Heesen Yachts recently delivered its largest displacement vessel to date. Serenity, launched last December in Oss the Netherlands has been intensively tested in the rough waters of the North Sea.
Serenity is a 55 metre milestone in this Dutch Shipyard’s history: Heesen Yachts was already a world leader in the design, engineering and construction of all-aluminium, semi-displacement fast yachts in 1992 when they entered the traditional steel displacement yacht market with the launch of the 50 metre motor yacht Achiever in collaboration with Oceanco. Since then they have successfully built 15 long-range full-displacement vessels, confirming their ability in this very competitive field. Their order book currently runs until 2015 and includes three full-displacement vessels.
The elegant exterior lines have been drawn by the creative pencil of Frank Laupman and express the typical Heesen style with its ‘pelican beak’ bow – a negative sheer that is their trademark. In-house Heesen naval architects worked closely with Van Oossanen and Associates to create this well-founded hull with a trans-oceanic range of 6,000Nm at 10 knots. Perry van Oossanen, from Van Oossanen and Associates comments: “The hull form of YN 15555, Serenity, is the final development of the Heesen displacement hull form, which has already proven itself over the last 10 years. It is a good, comfortable and seaworthy hull, with a well-designed “traditional” flared bow, allowing for a minimum of green water on deck.”
Sea trials in severe weather conditions proved the design’s worth during the month of December 2011. “We had a typical winter sea trial on the North Sea with force 6-7 winds and 3 metre swells. It was commented by all onboard how well the boat handled in a big sea. She easily exceeded her design speed so overall I am very happy that we will deliver a yacht that will be well suited for world travelling as she was designed for.” Hans Doodkorte, Owner’s technical manager.
Serenity’s contemporary interior, with classic touches, has been designed by Frank Laupman from Omega Architects. High gloss and polished maple with burled maple veneers have been used throughout the vessel for both panelling and cabinetry. Eleven different types of marble, including calacatta marble, Iranian gold onyx, fiorito and breccia paradiso have been carefully and skilfully crafted into concave and convex curves as well as being cut extremely thinly. The use of blond veneer and creamy toned stones combine to give a light and airy feel to the spacious interior. This peaceful and harmonious atmosphere is further enhanced by bespoke glass decorations. A leafy motif has been used for decorating the top of the partition that divides the main saloon into lounging and dining areas, while the ceiling above the bed in the Owner’s stateroom has been re-imagined as a sky adorned with fluffy clouds. The motifs were designed by Omega Architects and created by Glass Déco artisans by gluing together multiple glass and mirror layers. This celestial atmosphere also resonates in the name the Owner has chosen for his vessel.
Twelve guests are amply accommodated in six cabins. The Owner’s suite is traditionally located on the main deck forward, but its layout is right up-to-date; a vast circular master bedroom boasts balconies on both sides and floor-to-ceiling windows bathing it in light. A studio plus bathroom with a sumptuous central oval bath tub and adjacent shower stall completes the master suite. The lower deck accommodates the guests: the full-beam VIP cabin has a full-sized tub, the two double and two twin cabins have shower rooms. Guests can choose between sun and shade, heat or cool on the sundeck. As well as having sun-bathing pads and a mosaic custom Jacuzzi pool outside, there is also an enclosed spa area complete with steam bath, sauna and massage room.
Heesen Yachts
+31 (0) 412 66 55 44
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www.heesenyachts.nl