceremony the owner christened this sexy megayacht "Monaco Wolf", so watch out "Little Red Riding Hood".

Rupert Nelson, a Director at Burgess who introduced the client to Heesen comments: "The Heesen production team were on hand for the launching and it was a privilege to meet them in person. So often we meet the project front men and women, but it is equally important to know the production team - especially where there are shortened delivery schedules. Their support is crucial during the final stages prior to delivery."

The latest MTU engines, 16V 4000 M73L power Monaco Wolf, which results in a top speed of 23kts and a range of over 3,100nm. The highly distinctive flowing lines were designed by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects who has captured the iconic Heesen exterior styling  along with its reverse sheer pelican beak bow.

Her elegant interior design has been created by acclaimed Italian designer Francesco Paszkowski who comments: "I am very pleased to have had the chance to work with Heesen again. I like the way they challenge the designers while working on the project and defining its details. The result is a virtuous circle that combines technical and safety aspects with design and style, while keeping Heesen’s outstanding quality standards and our proposals. Team work played a crucial role in bringing this project to fruition."

"Working at Heesen was gratifying because our design proposals were never refused whether related to new materials or custom elements. They perfectly translated every detail of our drawings into reality" adds Margherita Casprini, the architect who worked with Francesco Paszkowski on this project.

One of her main features are the lighting systems throughout which produce custom controlled lighting that can transform the atmosphere from bright party mode through to pools of subtle illumination.

She can accommodate up to twelve guests in six staterooms. The master suite is traditionally located forward on the main deck, where both bedroom and bathroom are full beam with windows running along their entire length. The other guest suites are found on the lower deck and include a full beam VIP, two double and two twin cabins.

She will be tested in the North Sea before being delivered to her owners at the end of May 2014.

Hull & Superstructure Join at Heesen

Heesen Yachts have announced that on February 28 2014 the hull and superstructure of their first ever 55m (180ft) steel Fast Displacement megayacht were joined together at the Heesen facility in Oss. YN 17255 was sold in February 2013 thanks to a collaboration with a commercial family office "Bilderlings Wealth" which represents the client and manages the project.

Her revolutionary Fast Displacement hull was developed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects in collaboration with Heesen Yachts in house naval architects. When underway she will be able to reach the remarkable top speed of 16.5kts, with a range of 4,500nm at a cruising speed of 13kts.

Perry van Oossanen comments: "This 55m marks the 10th Heesen for which Van Oossanen Naval Architects have provided the naval architecture package, and the 4th based on the successful Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF). At Van Oossanen Naval Architects we believe the 55m will set a benchmark in terms of efficiency: propelling around 600 tonnes of steel and aluminum at 15 knots with only half of the power installed (1300kW) is quite remarkable!"

Frank Laupman from Omega Architects created her exterior lines. She has extensive outdoor spaces with a 110sqm sun deck and a 70sqm private owner's terrace. The tenders and toys are stored in the garage located at the front (seen in the below image) and launched from the two gull wing doors on each side. The lazarette can now be dedicated to a wide beach club and gym with a generous swim platform that allows the owners and their guests to swim and relax right at the sea's edge.

Dutch designer Sinot has been appointed to design the interior where twelve guests are accommodated in six cabins: the master suite traditionally located on the main deck forward featuring a recessed balcony, a full beam VIP lies on the lower deck alongside two twins and two doubles.

She is due to be delivered to her owners in the summer of 2015 after intensive sea trials in the North Sea.

Heesen Sell Project Azuro

Heesen Yachts have announced that project Azuro (YN 16650) has been sold, in close collaboration with Burgess, who introduced the client.

Azuro's exterior lines were designed by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects to give her its iconic reverse sheer "pelican beak" bow. Continuous sheets of laminated triple glazing have been thermo-bonded to the superstructure creating a seamless wall of windows resulting in a fast sporty look.

Guests will enjoy on Azuro in four distinct deck areas that provide a perfect space for every occasion. The 70 sqm sun deck is probably the largest on a yacht of this size, and for privacy in port, there is a lounging area hidden away on the foredeck. The shaded dining area on the upper deck and the main deck terrace combines with the saloon to create 25 sqm of entertaining space.

Azuro has the largest volume of any yacht of her length. Italian designer Francesco Paszkowski created her interior design using just three materials for all interior surfaces: teak, limestone and leather.

Twelve guests will be accommodated in six cabins. The master suite is located traditionally forward on the main deck. Both the bedroom and bathroom are full beam with windows running along their entire length. The other guest cabins are found on the lower deck and include a full beam VIP, two double and two twin cabins.

She will be powered by the latest MTU engines 16V 4000 M73L, which will power her to a top speed of 23kts and a range of over 3,100nm. She will be launched in March and then make her way to the North Sea where she will go through her sea trials before being delivered to her owners at the end of May 2014.

Heesen Launch 40m "Galatea"

Heesen Yachts has announced the launch of its first 40m (132ft) "sportster", christened Galatea.

On January 17th, during a private ceremony at the shipyard facility in Oss, YN 15640, the first 40m Heesen "sportster", was launched and christened M/Y Galatea. She has advanced aluminium hull technology, powerful performance and beautiful interior design. Galatea has the perfect balance of comfort and power, she may have marble bathrooms but she's still capable of an astonishing speed of 27.5 kts.

She has been built for private use, with a requirement that the sun deck had maximum space for relaxing and dining. Her open flybridge layout gives a huge 85sqm of deck space that includes a helm station and a shaded dining area that is protected even underway by glass side panels. Bespoke teak furniture, including a built in teppanyaki grill, completes the upper deck. Inside, the 10m long saloon includes a large square lounge and a dining area aft adjacent to full height glazed doors. With the doors open, guests can dine inside while enjoying fresh air and panoramic views. Ten guests can sleep in five cabins that include a full beam main deck master, two full beam VIP doubles and two twin cabins on the lower deck, all of which have marble ensuite bathrooms.

Frank Laupman of Omega Architects has created an interior design that has a distinctive personality. Contrasting woods, simple clean lines, marquetry and glass detailing create an atmosphere of calm, contemporary elegance.

Galatea will be put through sea trials in the North Sea and be delivered to her owners at the end of March 2014.

Heesen Launch The Bizarre 50m "Crazy Me"

Heesen Yachts have launched the one off Gary Grant designed 50m (164ft) named Crazy Me. She is an all aluminium semi-displacement and was christened at a private ceremony that took place at the Heesen yard in Oss.

She has to be one of the strangest megayachts launched over the last couple of years and definitely wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea. She will turn peoples heads in every marina and port she enters but not for her beautiful exterior lines and elegance but for her strange, bizarre and some what un-pleasing exterior styling.

Gary Grant designed her exterior while the Italian designer Christiano Gatto designed the more elegant contemporary interior which provides great interior volume. One of her most fascinating features is located on the sun deck that houses a huge custom glass bottomed pool which allows light to shimmer down to the aft seating area below on the main deck.

The owner's Representative Alex Banning of Superyachts Monaco comments "the owner has noticed, respects and is highly appreciative of the general excellence Heesen have accomplished in executing Crazy Me's highly complex technical aspects which have been extremely demanding and challenging. One of the most distinctive yachts ever delivered in Northern Europe is a true testament to the Owner's inspiration and Heesen's quality and skills as a Superyacht Builder of true pedigree."

She will be delivered to her owner in June after she completes her sea trials.

Galactica Star Completes Sea Trials

The recently launched 65m (213ft) Galacitca Star by Heesen Yachts has just completed her extensive and vigorous sea trials in the North Sea. To everyone's delight she exceeded her top speed of 27kts demanded by contract by almost 2kts reaching a speed of 28.8kts.

She left the Heesen yard on the 11th May and straight away put 150km under her belt, at an average speed of 10 knots, on the Maas river to Rotterdam harbour. On the way she passed under nine bridges, some of them with a very small clearance such as Keizersveerbrug where the gap between the top of her superstructure and the bridge was an extremely small 40cm, not one to be watched by the faint hearted. Then on Monday 13th the mast with all the navigation and communication equipment, which was transported by barge, was installed.

Her FDHF (fast displacement hull form) was jointly developed by Heesen and Van Oossanen Naval Architects and at high speeds has a much smaller stern wave than you traditional semi displacement hulls, thus creating a smoother ride for her 12 guests.

Some of her most interesting features include a duplex beach club thats split between the main and lower decks at the stern, a 10sqm balcony that leads off from the beach club and a 22m glass bottomed swimming pool on the main deck. On the lower deck of the beach club you will be able to find a sauna, hammam, shower room and a fully equipped bar that is encapsulated by the glimmering light from the glass bottomed swimming pool above.

Galactica Stars deliver is scheduled for the end of June 2013, so watch out for this beauty at a marina near you during the summer.

Heesen Yachts Launch 65m Galactica Star

News just out, we finally get the first look at the stunning 65m (213ft) "Galactica Star" that was launched by Heesen Yachts on the 25th of March 2013.

The concept was presented to the superyacht community in September 2010 at the Monaco Yacht Club and the contract for the construction of the first 65m FDHF was signed just one month later, in October 2010. Construction took place at the Heesen facility in Oss where the laying of the keel was marked with an official ceremony in February 2011.

Van Oossenan naval architects have designed a sophisticated hydrodynamic hull shape that will be 30% more efficient than your traditional round bilge superyacht design. Her advanced design combines a special hybrid hull form that results in a very low wave profile over the entire speed range, while also improving manoeuvrability. This provides low running costs for Galactica Star, as well as lowering the environmental footprint due to reduced engine emissions. Your perfect green superyacht.

Frank Laupman at Omega Architects was responsible for the streamlined exterior lines, while Bannenberg and Rowell Design have created the sophisticated interior. She is scheduled to leave the Heesen facility in a few weeks, where she will head to the North Sea for some intensive sea trials before she is handed over to her new owners in June 2013.

Heesen Launch 50m "Ventura"

MY Ventura

Heesen Yachts have just announced the launched of their newest megayacht, the streamlined 50m (164ft) Ventura. She has exterior lines by Frank Laupman from Omega Architects and is the third launch in the 50m class and is sister ship to the multi award winning MY Satori.

Her layout is completely different than her sister vessels. The owners chose to have two main suites: A romantic one situated aft on the bridge deck with panoramic 280 degree views and a second "passage cabin" which will be more practical when under way, traditionally located forward on the main deck.

The owners chose a custom dark metallic grey for the hull and a light metallic grey for the superstructure. This innovative colour scheme gives Ventura a very sleek and distinctive look. A total of twelve guests are accommodated in six cabins. As well as the two master suites, on the lower deck there's a full beam VIP cabin plus one twin and two double cabins.

Main Lounge

Italian designer Francesco Paszkowski created the sophisticated and tidy interior where the use of dark wood and light furniture create a harmonious balance.

Paszkowski comments: "I'm extremely proud to work with such an important and efficient shipyard I was honoured to work with a longtime ago. I’m also very happy to hand over the Italian design and the experience of our team abroad, for the excellent relationship established with the shipyard and the ideas we could share. Though we've always been keeping in touch since 1996, when we designed the first project for Heesen, the interior design of this 50m yacht looks very much like a dream I could achieve: feeling part of the Dutch group".

Ventura will be delivered to her owners after intensive sea trials in the North Sea.

MY Ventura

Heesen Yachts Sell New 55m

The Heesen yard have yet again had more success and have just put pen to paper in the selling of a new 55m (180ft) superyacht. The 55m (YN 17225) is the first ever 55m steel fast displacement superyacht by the yard.

The Heesen 55m steel fast displacement class was first introduced at "The future is now" press conference held at the Monaco Yacht Club during the 2012 Monaco Yacht Show, where Heesen presented several new models: as well as the 55m (180ft) steel fast displacement, the 42m (148ft) fast displacement equipped Hull Vane, sold even before it was officially introduced on the market and the 45m (148ft) fly bridge.

These three new yachts were developed to overcome seemingly opposing specifications: to go faster but use less fuel, to increase range and speed, to increase performance but reduce environmental impact, to enable uncompromised interior design without compromising performance.

YN 17255, whose fast displacement hull form was developed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, will reach the remarkable maximum speed of 16.5kts with a range of 4,500nm at a cruising speed of 13kts.

Perry van Oossanen comments: "The 55m marks the 10th Heesen for which Van Oossanen Naval Architects have provided the naval architecture package, and the 4th based on the successful Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF). We believe the 55m will set a benchmark in terms of efficiency: Propelling around 600 tons of steel and aluminum at 15 knots with only 600kW of power is quite remarkable."

She will boast extensive outdoor spaces with its 110sqm sun deck and a 70sqm owner's private terrace located forward. The tenders and toys will be stored in the garage located at the front of the yacht and launched via two gull-wings doors on each side. This creates plenty of space aft in the lazarette for a large beach club, gym and swimming platform for easy access to the ocean.

She will be able to accommodate 12 guest in: a full beam master suite forward on the main deck, a full beam VIP suite, two doubles and two twins all located on the lower deck. She is due to be delivered to her owner in the summer of 2015. As usual we will keep you posted.

Heesen Yachts New 58m Design

Heesen Yachts have presented their new 58m (190ft) design in collaboration with the Italian designer Francesco Paszkowski. Her sleek aggressive exterior lines portray speed and power combined with elements inspired by automotive and aeronautical styling.

The relationship between Heesen Yachts and Francesco Paszkowski dates back to the nineties with the creation of the exterior lines of the 35m (115ft) megayacht "Opus II" and more recently with the interior design of two vessels in the 50m (164ft) semi-displacement class.

Her stern is very distinctive with a swim platform surrounded with full width steps and elegant stairs on either side of the sun pads to access the aft deck. An unusual design feature is located on the fore deck where a bimini lifts up to reveal and shade an open air lounge space.

Guests are accommodated in five cabins which include a traditionally located full beam owners cabin forward on the main deck, two twin and two double cabins located on the lower deck.

Fabio Ermetto, Sales and Marketing Director at Heesen, comments: "Paszkowski has created a very innovative interpretation of Heesen’s traditional lines; the look of this 58 metre vessel has a family feeling within its strong individuality. At Heesen we are very happy to have the chance to work with such a creative designer. This project, which we already studied and are ready to build, will sport a fast displacement hull (FDHF) created by Van Oossanen Naval Architects and will reach a maximum speed of approximately 23 knots powered by a pair of MTU engines of 16V 4000 M93L." 

Heesen Yachts Join Project "Azuro"

The construction of YN 16650, project 'Azuro' is progressing on schedule and is due for delivery in the spring of 2014. Her hull and superstructure were joined together on Saturday the 1st of December at the Heesen facility in Oss, the Netherlands. Project Azuro is the fourth in the 50m (164ft) all aluminium class. The first Superyacht in this class was the multi-award winning MY Satori, which was then followed by YN 15850 in 2011 and YN 16050 which is currently under construction and due for delivery in 2013.


Azuro has three out door areas including dining options on both the upper and main decks as well as on the foredeck. Integrated seating and quadruple sunpads provide some great privacy when berthed stern-to in port. Glazed doors between the main saloon and the aft deck open to create a huge 25m entertainment area. On the upper deck, half of the sky lounge is surrounded by glass with doors that retract to create an indoor/outdoor lounge and dining terrace. She will be able to accommodate up to ten guests in a full beam master suite and study on the main deck, a full beam VIP cabin, two double and two twin cabins on the lower deck.

In the next seventeen months the interior by Francesco Paszkowski will be fitted and we will bring you more details as they come in.

 

Heesen Yachts Sell Project "Paloma"

Last week Heesen Yachts had some great success when they sold one of their latest projects (YN 16551) 'Paloma', a 51m (167ft) displacement Superyacht. She is due for delivery in 2014 and is a long range yacht with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure.

Frank Laupman, from Omega Architects who designed the exterior lines comments 'My design for this Heesen project is the logical development in design following on from the lines of 'Man of Steel' and 'SKY'. We allocated a considerable amount of space to the exterior decks: the plan is strongly rational with an interesting inside-outside relationship'.

Paloma will be able to accommodate 12 guests in five cabins including two twin and two double cabins on the lower deck, with the owner's suite located forward on the main deck. The sun deck is partially enclosed by rounded windows on the forward side that can be seen in the image above.

She will be powered by a pair of MTU 12V4000 M53 diesel engines that drive twin propellers, which can power her to a maximum speed of over 15.6kts. The owner will also have Frank Laupman to design the interior which will be finalised over the next few months.

Heesen Present New Designs in Monaco

On September 19 in the Principality of Monaco, Heesen directors Fabio Ermetto and Hans Boerakker, together with Piet and Perry van Oossanen from Van Oossanen Naval Architects and Frank Laupman from Omega Architects gathered at the Yacht Club de Monaco to present the new Heesen range to the yachting community.

Fabio Ermetto, Director of Sales and Marketing said: 'Heesen is moving in a new direction. In fact, four new directions. And in doing so, we want to ensure that different means better. Our four concepts have advantages over every other yacht built at their size: 65m, 55m, 45m and 42m. New considerations are becoming a priority and innovative technology is required. Working with the most radical thinkers, these four yacht forms were developed to overcome seemingly opposing attributes: to go faster but use less fuel, to increase range and speed, to increase performance but reduce environmental impact, to enable uncompromised interior design without compromising performance.'

65m

 The 65m (213ft) FDHF Project Omnia was presented in 2010 at the YCM and right after it was sold to a Heesen repeat client. Researched by the world’s leading maritime engineers, the 65’s revolutionary fast displacement hull is the most efficient yet tested. This yacht has the highest power to weight ratio of any comparable yacht. Efficiency is the most important element for yachts of the future, for the very simple reason that it delivers something utterly remarkable: higher performance and lower running costs. The delivery of the largest Heesen to date is slated for June 2013.

55m

 The 55m (180ft) FDHF is the world’s first steel yacht over 50m with a fast displacement hull. She is the most fuel efficient yacht of her size and style available on the market. With an impressive sundeck of 110 square metres and a forward touch and go helipad of 70sqm, she offers a wide range of choices in her layout.

45m

 The Heesen 45m (148ft) is the only big sports yacht built in Holland, boasting Dutch quality, an aluminium hull and power that can deliver 30 kts. A staggering feat of naval architecture: 40m of deck space, 30m of interior space in a yacht of 45m overall. The Heesen 45m is the perfect combination of both power and style.

42m

 The 42m (138ft) FDHF equipped with Hull Vane® is the most dramatic advance in yachting: The first yacht that harnesses waves to produce power. Thanks to a special underwater wing developed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, her efficiency is increased by an astonishing 35% for speeds up to 15.9kts. Cruising speed fuel consumption is reduced by 30% and she has a 4.000nm range, the longest of any 40m yacht. Reduced emissions means reduced environmental impact. The first Heesen 42m with Hull Vane was sold last May and is due for delivery in 2014.

Heesen Yachts Deliver Two Superyachts

The Dutch Shipyard Heesen are on a role this year and have just delivered another two Superyachts, Galactica Plus who measures 35m (115ft) and MY Secret who is 47m (154ft). This brings the total yachts delivered this year to 5, including the 55m Serenity, the 44m Lady L and the 47m Lady Petra.

Galactica Plus is a fully custom semi-displacement hull built in aluminium with an interior and exterior designed by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects. She will have a maximum speed of 27kts and a range of 1,400nm at 11kts. MY Secret has a steel hull and is a fully displacement Superyacht that will have a range of 4,000nm at 12kts. Her luxurious interior has been designed by Bannenberg & Rowell Design.

Heesen Yachts has 10 yachts on its order book that will keep them busy delivering yachts until 2015.

The World Superyacht Awards 2012 Winners

A great time was had by all who attended the seventh annual World Superyacht Awards in Istanbul, Turkey last night, with some great yachts winning the infamous Neptune. The awards ceremony took place in the magnificent surroundings of Ciragan Palace Kempinski, set over looking the beautiful and historic Bosphorus waterway. Lets get to the winners of the categories.

Motor Yacht Awards

• Motor Yacht of the Year: Tango, 77.7m (255ft), By Feadship
• Displacement Motor Yacht 3000GT +: Serene, 133.9m (439ft), By Fincantieri Yachts
• Displacement Motor Yacht 1300GT to 2999GT: Tango, 77.7m (255ft), By Feadship
• Special Award, Interior with widest appeal: Numptia, 70.0m (230ft), By Rossi Navi
• Displacement Motor Yacht 500GT to 1299GT: Kaiser, 60.0m (197ft), By Abeking & Rasmussen
• Displacement Motor Yacht Below 500GT: Helix, 44.65m (146ft), By Feadship
• Tri Deck Semi-Displacement: Satori, 50.0m (164ft), By Heesen Yachts
• Two Deck & Open Semi-Displacement: Shooting Star, 38.0m (124ft), By Danish Yachts
• Raised Pilothouse Semi-Displacement: Aurella, 37.0m (121ft), By Heesen Yachts

Sailing Yacht Awards

• Sailing Yacht of the Year: Vertigo, 67.2m (220ft), By Alloy Yachts
• Sailing Yacht 40m +: Vertigo, 67.2m (220ft), By Alloy Yachts
• Sailing Yacht 30m - 40m: Antares III, 30.0m (98ft), By Yachting Developments
• Special Award, A Notiable Contribution to the Technical Advancement of Sailing Superyachts: Hetairos, 66.7m (219ft), By Baltic Yachts

Other Awards

• Refitted Yacht Award: Destination, 41.0m (134ft), By Trappman Consulting, Refit: Alloy Yachts
• Voyager's Award: Golden Compass, 46.0m (151ft), By Picchiotti Yachts

Cruising Route: 30,000nm 'World Tour', starting in the USA, through the Caribbean,
South America, the Mediterranean, then on through the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, cruising the Indian coast to Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, the Malacca Straits and on through Indonesia to
Papua New Guinea.

• Legacy Award: Mr Neville Crichton

For his instrumental role in the establishment and growth of the New Zealand Superyacht building industry, for his leading position in the world of sailboat racing, his generosity of spirit, and his inspiration to others in these fields.

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.