Genesis Yacht News & Events

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Galactica yacht in transit to sea trials

Heesen 80m project cosmos 

Project Cosmos Renderings

Cosmos yacht exterior rendering

Galactica yacht exterior design

Project Cosmos interior

Genesis yacht general arrangement

Heesen Project Cosmos yacht in build 

Project Cosmos tank testing

Project Cosmos design

Project Cosmos yacht in build at Heesen Yachts

Cosmos yacht hull section in transport

Netherlands

Genesis

MYS 2024: Conference review

We take a look at everything you may have missed from this year’s roundtable talks, in collaboration with SuperYacht Times. 

Everything you missed from Monaco Yacht Show 2024 roundtables 

Yachts in Dubai for the Dubai International Boat Show 2024

SuperYacht Times takes a look at some of the yachts that can be seen in and around Dubai Marina during the Dubai International Boat Show 2024. 

A yacht spotter’s guide to Dubai during DIBS 2024

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/301825/image/large-6bfd021c28564a033cd595f1645a8425.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/301825">Delivered last August, &nbsp;the 80.07-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Genesis80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2023">Genesis</a> was spotted yesterday docked in Dubai Harbour, in the United Arab Emirates. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Genesis80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2023">Genesis</a>, the largest yacht ever constructed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>, formerly known as Galactica, features an exterior crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a>, an interior by<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/926" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design (Company)">&nbsp;Sinot Yacht Architecture &amp; Design</a>, and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen Naval Architects</a>. Recognised as one of the world's largest and fastest all-aluminium motor yacht with a conventional propeller propulsion system, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Genesis80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2023">Genesis</a> offers accommodation for up to 12 guests in six staterooms.&nbsp;The motor yacht stands out for her pioneering design and luxurious features, including a fully-equipped helicopter landing pad that transforms into an outdoor cinema, a crystal elevator linking the lower deck to the sun deck, and a seven-metre pool with a waterfall. In terms of performance, the 1,711 GT yacht is equipped with four <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines, achieving a maximum speed of 29 knots and boasting a fuel capacity of 120,000 litres.

80m Heesen superyacht Genesis in Dubai

The 80m superyacht Genesis, built by Heesen in 2023, is seen here docked in Dubai Marina, in the United Arab Emirates. 

Written for the 3rd Issue of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/magazine/how-to-build-it-issue-3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">How to Build It</a>&nbsp;magazine by Ralph Dazert and Justin Ratcliffe.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts</a> has gone from strength to strength since Frans <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> acquired the local yard Striker Boats in 1978. According to our own market intelligence, over the last 10 years the shipyard has delivered an average of three to four yachts per year with an annual turnover of around €200 million.A small industrial town in the southern Netherlands about 90 minutes by car from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport and far from the sea, is not the most likely place to find one of the world’s top superyacht shipyards. Nevertheless, the municipality of Oss is home to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts</a>, one of the area’s biggest employers with approximately 500 staff on its payroll and up to 500 more engaged as external contractors.Following the war in Ukraine and the sanctioning of one of its UBOs, last year <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> announced that the company ownership “is once again 100 percent Dutch” and controlled by a Dutch foundation presided over by former <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> CEO Arthur Brouwer, now Niels Vaessen and Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Anjo Joldersma. Coming in the wake of the Covid crisis, the shipyard handled a tricky situation speedily and transparently with no effect on production or sales.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/187162/image/large-2a66a2332500b5f0ebf24d96a5d4a8a4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/187162">“The transition to a Dutch foundation has not impacted <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>'s day-to-day operations,” says Mark Cavendish, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>’s CCO, who returned as a board member after Friso Visser stepped down from the role earlier this year. “The change in ownership structure was primarily aimed at ensuring long-term stability. And yes, we do expect this structure to remain in place in the foreseeable future.”While the yard’s original shed is still in operation and currently houses the 50-metre full aluminium, semi-displacement Project Jade, there are no fewer than seven other construction halls, of which six contain covered drydocks. During our visit, there were nine new-build projects in various stages of construction at the shipyard. Another four projects were in earlier stages of construction elsewhere in the Netherlands and two further yachts were undergoing sea trials.While <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> outsources the construction of its steel hulls in the north of the country, it builds its aluminium hulls in-house in Oss (the aluminium superstructures are made close to the yard by a local subcontractor). In 2000 the shipyard established its own furniture factory, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts Interiors</a>, when it acquired the Oortgiese company close to the Dutch-German border, but it also works with external contractors for the interiors.The science of speculation<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts</a> is a leading exponent of building superyachts on speculation, but the practice requires deep pockets and brings inherent risks. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> CCO Mark Cavendish explains: &nbsp;“The decision-making process for starting a new spec build involves many factors, such as – but not limited to – the level of inquiries for certain yacht models or sizes, the availability of capacity in our sheds, financial considerations, the capacity of our workforce – you name it. Our management team will make the final decision, but all departments give their input in order to have full buy-in when we make the choice for a new speculation yacht to start. However, in the end, the choice always remains somewhat of a calculated risk. At <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>, we’re well prepared to take this risk, as we have shown over and over across several decades that we are very good at selling yachts.”The fact that even its series yachts have custom interiors by established international designers would seem to add an extra dimension to speculation projects in terms of costing. Series yachts are sold at fixed prices, but presumably some designers cost more than others?<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/294877/image/large-307f5ade526df2ad8caa0e1bc2c05b02.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/294877">“The choice of a certain designer over another for a new speculation project does not really have a significant impact on the price of a yacht,” continues Cavendish. “We set a budget for the designer and some parameters for them to work with. However, if the designer has a particularly good idea, but it would stretch the budget, then we can be flexible if we think it will make for a more attractive yacht commercially.”The power of threeOver the years, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>'s product strategy has evolved to suit market needs but has generally aimed at combining series, semi-custom and full custom production. The current business model is centred on three distinct product lines: Series, Smart Custom, and Full Custom, which offer varying degrees of personalisation and speed of delivery. At first glance, this is confirmation of the way the company was already operating, but the difference lies in the messaging: “The aim was to bring more clarity to our product offering by refining our terminology,” explains Cavendish. “In a competitive market, a clear proposition is vital for success.”There is a lot of fudging when it comes to defining what terms like ‘series’, ‘semi-‘ and ‘full-custom’ actually mean in the superyacht world and the lack of clarity can sometimes be misleading. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> likes to keep the record straight, not least as an aid to managing its own clients’ expectations.“For instance, if a client arrives late in the build cycle and wants all kinds of changes, we have to gently explain what we can and cannot do,” says former CEO Arthur Brouwer. “We have to be very careful that these instances don’t start a snowball effect in our production that takes up too many resources. If there is a significant delay in the build cycle of one project, it can affect others and that can be very risky for the shipyard. We have managed significant changes without issues, but there have been others where we felt we couldn’t accommodate all the changes requested and had to let the customer go.”Series production has traditionally been <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>’s bread and butter, accounting for up to half of its production. It is important to note, however, that the interiors are always customised and only six to 12 units in each series are built. Moreover, as in the automotive world, a life-cycle change is introduced after every fourth to sixth hull (the latest in these periodic changes is the new 50-metre Steel series designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/168" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Harrison Eidsgaard (Company)">Harrison Eidsgaard</a> announced at FLIBS last year). This allows products to be adapted to the market and technological developments, while avoiding over-supply of the same yachts down the line when they enter the pre-owned market.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> has the in-house engineering capacity for one or two full-custom project like Project Skyfall (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8982" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ultra G60.0m (196'10&quot;)Heesen Yachts2023">Ultra G</a>) and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9081" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sparta67.0m (219'10&quot;)Heesen Yachts2023">Project Sparta</a> per year. Any more and it has to start in-sourcing some expertise as the lead times for the engineering are that much longer. Alongside that it can handle a Smart Custom project and two or three series yachts.&nbsp;“We can adapt our workflow, but the stretch starts when we have two Smart Custom projects that begin close together, for example, because we have to scramble all our resources at the pre-production stage,” says Brouwer.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/294878/image/large-134a4ef8a5985318779ba1a4b4302e50.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/294878">Bright ideasEver since Frans <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> agreed to build <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopussy 43.58m (142'12&quot;)Heesen Yachts1988">Octopussy</a> that broke the 50-knot barrier and was the fastest yacht in the world when delivered in 1988, technical innovation has figured strongly in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>’s make-up. Nowadays that innovation is focused less on raw speed and more on combining performance with fuel economy. In 2013 it launched 65-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3676" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Illusion65.0m (213'3&quot;)Heesen Yachts2013">Illusion</a> (previously Galactica Star), the first yacht with a Fast Displacment Hull Form (FDHF) devised by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen Naval Architects</a>, which offers resistance values that are typically 20 per cent lower than a well-designed hard chine hull form at semi-displacement speeds. In 2014 it was the turn of 42-metre Alive (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4639" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ares42.4m (139'1&quot;)Heesen Yachts2014">Ares</a>), the first yacht with a Hull Vane, a patented foil also by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen</a> that is fitted below the transom to reduce water resistance and pitching motions. Model tests at the towing tank of Wolfson Unit in Southampton showed fuel savings of 20 per cent at 12 knots and up to 23 per cent at 14.5 knots. In 2017 the yard delivered 50-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5959" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Home49.8m (163'5&quot;)Heesen Yachts2017">Home</a>, the first hybrid-powered Fast Displacement yacht (the entire <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> range is now offered with hybrid propulsion). Last but not least, 80-metre all-aluminium <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Genesis80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2023">Genesis</a> (previously Galactica), its largest yacht to date, features a patented ‘Backbone’ structure for additional rigidity with zero weight penalty.Upcoming deliveries&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> has sold 37 yachts in total since 1 January 2013 for an average of 3.7 sales per year. These comprise 10 projects started for the client (Full Custom or Smart Custom) and 27 on speculation. 20 of the total number of sales were for yachts between 40 and 50 metres, 12 between 50 and 60 metres, and five over 60 metres LOA. At the time of writing, the company had 14 projects in build.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/256089/image/large-cb8b97e5eae6f99bd6b763a450a7df8e.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/256089">Starting on specWithin its three product lines, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> builds fast displacement and semi-displacement motor yachts in steel or aluminium between 49 metres (up from 37 metres not so long ago) and 80 metres, with a sweet spot somewhere in the middle. But the business strategy that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> excels at is building yachts on speculation, a potentially risky practice that it has honed to perfection.These are the projects that the shipyard finances and starts building itself with the aim of selling them at a later point during construction (half of the projects currently in build were started on spec). The advantage is that owners don’t have to wait for so long for delivery and means the yard can guarantee availability to the market in the future. This proved especially true in the immediate aftermath of the Covid pandemic when demand exceeded supply. “Yacht building has changed insofar as you used to be able to plan a year or two in advance,” Brouwer notes. “Now you have to look four or five years ahead.”Key to the success of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>’s on-spec build program is the close relationship it enjoys with the brokerage community. The annual <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> Ski Cup in the Italian Dolomites, for example, is a coveted trip among brokers. The event is all about having fun, but has a serious side too as a ‘thank you’ to their hard work during the course of the year. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> has good reason to be thankful as the vast majority of sales, whether new-builds or pre-owned yachts, are concluded through brokerage houses. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274630/image/large-1811b8f522d4b7b1daec47c955e8b180.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274630">Bigger is not always bestThe current facilities in Oss, as well as the surrounding bridges and waterways, mean the shipyard cannot build much over 80 metres, but this is not seen as a drawback. The market for 90-metre plus superyachts is smaller and driven by a handful of yards like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lurssen</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>. Attempting to break into a new category would also risk impacting the yard’s margins: “We are content with our current facilities in Oss and have no plans for a second facility,” says Cavedish. “We are committed to optimising our operations and delivering exceptional yachts from our existing premises.”Although no longer a family company, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> retains a familiar design DNA and a strong brand identity. This may be one reason why it has avoided joining the trend for building catamaran and explorer yachts. Its XV67 concept, for example, began life as the Xventure, a 57-metre expedition yacht, but has been restyled as a bluewater voyager that will inspire owners to venture into new terrain in 7-star comfort.“The XV67 designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> is not a rugged explorer with a utilitarian look as we’ve come to expect from explorer yachts,” says Cavendish. “On the contrary, it’s a concept design that belongs to our Full Custom yacht proposition, and is a refined luxury yacht with exploring capabilities.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/294879/image/large-f713b89adbd0ef6e231956b39a08b3cb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/294879">It is well known that superyacht sales are hard-wired into the global economy. With an ongoing war in Europe, shifting inflation and widespread recession on the cards, the economic outlook is far from rosy and SYT iQ registered a drop in new motoryacht sales over 40 metres of about 40 per cent during the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>’s CCO, however, is confident that the company is better prepared than most to weather these market fluctuations and is not unduly perturbed by the uncertainty.&nbsp;This article was originally published in Issue 3 of How To Build It, you can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/magazine/how-to-build-it-issue-3" target="_blank">download the magazine for free here</a>.

Heesen Yachts business brief

By changing its ownership structure and refining its product offering, Heesen Yachts has put out a very clear message to the market.

Resilience, growth & customisation: Exploring Heesen's business approach

The 80.07-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Genesis80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2023">Genesis</a> has been sold and delivered to her new owners. Representatives of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> have issued the following statement; "The full custom 80m superyacht, built in Oss (the Netherlands), was delivered to her new owners on August 31 2023, leaving the Dutch waters. The sale and delivery of the yacht have been coordinated with the Dutch authorities. Everyone at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> is delighted to see the shipyard’s flagship sailing away and wishes her owners and their crew fair winds and following seas."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284019/image/large-4ca58c5282abf6a91c540d79c704b33d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284019">The 1,711 GT &nbsp;was sold motor yacht is the largest yacht to have been built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> to date. Previously named Galactica, chief engineer Jan Kamstra and the build captain were closely involved in drawing up the technical specification for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Genesis80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2023">Genesis</a>. “The key is to optimise the specifications before you start building,” commented Kamstra. “In this case we could apply everything we’ve learned on previous projects from the get go instead of making changes during production, which is never ideal.”&nbsp;Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/project-cosmos-completion" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">At the yard with Project Cosmos: The Final Phase</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Genesis80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2023">Genesis</a> boasts exterior design penned by renowned UK-based design studio, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a>, while her interior is the work of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/926" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design (Company)">Sinot Yacht Architecture &amp; Design</a> and her naval architecture derived from the drawing boards of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen Naval Architects</a>. The superyacht can accommodate up to 12 guests across her six luxurious staterooms and has space for a crew of up to 19 members, including the captain of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Genesis80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2023">Genesis</a>.At the time of her launch, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts</a> Arthur Brouwer commented on the project stating, “She is unique not only for our shipyard, she is the largest we have ever taken on and represents the pinnacle of our achievements to date”.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284020/image/large-c9ff3ad49e7703f980f9f395bcc9b12d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284020">The superyacht showcases both an aluminium hull and superstructure. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Genesis80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2023">Genesis</a>’ sophisticated, sporty exterior profile stemmed from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a>. Jim Dixon, Director of Yachts and Aviation at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> expanded on the studio’s vision claiming they wanted to “retain <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Genesis80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2023">Heesen</a>’s sporty DNA but blend it with an innovative, futuristic spin. Curved glass forms smooth, sculpted shapes, creating a feeling of slick, contemporary charm”.The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Genesis80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2023">Heesen</a> superyacht displays an abundance of outdoor space across her exterior decks, boasting a large beach club, providing guests with plenty of opportunities for alfresco dining. Her sundeck boasts a glass-bottomed swimming pool, while her most notable feature is her extensive bow, showcasing a generous deck which functions as a touch-and-go helipad. This is the first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Genesis80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2023">Heesen</a> to have a fully certified helipad on the foredeck for a twin-engine helicopter that doubles as an open-air cinema.Regarding performance, the superyacht is powered by four <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines, providing her with a top speed of up to 29 knots, in addition to this <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Genesis80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2023">Genesis</a> can carry up to 120,000 litres of fuel onboard.

80m Heesen superyacht Genesis sold and delivered

The full custom 80m Heesen superyacht Genesis has been sold and delivered.

Exclusive: 80m Heesen superyacht Genesis sold and delivered

SuperYacht Times Synopsis May

The SuperYacht Times Synopsis, as brought to you by SYT iQ, gives you the rundown of the top business stories and market reports from last month. 

SYT Synopsis: Leading yacht news from May

Justin Ratcliffe was on site at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> shipyard in January to see 80-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Project Cosmos&nbsp;</a>come out of the construction shed and begin the last leg of her journey from concept to completion.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219304/image/large-ef2b72df11c499e6d72c4e98989f1464.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219304">It never fails to amaze me the lengths <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> has to go through to get their superyachts to the sea. The shipyard is in landlocked Oss and every new launch has to be towed by tug over 100 kilometres along waterways and rivers to reach the North Sea. But given the sheer size of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Project Cosmos</a> – soon to be officially christened <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Galactica</a> – the transfer to Rotterdam and then up the coast to Harlingen was more complex than usual and planning started many months in advance.&nbsp;The narrow waterways and low bridges en route to the sea mean there is a limit to how high and wide Heesen can build its yachts. At just over 80.7-metres in length and 1,700GT, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Project Cosmos</a> has almost 50 per cent more volume than <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica Super Nova70.07m (229'11&quot;)Heesen Yachts2016">Galactica Super Nova</a>, Heesen’s previous flagship, which puts her on the very edge of those limits. Despite removing the propellers and the sun deck hardtop to reduce her draft and height, unusually high water levels in the rivers made the journey even trickier. Getting the yacht through without mishap required windless conditions and a cool head.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219305/image/large-162e92034c9dea56b5c0f01f70600f50.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219305">“There are several bridges along the way, but the most challenging is a narrow drawbridge at Macharen quite close to the shipyard where the tolerances can be measured in centimetres,” says Bob van Zundert, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> yard captain responsible for the transfer operation. “We’ve done it multiple times, but it’s a delicate operation because this vessel is bigger than we’re used to and just after the bridge there’s a lock that’s also quite narrow. There’s little room for manoeuvring so we have to be cautious.”&nbsp;There have been other challenges to building the largest and fastest all-aluminium superyacht on the water. Project managing such a complex project, especially during a pandemic that threatened to delay the production schedule, was like piecing together a vast jigsaw puzzle that could only be solved through carefully choreographed collaboration.&nbsp;“You can probably compare a custom build like this to three series projects,” says Arjan Veldman, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> Project Coordinator responsible for liaising between the shipyard and owner’s team. “Our guys can almost build a series boat from memory, but a custom project has a huge impact on management and organisational resources. I have to constantly balance client requests with the high quality we have to deliver and getting everything finished on schedule. Fortunately, we know the owner’s team very well as we’ve built other Heesen yachts together and that has made the whole process easier – and more fun.” &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/172108/image/large-12b568a90673abbb12bf2eb8312d80a1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/172108">The low-drag, Fast Displacement Hull Form is the first to feature <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>’s patented “backbone” for additional longitudinal strength. Given the top speed requirement of 30 knots, the yacht had to be built of aluminium, which is much lighter than steel but also more malleable. To avoid the long, slender hull sagging and twisting in a seaway, the backbone system is basically a framework of 15-millimetre aluminium plate that runs the length of the keel to add longitudinal stiffness. The resulting structure is not only very light, but also immensely strong.&nbsp;“I was reluctant to commit to an 80-metre aluminium yacht until Heesen explained how the &nbsp;backbone works,” says Captain Chris Guy, who throughout the build period was also acting captain of 70-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica Super Nova70.07m (229'11&quot;)Heesen Yachts2016">Galactica Super Nova</a>. “We did a lot of CFD research and, yes, it’s theoretical, but I have very few concerns about this boat travelling at 30 knots in a seaway. People say you can’t do certain things with an aluminium hull, but with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica Super Nova70.07m (229'11&quot;)Heesen Yachts2016">Galactica Super Nova</a> we’ve been running at full speed in three-metre seas with guests on board and no problems at all. The backbone means <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Project Cosmos</a> will be even more capable.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Project Cosmos</a> is also the first Heesen to have a fully certified helipad on the foredeck for a twin-engine helicopter that doubles as an open-air cinema. In fact, for Captain Guy the cinema proved to be one of the most difficult features to get right.“The philosophy we’ve been pushing all along is that we cannot go backwards – everything should be better than on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica Super Nova70.07m (229'11&quot;)Heesen Yachts2016">Galactica Super Nova</a>,” he says. “So we had to find a screen material that allowed us to have the biggest cinema possible without any annoying seams; we wanted a rear projection system with its own storage compartment in the forepeak, which means having sensitive electronic equipment in a place subject to the highest vertical accelerations and possibly salt water; and we spent a lot of time making sure it is all quick and easy to set up. I mean, this is not just a big screen; it’s full-on custom design.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/212124/image/large-06ff7cc97b453a3dba7597c39458ce52.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/212124">Another highlight of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Project Cosmos</a> is her performance. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica Super Nova70.07m (229'11&quot;)Heesen Yachts2016">Galactica Super Nova</a> was powered by two MTU diesel engines and a third engine driving a central booster waterjet. With over 16,000 horsepower at her disposal, she has an official top speed of 30 knots. But <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Project Cosmos</a> is much larger and needs more power to reach comparable speeds, so the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen&nbsp;</a>engineers opted for four engines and two gearboxes coupled to the drive shafts and controllable-pitch propellers.&nbsp;Emission regulations have also become stricter since the launch of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica Super Nova70.07m (229'11&quot;)Heesen Yachts2016">Galactica Super Nova</a> in 2016 and the two inner engines are fitted with IMO Tier III-compliant SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) units for ‘scrubbing’ the exhaust gases clean of harmful NOx emissions. The yacht also has battery banks (570 kWh in total) used for peak shaving and to run full hotel services at anchor for up to two hours without having to switch on the diesel generators.“In the past I always had to tell the girls in the laundry that when they used a second dryer, especially when the chef was at work in the galley, they were effectively switching on another engine,” says chief engineer Jan Kamstra, who worked on 65-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/596" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Illusion I55.48m (182'0&quot;)Feadship1983">Galactica Star</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica Super Nova70.07m (229'11&quot;)Heesen Yachts2016">Galactica Super Nova</a> before <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Project Cosmos</a>. “Peak-shaving batteries reduce generator use and emissions as well as fuel and maintenance costs, but it also means less smoke, noise and vibrations for guests enjoying their time on deck or in the water.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219342/image/large-a1a8ccd87e775bc964810a11ee6cace7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219342">Both Kamstra and Captain Guy were closely involved in drawing up the technical specifications for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Project Cosmos</a> from the start, which meant they could integrate the best solutions based on previous operational experience. Humphree interceptors, for example, were a late addition on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica Super Nova70.07m (229'11&quot;)Heesen Yachts2016">Galactica Super Nova</a> that resulted in better seakeeping and performance. On <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Project Cosmos</a> the interceptors extend across the whole transom to provide trim control and turn assist to reduce heel when changing direction at high speed. &nbsp;“The key is to optimise the specifications before you start building,” says Kamstra. “In this case we could apply everything we’ve learned on previous projects from the get go instead of making changes during production, which is never ideal. It’s a bit like building a house: as chief engineer I’m going to be living on board and operating the boat. That’s different to building a yacht and then passing on the responsibility of running it to someone else.”By the time you read this article, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Project Cosmos</a> will have been reunited with her mast and propellers and be starting an intensive commissioning phase prior to sea trials in the North Sea. Following delivery to her owner in April, the next time we catch up with her will be when she makes her international debut as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Galactica</a> at the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2022">2022 Monaco Yacht Show</a>.

Project Cosmos completion

Justin Ratcliffe looks at the 80-metre Project Cosmos from concept to completion.

At the yard with Project Cosmos: The Final Phase

SuperYacht Times Synopsis April 

The SuperYacht Times Synopsis, as brought to you by SYT iQ, gives you the rundown of the top business stories and market reports from last month.  

SYT Synopsis: A roundup of April 

From Monday 11 April to Friday 15 April, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>’s 80-metre&nbsp;Project Cosmos, now known as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Galactica</a>, will undergo planned sea trials. The trials will be carried out by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts</a> in the Netherlands, with a Dutch crew. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223057/image/large-23dc0d58600d95ccfe5074e50024d87b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223057">The shipyard has released a statement in regard to the ongoing political situation; "<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts</a> adheres to all laws and regulations and, as always, works closely with customs and other government agencies in building and certifying its yachts. Neither <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts</a> nor any of its current customers are on any sanctions list."Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54386" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Video: Heesen's 80m superyacht Galactica has been launched (2022-01-07 12:15:00 +0100)">Video: Heesen's 80m superyacht Galactica has been launched</a>

Heesen yacht Galactica sea trials

The 80m Heesen superyacht Galactica is due to go on sea trials over the coming days.

Heesen's 80m superyacht Project Cosmos, now known as Galactica, to undergo sea trials

A number of yachting industry companies have now issued statements in regard to the war in Ukraine. Here we have summarised those statements and will continue to update this article if, and when, additional companies come forward. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206970/image/large-2380e333a6a32ec0ba6fcd82b717c21c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206970"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a>&nbsp;reports minimal impact<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54694" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Seized Russian superyachts: The first two yachts seized in Italy (2022-03-03 14:30:00 +0100)">As we reported in our article on the seizure and arrest of Russian-owned superyachts</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> issued a statement last week following the news that the 38.5-metre&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3108" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lena38.5m (126'4&quot;)Sanlorenzo2010">Lena&nbsp;</a>had been arrested in Italy. The company announced that despite the war, that the "backlog amount as of 31 January 2022, equal to € 1,002.6 million, related to customers of Russian nationality does not reach 10% of the total, spread over three financial years. The Company also specifies that these are subjects not affected by international sanctions , whose payments are regular, and as of today no order has been canceled."<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5565" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Italian Sea Group (Company)">The Italian Sea Group (TISG)</a>&nbsp;reassures stakeholders<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5565" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Italian Sea Group (Company)">TISG</a> has issued a statement that “production of orders in progress and refit activities carry on without any delay, despite the sanctions introduced by the EU towards Russia, stemming from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As of today, no order has been cancelled and there has been no delay in the payment of the existing contractual instalments.”The statement goes on to say that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5565" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Italian Sea Group (Company)">TISG</a> has “only one existing contract with a Russian client; in particular the Company needs to collect 6 million Euros related to the yacht’s delivery scheduled for the beginning of 2023.” The statement points out that the client concerned is not included on any sanctions list.Finally, and with reference to various reports that have appeared in mainstream media: “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5565" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Italian Sea Group (Company)">The Italian Sea Group</a>, on the basis of the documentation in its possession and following the findings of the checks carried out by the relevant authorities, declares that the 140-metre yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6427" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scheherazade140.0m (459'4&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2020">Scheherazade</a>, currently in the shipyard for maintenance works, is not attributable to the property of Russian President Vladimir Putin.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/120948/image/large-2ef2d139f3eea033c30dba9888d4fad1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/120948"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a>&nbsp;plays down impact of Ukraine conflict<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> has released a statement declaring that the current geopolitical situation is having minimal impact on its business activities:“With an order backlog of €1,272 million as of 28 February 2022 and an Order Intake of €308 million in the first two months of 2022, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Group</a>, which is present in over 70 countries, has a geographically diversified commercial strategy and an exposure in terms of revenues of less than 3 percent to the areas currently involved in the conflict. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> has no exposure to the mega and gigayacht segment, the one of greatest interest to the Russian elites most affected by international sanctions. Furthermore, as of today, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Group</a> is not aware of any sales to subjects targeted by these sanctions.”The statement goes on to announce that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> “is monitoring market developments on an ongoing basis and mitigating any risk through a distribution model involving progress payments during construction and the possibility of reallocating series and semi-custom yachts thanks to waiting lists for almost all the models in the range.”This reassurance comes at a critical time as Reuters has reported that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> is aiming to list in Hong Kong through an initial public offering at the end of March.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts</a>&nbsp;board faces changeIn an article published yesterday, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54744" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Russian board members step down at Heesen (2022-03-10 14:30:00 +0100)">we reported that two Russian members of the Dutch shipyard Heesen's board stepped down</a> citing "developments of the current international situation in Ukraine." Pavel Sukhoruchkin and Pavel Novoselov have been on the board of directors for over ten years.&nbsp;"We have worked closely with <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/heesen" target="_blank">Heesen</a>'s board of directors for over ten years with passion and dedication to develop what once was a family-owned business into an internationally reputed shipyard," says Pavel Sukhoruchkin and Pavel Novoselov. "The current situation imposes us to step back for the good of a company that is close to our hearts. We wish success and strength through these times to the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/heesen" target="_blank">Heesen</a> board of directors and all the employees."While the shipyard is in the completion of the Russian-owned superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Galactica</a>, the vessel's owner is not among those on the sanction list, despite broad speculation online.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206966/image/large-97b565e33fd9c371d882bf9dd859ebb4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206966"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper and Nicholsons International</a>&nbsp;Last week the yacht brokerage house <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper and Nicholsons</a> announced that it would be closely monitoring the ongoing situation and working to "review our policies and will put in place any recommendations from the authorities to ensure that rules imposed are followed, as we have done successfully for the past 240 years."&nbsp;Yachties United for Ukraine Crew &amp; FamiliesIn addition to the various responses from industry companies, a number of companies have created donation funds for the assistance of superyacht crew and their families who are being impacted by the war. Yachties United is one such organisation. Founded by a team of ex.yacht crew, the organisation is sharing information, go-fund-me donation boards, news and useful links to assist anyone looking for information or assistance in relation to the war in Ukraine. With a bulletin board that advertises host families for stranded people, donation locations and more, the website is a fantastic resource for anyone in the industry looking for assistance, or looking to assist.

Businesses respond to Ukraine war

A number of businesses within the yachting industry have responded to the war in Ukraine, we have outlined the details here.

The yachting industry reacts to the war in Ukraine

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts</a> has reported that two Russian members of its supervisory board stepped down on Wednesday citing "developments of the current international situation in Ukraine."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/58959/image/large-efcc94488dffded75bac7e6a7a9ebb46.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/58959">"We have worked closely with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>'s board of directors for over ten years with passion and dedication to develop what once was a family-owned business into an internationally reputed shipyard," says Pavel Sukhoruchkin and Pavel Novoselov. "The current situation imposes us to step back for the good of a company that is close to our hearts. We wish success and strength through these times to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> board of directors and all the employees."Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54681" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="How might the war in Ukraine impact the superyacht industry? (2022-03-02 16:15:00 +0100)">How might the war in Ukraine impact the superyacht industry?</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> is Dutch company with shares 100 percent owned by Morcell Ltd. of Cyprus, the investment vehicle of Lukoil president, Vagit Alekperov, formerly deputy oil and gas minister in the Soviet Union. Heesen is currently putting the finishing touches to 80-metre Project Cosmos (<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Galactica</a>), which is reported to be Alekperov’s latest yacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219304/image/large-ef2b72df11c499e6d72c4e98989f1464.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219304">Neither Alekperov nor Sukhoruchkin and Pavel Novoselov are currently on any international sanctions list.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54694" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Seized Russian superyachts: The first two yachts seized in Italy (2022-03-03 14:30:00 +0100)">Seized Russian superyachts: The first two yachts seized in Italy</a>With Russian clients accounting for over 13 percent of yacht sales over 40 metres, the Ukraine crisis is a blow to Dutch yacht builders like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/65494/image/large-626f5d8edc4b2cb42af3af608fad32c7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/65494">"Our thoughts and prayers are with all the people who are suffering from this international crisis,” says Arthur Brouwer, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> CEO. “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>’s specialised workers perform their job with great dedication, and we have the moral duty to ensure they can do so for many years to come. We are most grateful to Pavel Novoselov and Pavel Sukhoruchkin for their professionalism and invaluable contribution and appreciate their choice."

Russian board members step down at Heesen

two Russian members of the supervisory board at Heesen Yachts stepped down on Wednesday.

The 40th issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper has been published! After a whirlwind 2021 for the superyacht market we are excited to be looking forward in this special edition that, as always, is packed full of unique stories and insights into our ever-changing industry. Covering some of the coolest yachts to have entered the fleet in recent months, to the technology that could be changing the face of yacht design in the coming years. Here we give you a sneak peak of some of the top features:<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/218607/image/large-5cdcbb0ce514a879e0fd1e9cecf66c2e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/218607">P.10 | In conversation with Francesco Galli Zugaro of Aqua ExpeditionsSYT contributor Justin Ratcliffe delved into the story behind the foundation of Aqua Expeditions, the boutique cruise company that has been touring some of the most exclusive charter destinations the world has to offer, on some of the most unusual vessels.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/218606/image/large-4c48017c68d6b1e8deadc08e77e1750d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/218606">P.22 |Onboard&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Top Five II61.0m (200'2&quot;)Royal Hakvoort Shipyard2021">Top Five II</a>: The latest superyacht from&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/40" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Hakvoort Shipyard (Company)">Royal Hakvoort Shipyard</a>For our latest cover story we went behind the scenes to find out more about the inspiration behind the modern and unusual design of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/40" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Hakvoort Shipyard (Company)">Royal Hakvoort</a>'s latest superyacht, Top Five II. The team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/926" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design (Company)">Sinot Yacht Architecture &amp; Design</a> gave us the inside scoop on the superyacht and talked about the details of this impressive new yacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/218609/image/large-db7a78fdf866604fe44ac9eab9d3e67e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/218609">P.38 | Unpacking the future on onboard technologyAs this is our tech and refit edition, we have taken a look at some of the newest tech that is breaking onto the superyacht scene and Georgia Tindale has spoken to some of the top businesses in the field to uncover what is next in onboard entertainment. &nbsp;For all of this and much more, be sure to <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe to get the latest issue</a> – and future issues – of the SuperYacht Times newspaper right to your door.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/218606/image/large-4c48017c68d6b1e8deadc08e77e1750d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/218606">

SuperYacht Times Issue 40 published

SuperYacht Times Issue 40 has been published.

SuperYacht Times Issue 40 has landed

A family business at its core, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen Naval Architects</a> has been a household name in the maritime industry since its founding in 1992 by Dr. Ir. Peter van Oossanen. In 2001, Perry Van Oossanen, Peter’s son, joined the company and brought the business firmly into the limelight of the superyacht industry with the pioneering creation of the Fast Displacement Hull Form. Today, many superyachts are conceived with the revolutionary hull and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen</a> is credited with the creation of one of the most efficient pieces of engineering the industry has seen in recent decades.We caught up with Perry to discuss the history of the company that he has inherited, the evolution of the business over the last two decades and critically his creation of the FDHF and the implications it has had for the industry.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/218526/image/large-4a9e4c72d916159c74714db737a60419.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/218526">First off, can you give me a little historic background of the business and how you came to join it in 2001?Before the business was founded by my father, Peter worked at MARIN (Maritime Research Institute of the Netherlands) where he was head of the department of advanced ships, including yachts. We really came into the industry through the sailing and racing yacht industry and he was involved in many America’s Cup projects over the years. During his time at MARIN he built a solid reputation and it was off the back of that experience that he founded <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen &amp; Associates</a> – as the company was originally named.&nbsp;Initially the business was focused on consultation about all aspects of yacht engineering, from propulsion to vibration and hull form, and gradually that grew into a full spectrum naval architecture studio.&nbsp;When I left school I first wanted to join the Dutch navy, but ended up (certainly for the best) studying naval architecture and following my studies I joined the family business in 2001. At the time there were only three people in the team but we’d begun to garner a reputation for our theoretical knowledge which really pushed us ahead of our competition. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/218525/image/large-bfb694519bd62d16b25d945ff25053a0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/218525">Building on that, what was it that really brought&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen</a>&nbsp;to the top of the industry and can you tell me more about the development of the FDHF?I think the most valuable thing that we bring is a deep and unfailing commitment to research and development. We'd already been experimenting a lot with different hull forms and testing them out in the tanks and using the CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) methods. By the time the financial crisis hit in 2008 we took the opportunity to innovate so that we could come out of it even stronger than before. Each member of the team created a pet engineering project and mine was the creation of a faster, more efficient hull form – that became the FDHF. As the project progressed we tested the hull out constantly and luckily <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts</a> were looking to create a faster superyacht with the project for Galactica Star, now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3676" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Illusion65.0m (213'3&quot;)Heesen Yachts2013">Illusion</a>. We showed them the results of our work and they immediately went for it, giving the project a flying start!&nbsp;With&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen&nbsp;Yachts</a> behind you, how did the rest of the industry react and did you expect it to gain the status that it now has?The first hurdle we had to overcome, of course after having the form used by a shipyard, was to take away the conception that the hull actually had a lot less space for the interior. Sure, we do like slender and sharp waterlines, but the FDHF allows for the same interior as traditional hull forms. Certainly people were a bit skeptical at first, it took about four or five years, but once <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3676" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Illusion65.0m (213'3&quot;)Heesen Yachts2013">Galactica Star</a> was launched in 2012 we had the best calling card that you could ask for!<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/218527/image/large-b40de9b232ebbb5799de86f87e009f5a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/218527">For <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen</a> as a company to turn to innovation in a time of difficulty seems to say a lot about the ethos of the business, is that part of what drives you forward as a company?It is really a passion at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen</a> and my business partner and I are really motivated by the discovery of new solutions. That has now become our business model and it really makes us stand out as unique.&nbsp;Annually we dedicate about 20 percent of our internal capacity to R&amp;D and a lot of that is dedicated to hull forms, though construction methods and propulsion systems are also a major focus for us. Typically we have around three to four big R&amp;D projects per year and we allocate our work force to those projects depending on their individual expertise.&nbsp;And how has the application of CFD software impacted the R&amp;D process and how does it compare to traditional methods such as tank testing?We have been using CFD since 2005, and we were one of the first studios to really employ it as a tool. Of course it is a true specialisation and now we have a supercomputer and a dedicated team of four people in the office that are dedicated to feeding the machine with different simulations in order to test our designs.&nbsp;In terms of the accuracy of the software, it has improved vastly over time and our skill has also grown. Now we can simulate pretty much any physical test with the computer and I do believe now that CFD is better than tank testing alone, which is not something I would have believed four or five years ago!&nbsp;Finally, the FDHF hull form has been credited as one of the biggest leaps toward a more sustainable yachting industry, were you conscious of this at the time of design?At the time our focus was really on speed and efficiency, of course efficiency comes hand in hand with sustainability but that was much less of a topic at the time. Today I believe it is absolutely crucial and that no vessel should be constructed without sustainability as a major consideration. While alternative propulsion systems are the talk of the industry right now, we have to accept that it is too limited to leave the conversation there, engineering and hull form are crucial. We work closely with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5877" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Water Revolution Foundation (Company)">Water Revolution Foundation</a> and as a company we will continue to innovate to make the fleet less damaging to the environment!<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215335/image/large-463397c8dbaa58f963662c8d5ec478ad.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215335">With the latest iteration of the FDHF <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54386" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Video: Heesen's 80m superyacht Galactica has been launched (2022-01-07 12:15:00 +0100)">having just been launched into the water with</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts</a>’ superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Galactica</a>, it is clear that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen</a> will continue to push the industry forward from the ground up!&nbsp;To get in touch with the team and to find out more about the studio, visit the website or contact them at;

Interview with Perry Van Oossanen

SYT caught up with Perry Van Oossanen from Van Oossanen Naval Architects to find out more about the company.

Behind the scenes with industry pioneer Van Oossanen Naval Architects

SYT Synopsis: January's roundup

SYT looks back at January, drawing stats and figures powered by the inhouse SYT iQ.  

SYT Synopsis: January in a nutshell

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> kicked off this year with celebrations as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Galactica</a>, the 80.07-metre motor yacht built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts</a> and with an exterior designed by the British-based studio, left the shed to commence its sea trials. Champagne will continue to flow throughout the year, as they’ve got numerous yachts penciled in for completion, and several refits coming to an end before the year’s through – “2022,” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design&nbsp;</a>stated, “is set to be record-breaking”.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215368/image/large-9dea1d890e96b7a5c91feb56cdba3f82.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215368"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215367/image/large-1cf1e12aeb2965e6ecd5d562da114cb2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215367">Coming in hot on the heels of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Galactica</a> is the 6th hull of the 74-metre Amels 242 range, Avanti, which is managed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/227" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moran Yacht & Ship (Company)">Moran Yacht &amp; Ship</a>, and which features an interior design by Winch. She's scheduled for delivery early next month.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216692/image/large-e77d1c2601043f5966721604b1262bd2.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216692">Chasing this launch is the 7th hull of the series, due in May, which has an interior design also directed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a>. This is then followed by a third yacht built at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a> &amp; <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen</a> facility in the Netherlands which features penmanship from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a>, the very first from the 60m <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a> series – the Amels 6001.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/186629/image/large-e5708571f8710aac5450e48420d15335.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/186629"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/186627/image/large-23808845f8ec47199e863cc7a3462eb7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/186627"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> has also announced that two full custom superyachts will make their first splash this year: a 70m project in collaboration with Scott Wightman of Motor Yacht Build (MYB) and the 77.1-metre motor yacht Black Shark, managed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2208" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Imperial Yachts (Company)">Imperial Yachts</a>. Both of these yachts are in build at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a> shipyard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/108457/image/large-1002e635bde7f8c8d85cae6158808c01.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/108457"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/108455/image/large-6e173e0dd4d4b92d18f756ca7b7fc11c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/108455">It is not just motor yachts that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> is busy with this year, as its sailing yachts team has just signed a new flagship 56-metre yacht. Alongside this, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch</a> has announced that the sailing team will continue to foster its long-standing relationship with Jeanneau Yachts and is currently working on two new models with the Spanish shipbuilder. Last year their collaborative yacht, the Jeanneau Yachts 60, was not only launched but was also award-winning.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216730/image/large-c063ae64dcba853aadef9231573a741d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216730">On the business side of things, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> has had a top-level shuffle as Clive Beharrell is passing his Chairmanship to Sir Nigel Carrington. Carrington is well-versed in guiding large cultural institutions across multiple sectors. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> stated, “His experience in guiding huge cultural institutions such as University of the Arts London (where he recently completed 13 years as Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor) and The Henry Moore Foundation, makes him a uniquely valuable asset to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> Board. We feel privileged to have him with us as we embark on our next exciting chapter.”Jamie Mitchell has also joined the operational board at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a>, and will act as Non-Executive Director. Mitchel started his career in consulting and venture capital and has his name pinned to some well-known brands such as Innocent Drinks, Daylesford and Tom Dixon. &nbsp;“Both Nigel and Jamie bring years of diverse experience, knowledge and enthusiasm and are primed to guide Winch Design into the next phase of the adventure. Clive will remain a friend of the Winch family and only a phone call away,” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> commented.&nbsp;

Winch Design 2022 roadmap 

Winch Design is expecting 2022 to be record breaking with a collection of new-builds and refits due for completion before the year’s through.

Winch Design: “2022 is set to be record breaking” 

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215463/image/large-2caf670a7365a0c09813aed5a5dffe65.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215463">Captured here being towed under the Heusdense brug in the Netherlands by night, is the 80.07-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> superyacht Project Cosmos, now known as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Galactica</a>. Exactly 10 metres longer than the 2016 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica Super Nova70.07m (229'11&quot;)Heesen Yachts2016">Galactica Super Nova</a>, she is the builders longest and fastest superyacht built to date. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54386" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Video: Heesen's 80m superyacht Galactica has been launched (2022-01-07 12:15:00 +0100)">Launched last Friday</a>, the superyacht turned heads while transiting through the Dutch waters as she headed to the North Sea for her performance trials. Onboard, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Galactica</a> features a striking exterior design from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch</a> and luxurious interiors from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/926" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design (Company)">Sinot Yacht Architecture &amp; Design</a>. With a combination of her Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) alongside her advanced propulsion solution developed by the yard with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen Naval Architects</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce Marine</a>, the yacht is expected to break records for the shipyard, with top speeds of up to 30 knots and a cruising speed of more than 20 knots.

Heesen superyacht Galactica in Heusden

The 80m superyacht Galactica, built by Heesen, is seen here in transit in Heusden

Superyacht Galactica in the mist 

The 80-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Galactica</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54386" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Video: Heesen's 80m superyacht Galactica has been launched (2022-01-07 12:15:00 +0100)">which was launched on Friday</a>, has been captured in transit through the Netherlands as she heads to the North Sea for her performance trials. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215370/image/large-9a9a45cb02c99ee5cbc4297b1cbf45bd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215370"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215368/image/large-9dea1d890e96b7a5c91feb56cdba3f82.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215368"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215366/image/large-eee697dde9c1720d3e1d2b6d74a2fbc4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215366">The yacht is expected to break records for the shipyard, with top speeds of up to 30 knots and a cruising speed of more than 20 knots. She features exterior design from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch</a> and interiors from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/926" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design (Company)">Sinot Yacht Architecture &amp; Design</a>.<ul><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/49491" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Project update: Heesen's 80m yacht Cosmos (2019-01-22 12:00:00 +0100)">Project update: Heesen's 80m yacht Cosmos</a></li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54386" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Video: Heesen's 80m superyacht Galactica has been launched (2022-01-07 12:15:00 +0100)">Video: Heesen's 80m superyacht Galactica has been launched</a></li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54128" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Project Cosmos undergoes technical launch from Heesen's facilities in Oss (2021-11-22 19:45:00 +0100)">Project Cosmos undergoes technical launch from Heesen's facilities in Oss</a></li></ul><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215367/image/large-1cf1e12aeb2965e6ecd5d562da114cb2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215367"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215372/image/large-33b24ce7180128892cf0236327163ae0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215372"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215374/image/large-b675be56365bbe611e1225949b003a3e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215374">Watch the video of her launch here: <iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1-kHpDR4cqw?&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>

Superyacht Galactica in transit

The superyacht Galactica has been captured in transit through the Netherlands on route to sea trials. 

In Pictures: Galactica in transit through the Netherlands

2021 saw some of the biggest superyachts in the fleet launched with a whopping total length of 930 metres, which is equivalent to nearly nine English football pitches. Here we have given you the official rundown of the 10 biggest superyachts launched in 2021: <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/204467/image/large-9de7f415e475ae081afbf5c69ed9bbeb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/204467">1.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6847" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Solaris139.7m (458'4&quot;)Lloyd Werft2021">Solaris</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1075" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd Werft (Company)">Lloyd Werft</a>&nbsp;| 139.7-metre<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/yacht-solaris-launch" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Launched in February 2021</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6847" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Solaris139.7m (458'4&quot;)Lloyd Werft2021">Solaris</a>' distinctive exterior lines with the cascading decks and the signature arch that wraps around her superstructure make her instantly recognisable. These unique design features come from the boards of Australian industrial designer <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/marc-newson-ltd" target="_blank">Marc Newson</a>. Aside from her eye-catching design <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6847" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Solaris139.7m (458'4&quot;)Lloyd Werft2021">Solaris</a> is equipped with a power management system from <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/abb-group" target="_blank">ABB</a> and two nine-megawatt Azipods, which are the most powerful of their kind featured on a superyacht. Partially due to her impressive beam 21.35-metre beam, the yacht has a whopping 11,247 GT, allowing her to accommodate 36 guests in luxurious comfort.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/209332/image/large-567da75cef6d1ad709119544f9f00e0b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/209332">2.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7500" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco Y721127.0m (416'8&quot;)Oceanco2022">Oceanco Y721</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>&nbsp;| 127-metreComing in as the largest yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53917" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="First look at Oceanco's 127m sailing superyacht Y721 (2021-10-20 09:15:00 +0200)">ever built in the Netherlands is the gigantic schooner owned by a renowned American tech entrepreneur</a>. Though she has not yet been completed, her much acclaimed 'launch' occurred in October, when she was moved out of the construction shed in Zwijndrecht and moved to a completion shed for outfitting. It will not be long before the superyacht is sailing the seas and ranking <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/39767" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The top 10 largest sailing yachts in the world (2021-04-13 13:00:00 +0200)">second in the list of the world's largest sailing yachts</a>!<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207798/image/large-4988c376d6c8eb77f26885587749e701.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207798">3.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6433" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Infinity117.0m (383'10&quot;)Oceanco2022">Infinity</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>&nbsp;| 117-metreComing in at third is another <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> superyacht, when she was launched in October she was the largest superyacht launched by the shipyard, though her top spot was quickly nabbed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7500" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco Y721127.0m (416'8&quot;)Oceanco2022">Y721</a>.&nbsp;This sleek and elegant superyacht features exterior design from Monaco-based designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino International</a>, while her interior has been penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/926" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design (Company)">Sinot Yacht Architecture &amp; Design</a>. The yacht has an elegant profile with a long bow with helipad on the foredeck. She has an additional helipad on the aft top deck, which also acts as a social space for entertaining. Of largest yachts in the world, she ranks number 53.&nbsp; <iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bgDUSfs1EoI?&amp;t=1s&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>4.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>&nbsp;| 115.1-metre<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/115m-lurssen-superyacht-ahpo-delivered" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Launched in June 2021</a> and <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/115m-lurssen-superyacht-ahpo-delivered" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">delivered in November</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7335" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahpo115.1m (377'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2021">Ahpo</a> made a splash with her elongated bow with its distinctive gold emblem emblazoned below. Featuring interior and exterior design from <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/nuvolari-lenard" target="_blank">Nuvolari Lenard</a>, the yacht has a sweeping profile with distinctive semicircular windows amidships and a sweeping curve to the aft which is accentuated by black. She has since been <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/lurssen-superyacht-ahpo-docked" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">spotted anchored off Jamaica, where it is believed she will be cruising over the winter months</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199562/image/large-ac24f6a6a353c094ee45171ff10de906.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199562">5.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6722" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bliss94.75m (310'10&quot;)Feadship2021">Bliss&nbsp;</a>|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>&nbsp;| 94.75-metreDesigned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt Naval Architects</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6722" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bliss94.75m (310'10&quot;)Feadship2021">Bliss</a> is the largest of many <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>s to have entered the fleet this year. <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/95m-feadship-superyacht-bliss-sea-trials" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Launched in May, the yacht sports a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system</a>, which has been designed and engineered by the naval architects at her builders. With classic <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> lines, she has a long bow with helideck, a crisp white exterior and tiered decks that offer her owner and guest a multitude of options for lounging and entertainment. <iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ytsGGaYSORI?&amp;t=5s&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>6.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6299" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Viva94.0m (308'5&quot;)Feadship2021">Viva</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>&nbsp;| &nbsp;94-metreAs the next <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> in the list, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6299" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Viva94.0m (308'5&quot;)Feadship2021">Viva</a> sits only just behind <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6722" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bliss94.75m (310'10&quot;)Feadship2021">Bliss</a> at 94-metres, but features a radically different design. Conceived in a collaboration between <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/azure-naval-architects" target="_blank">Azure Yacht Design &amp; Naval Architecture</a> and <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/de-voogt" target="_blank">De Voogt Naval Architects</a>, the superyacht has a straight bow and angular deck arrangement, punctuated amidships by an archway in the superstructure. Dark glazing wraps around the upper decks, giving them the impressive of floating. Her interior comes from the boards of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1107" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Peter Marino (Company)">Peter Marino</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/211013/image/large-901cde28239e395e7e586ab2c405d8ff.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/211013">7.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1591" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Victorious85.0m (278'10&quot;)Akyacht2021">Victorious</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4644" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akyacht (Company)">AKYACHT</a>&nbsp;| 85-metreNext in the list and the first launch from Turkey was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1591" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Victorious85.0m (278'10&quot;)Akyacht2021">Victorious</a>, launched in April and built to designs from <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/michael-leach" target="_blank">Michael Leach Design Ltd</a>. The superyacht was on display at the 2021 Monaco Yacht Show, highly distinctive due to her blue hull and bow that ends in a slight bowsprit. Internally she has been designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/161" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H2 Yacht Design (Company)">H2 Yacht Design</a> and recently <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54057" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Onboard AKYacht's magnificent 85m superyacht Victorious (2021-11-11 10:00:00 +0100)">released shots of her interior show a luxuriously appointed yacht</a>with spas suites and more than enough space to accommodate her 20 guests.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/212128/image/large-235fccb16ca42f1a3697b8c3b2416ff3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/212128">8.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Galactica</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts</a>&nbsp;| 80-metreWith her technical launch in November, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Galactica</a> made the front page with her bulbous bow painted with the ferocious face of a sea creature. With exterior design from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch</a> and interiors from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/926" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design (Company)">Sinot Yacht Architecture &amp; Design</a>, her design team are certainly as formidable as her bow and she is even the shipyards longest superyacht launched to date. <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/heesen-s-project-cosmos-launched" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">At her launch, CEO Arthur Brouwer commented</a> "This yacht is unique, not only for our shipyard, as she is the largest we have ever taken on and represents the pinnacle of our achievements to date. <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/yachts/galactica" target="_blank">Cosmos</a> (as she was known at launch) is also unique in the industry - the largest and fastest aluminium yacht in her class ever built.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207632/image/large-fb048eb1994ddf3c5aa3e8428f3de8ff.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207632">9. Amels 78m Full Custom |&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a>&nbsp;| 77.8-metre<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/amels-and-damen-yachting-amels-78m-full-custom" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Launched in August to designs by Espen Øino International, exterior, and Zuretti Interior Design</a>, interior. The yacht has a powerful exterior profile with a large amount of glazing and wrap-around windows on the upper decks. She has a 2,885 GT and can accommodate as many as 14 guests. As seen in the image above, she is fitted with a display of underwater LED lighting, so she's set to be a striking yacht at anchor.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/211812/image/large-56feefc33470af9107529e0f93625042.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/211812">10.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7275" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kenshō74.85m (245'7&quot;)Admiral2022">Kenshõ</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/570" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Admiral (Company)">Admiral</a>&nbsp;| 74.85-metre&nbsp;Coming in at the penultimate position is the Admiral superyacht with a beautiful blue hull, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7275" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kenshō74.85m (245'7&quot;)Admiral2022">Kenshõ</a>. Designed by <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/azure-naval-architects" target="_blank">Azure Yacht Design &amp; Naval Architecture</a>, <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/admiral-s-75m-superyacht-kensho-launched" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">the yacht was launched in November at the Italian shipyard</a>. Her interiors, which feature oriental influences and organic shapes, are the work of <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/jouin-manku" target="_blank">Jouin Manku</a>. With accommodations for 16 guests and 20 crew, she will make an excellent charter or private yacht when she is delivered in the coming months.Another notable launch of 2021 <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/122m-lurssen-superyacht-jag-hull-launched" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">was the spectacular slipway launch of the hull of the Lürssen superyacht&nbsp;Jag</a>. Featuring exterior design by <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/nuvolari-lenard" target="_blank">Nuvolari Lenard</a>, while her interiors have been penned by British design studio, <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/reymond-langton" target="_blank">Reymond Langton</a>. She is distinctive for her unusual mast design, as well as the bowsprit that echoes the design of the 2014 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> superyacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4095" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kismet95.2m (312'4&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2014">Kismet</a>. Jag&nbsp;is set to be completed and launched in 2023.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nUnXL_NJZgI?&amp;t=1s&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>

The top 10 biggest superyachts launched in 2021

Here is our official run down of the biggest superyachts launched in 2021.

The 80.07-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts</a> superyacht Project Cosmos, now known as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Galactica</a>, has been launched in the Netherlands. <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/heesen-s-project-cosmos-launched" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">The yacht, which was first launched in November, is the builders longest and fastest superyacht built to date</a>, setting records for the shipyard with speeds up to 30 knots. She is exactly 10 metres longer than the 2016 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica Super Nova70.07m (229'11&quot;)Heesen Yachts2016">Galactica Super Nova</a>. <iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1-kHpDR4cqw?&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215338/image/large-f5c01116faa5199c882656bc871d7e7f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215338"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215336/image/large-b45b7db2fd7f628fd860e69d144fcc76.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215336"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215339/image/large-27d865726b66efb1ba80620149b5d177.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215339">Heesen and her owner turned to a A-star list of designers to create this record-breaking yacht, with British design firm <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch</a> drawing her long and sinewy exterior lines which culminate in a powerfully sharp bow.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215334/image/large-8a54f90a0db76c02945f4fc56a6d3209.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215334"> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215335/image/large-463397c8dbaa58f963662c8d5ec478ad.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215335"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215339/image/large-27d865726b66efb1ba80620149b5d177.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215339">Her profile is punctuated by angular forward flowing lines that echo the direction of her bow, with dark glazing that flows right into the forward part of the hull. Amidships there is an arched motif that defines the upper superstructure and which offers full glazed walls that will no doubt shed an abundance of light on her upper decks. This also acts to protect the top deck from the elements, and lend her owner and guests absolute privacy while they enjoy time onboard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215331/image/large-2a05009c6c5da5f00457f494ef131824.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215331"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215333/image/large-d9d91b69d006411c30ecf5982a63726a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215333"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215340/image/large-8e3f6ce0c6cadde4e2e5e43eec0a0c46.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215340">Her interior styling is the work of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/926" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design (Company)">Sinot Yacht Architecture &amp; Design</a>, and though the design of the interior has so far been kept under wraps, there have been some renders released that reveal flowing and organic forms, as well as an abundance of glass within a contemporary setting.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215341/image/large-168334c34a3432ce427e3f1e5e20b105.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215341"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215330/image/large-669929f49de7d12be282b2f9373287f2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215330">Her impressive speeds, which even at cruising will be in excess of 20 knots, have been pioneered by the combination of the Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) alongside an advanced propulsion solution developed by the yard alongside <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/van-oossanen-naval-architects" target="_blank">Van Oosanen Naval Architects</a> and <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/rolls-royce-marine" target="_blank">Rolls-Royce Marine</a>.

Superyacht Project Cosmos launched at Heesen

Heesen has launched the 80m superyacht Galactica in the Netherlands.

Video: Heesen's 80m superyacht Galactica has been launched

A momentous occasion took place last week in Oss, the Netherlands, as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Heesen Yachts</a> launched its all-new 80.07-metre superyacht, project <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Cosmos</a> – the shipbuilder’s longest and fastest yacht to date. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/212128/image/large-235fccb16ca42f1a3697b8c3b2416ff3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/212128">“Today, we are celebrating the launch of a unique yacht,” said Arthur Brouwer, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Heesen</a>. “Unique not only for our shipyard, as she is the largest we have ever taken on and represents the pinnacle of our achievements to date. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Cosmos</a> is also unique in the industry - the largest and fastest aluminium yacht in her class ever built.”An esteemed lineup of engineers and designers stepped up to the challenge to build a yacht that breaks all limits. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Heesen</a> managed her construction, and the brand’s rich heritage of state-of-the-art Dutch craftsmanship is steeped into this vessel’s DNA. As the firm itself has said, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Cosmos</a> is a daring project which stretches the imagination – and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Heesen</a> has gone above and beyond to launch her, working tirelessly under the shadow of a pandemic. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/212129/image/large-2041462d14357b45a2ba43b596bc0894.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/212129">It was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> who styled her exterior and penned sporty sophistication at every stroke. She has a timeless, sinewy profile that is further accentuated by extensive use of glass. “The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch</a> vision for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Cosmos</a> was to retain <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Heesen</a>’s sporty DNA but blend it with an innovative, futuristic spin. Curved glass forms smooth, sculpted shapes, creating a feeling of slick, contemporary charm,” said Jim Dixon, Director of Yachts and Aviation at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a>.&nbsp;Meanwhile, James Russell, an Associate of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> commented, “The brief stressed that she had to have a strong and unique signature whilst retaining the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Heesen</a> DNA that we all know and love. The emphasis was on creating a fast looking yacht that sits elegantly on the water, a feat that has been cleverly achieved through the use of sculptural, curved forms and perfectly balanced proportions.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/212126/image/large-a3e69074495f86157a9c2919ec2116f5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/212126">Project <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Cosmos</a> features cascading decks to aft that provide her owner and guests ample opportunities for alfresco living. She has a generous beach club with its additional side and stern platforms, heaps of dining options, and a glass-bottomed swimming pool located on her sun deck. Her most striking feature though is her bow, which boasts a voluminous deck that serves as a helipad. It also double-downs as an outdoor screen area when guests want to watch an evening movie under the stars.&nbsp;<ul><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/51673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="In Pictures: Heesen’s 80m flagship yacht Cosmos under construction (2020-08-18 11:00:00 +0200)">In Pictures: Heesen’s 80m flagship yacht Cosmos under construction</a></li><li><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/51538" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cosmos: Behind the scenes of Heesen's biggest superyacht construction (2020-07-16 17:00:00 +0200)">Cosmos: Behind the scenes of Heesen's biggest superyacht construction</a></li></ul>Her interior was curated by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/926" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design (Company)">Sinot Yacht Architecture &amp; Design</a> who opted for a light and breezy palette throughout, to give future guests a feeling of home-from-home. One of her notable features is a backlit onyx bar, where guests can socialise while remaining close to the water. As there is such a synergy between the size, weight, and performance of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Cosmos</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/926" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design (Company)">Sinot</a> was in constant consultation with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Heesen</a>’s in-house engineers to ensure that her weight harmony was always met.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/212119/image/large-d4a2afa906f64581df3026d3fecf307f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/212119">In spite of her size, project <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Cosmos</a> is incredibly nimble – this is not just thanks to her 4 MTU engines, either. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen</a>, who took charge of her naval architecture, developed an iteration of the Fast Displacement Hull Form designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">van Oossanen</a> to be both lightweight and with a low drag. Bolstering this, and to ensure sufficient longitudinal strength, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Heesen</a> designed and patented an intricate, full-length structural reinforcement system.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/212122/image/large-c04f3e6ef287a470c1a7051ca7d76987.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/212122"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/212120/image/large-533a5f6b334580060f873e016a47052e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/212120">Project <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Cosmos</a>, or <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica80.07m (262'8&quot;)Heesen Yachts2022">Galactica</a> as she has since been renamed, will remain at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> for commissioning before undergoing sea trials in the North Sea this coming February. Her delivery date is penned in for April 2022.

Heesen’s project Cosmos launched

A momentous occasion took place last week as Heesen launched project Cosmos – the shipbuilder’s longest and fastest yacht to date. 

Project Cosmos undergoes technical launch from Heesen's facilities in Oss 

Presenting at the Design &amp; Innovation hub today at the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2021">Monaco Yacht Show 2021</a> was Jim Dixon, Director of Yachts &amp; Aviation at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a>, who shared insight into the sustainable and ethical heart of the company. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206881/image/large-e1d880764ffd6f25c28272c1abb29eda.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206881">Jim Dixon and his team have kept the sword to the whetstone this last year and continued to create under the shadow of the pandemic. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> has created a whole line of new concepts and ideas without neglecting their ongoing building projects - a true testament to the agility of the company.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206879/image/large-f8b6882efc6bd942159a2dfeda6e837c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206879">The list of forthcoming <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> projects is extensive and wide-reaching. There is the all-aluminium 80-metre motor yacht Cosmos, which will be showcased in Port Hercule next year; the colossus 222-metre Somnio, which is now deep in its engineering phase; two designs created in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>; the fully <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Winch</a> designed 67-metre Sparta; along with the “Range Rover” of the ocean concept: the 57-metre XVenture. They have also worked with Dutch shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> on the 77-metre Sea Xplorer. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206882/image/large-c143412dde7bf8b8fdbb9d1e5a89e845.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206882">Excitement has been bubbling about these new ventures, but what really won the audience was the passion and commitment that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> has to become a sustainable and ethical brand through and through. Jim Dixon explained how the company has already taken great strides toward this goal by working closely with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5877" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Water Revolution Foundation (Company)">Water Revolution Foundatio</a>n to index and quantify the carbon footprint of not only every material sourced and used but also of every way of operating - which, in fact, is where more effort is being made. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206878/image/large-375fe79f30eb0c303dc5e7cf6f7a3ca9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206878">Sustainability is not just a buzzword of our day, it’s a real commitment. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> is very much behind this and is driven to go beyond paying lip service to the issue, and to actualising real quantifiable data where they can continue to lower their carbon footprint. Earlier this year Winch signed the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5877" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Water Revolution Foundation (Company)">Water Revolution Foundation</a>’s ‘Code of Conduct’, officiating its commitment to the cause, and since then has continued to update its encyclopedic record of sustainable materials and methods. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> even has a dedicated Eco Committee who meet regularly to discuss and implement ideas to improve sustainable practices in-house. These efforts have been recognised, and the company is supported by the Eden Project and has been awarded The Planet Mark. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199977/image/large-1e0f5c2c5341f00aa9c1900ce6ad7f44.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199977">As a continuation of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch</a>’s ethical drive are two more initiatives: Life Worth Living &amp; the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch</a> Employee Ownership Trust. With 35 years of experience to tap into, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> has been offering salient advice to companies under its umbrella, to help see them through these trying years. This dedication to care feeds into the second initiative, as Dixon proudly announced that the company is now 100 percent owned by its employees. Further testament to the agility of the company. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/189335/image/large-69d497d04598b31e329605151a3c7d17.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/189335">Nestled among the lineup at this year’s show are two stunning yachts which feature interiors penned by the company: the 24-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5302" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maori Yacht (Company)">Maori</a> 80, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11370" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mama-G24.2m (79'5&quot;)Maori Yacht2021">Mama-G</a>, and the much larger 74-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3974" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Plvs Vltra74.0m (242'9&quot;)Amels2016">Plvs Vltra</a> which has an exterior designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tim Heywood Design Ltd. (Company)">Tim Heywood Design</a> and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a>. These two vessels showcase the craftsmanship and the sustainable heart of the brand for participants of the 2021 <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2021">Monaco Yacht Show</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/205087/image/large-a5e04a180656e33b791dd8e98554c4c4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/205087">

Jim Dixon on Winch Design’s sustainability

Jim Dixon, Director of Yachts & Aviation at Winch Design, who shared insight into the sustainable and ethical heart of the company. 

Jim Dixon on the sustainable driving force at Winch Design

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4509" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuperYacht Times (Company)">SuperYacht Times</a> Founder Merijn de Waard sits down with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> CEO Arthur Brouwer, to find out about what this world renowned shipyard is planning for the future. The pair discuss how <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> intends to move toward even more sustainable solutions, with the launch of the new comprehensive sustainability programme, Blue NauTech, with the Hybrid series already well established, it has now invested in the adaptation of the engine room of every new-build vessel for the hybrid propulsion package. This is a major step forward in the yard’s move toward sustainable practices, offering clients the option of hybrid propulsion without the need for retrofitting its systems. The discussion will also touch on whether or not the yard will be making the move to even larger vessels and Brouwer’s view of the current boom in the superyacht new-build market.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206827/image/large-574c79e6841100a40e8c95c79d51c8cf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206827">How has&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>&nbsp;responded to the current high demand in the market?The current wave of demand in the market that began in Q3 of 2020 and continued strong into Q4 has resulted in an enormous surge in the market in the superyacht sector and we are still seeing an increased appetite for yachts. There has been huge interest in speculation builds because there is more demand than ever from owners who own yachts now or in the near future. As a result, we have sold our stock of speculation builds for 2021 and 2022 and now our next speculative projects won't come onto the market until after the summer of 2023. In terms of my predictions for this practice, I think we can expect a continuation of this strength with a moderate cooling. At the same time there have been more newcomers to the market and we can certainly see potential to pursue historic build programmes with speculation builds. There may also be the possibility for us to sell to buyers earlier than we have in the past.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/23616/image/large-3039573da5de76e8cf3e55a6e281ea6b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23616">Do you also intend to scale up your production?The shipyard is currently operating at maximum capacity, which is where we want to be – we currently have 13 yachts in-build and in the past year we have had as many as 15 yachts in-build at one time. Heesen has already seen tremendous growth over the last few years with the new 85-metre dry dock – so it is not about scaling up production, our aim is to always be working at or near capacity to deliver the maximum amount of yachts we can produce. Quality not quantity!With&nbsp;Sparta, Cosmos, Falcon and Skyfall all currently in-build, it appears that Heesen is focusing on the 60+ metre market, can you tell me more about the motivations for this?Our business model of custom build yachts between 60-80-metres has been extremely successful and demand has increased over the last two years for yachts of that scale. As the capacity becomes available for increasingly large yachts we will continue to have discussions with clients about this with regard to new and ongoing projects.&nbsp;For those who want truly bespoke yachts, our clients are look within this size range rather than in the 90-plus metre range. Part of this may also be to do with our strong reputation when it comes to yachts in this range and we have invested in more marketing within the custom division. This is certainly one of Heesen’s greatest strengths and the increase we have seen is a demonstration of that.&nbsp;It is important to keep in mind that our business model is based on three pillars, the first being speculation builds, the second being platform yachts, which continues to be very successful, and third is the custom division. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/23618/image/large-385e6794b6db34c29fbff224d5e7bf76.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23618">The new speculation Project Akira with her 57-metres in length and volume of 780 GT is also a big step up from the previous fast aluminium yachts (50-metre / 499 GT). What are your expectations of this project?&nbsp;We have capacity to build two 60-plus metre yachts at once, alongside a large number of 57-metre and 55-metre yachts, which is the capacity of most of our sheds. In our business model, if we have the capacity to build a 55-metre or 57-metre, we will do so because it uses the capacity of the yard more sensibly. This also helps us to become more dominant in the segments that we move within. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/200330/image/large-9b7990e05b4de1fd19c5841f9af039ea.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/200330">Nevertheless, we will stay in the 500 GT class and we have expanded the capacity in the last year for build slots of the 55-metre and we have added the 57-metre aluminium. Our portfolio is complete and it optimises our production and our offering to clients moving from 50-metre aluminium toward the 57-metre aluminium. The step in financial terms between a 50-metre and a 60-metre is much greater than between a 50-metre and a 57-metre, which can be more attractive to our clients.The 57-metre aluminium is a fantastic yacht, not only in its lines, but in her capacity and her arrangement, it is a very interesting yacht for a lot of the market.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/200328/image/large-63ae9b4f2d0fb654c520448ee7730bb9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/200328">With&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>’s hybrid models, you seem to be moving toward more sustainable practices, how do you see this developing and will you be looking toward other alternative propulsions?Of course. Hydrogen powered yachts are the ultimate goal, but we must be realistic. In this industry we are dependent on the suppliers who build the engine packages. We are not in a position to design and build hydrogen propulsion systems, but we can assist those who do by supporting the movement and accommodating them as they develop.&nbsp;Looking at what we can do now, we have moved toward hybrid propulsion yachts on speculation. Our engine rooms have now been modified and every engine room can be adapted for hybrid propulsion, which has been a huge investment toward more sustainable solutions.&nbsp;We see sustainability as an entire package. First of all, the best way to gain efficiency and therefore increase sustainability is through the hull design, which we have been focusing on for a long time. Our new 50-metre semi-displacement is the perfect example, the yacht has a highly optimised hull, which is incredibly sleek and more like an automotive. The engine package is smaller and yet we can achieve even higher speeds due to the design and efficiency of the Fast Displacement Hull Form, which has been proven to be 30% more effective.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/202512/image/large-97aadae9df57f8594de55d447c293d28.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/202512">The 57m X-Venture project that&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>&nbsp;developed with&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a>&nbsp;is one of the coolest explorer yacht projects. Has there been a lot of interest in this project and do you think we will see it build at some point in the future?We have very concrete requests within the explorer division. The market is still small for this type of vessel – when we do sell X-Venture we expect that she will be in a modified form. This is purely because the clients seeking this type of vessel are generally experienced yachtsmen who demand specific requirements from their yacht, meaning that it would not be a speculative project.&nbsp;What is the next step for&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>, can we expect to see more of the Steel series in the future?We are bringing to the market an evolution of the 55 Steel superstructure and these gradual modifications continue to follow the market trends. We are not looking at a 57 Steel while the 57 Aluminium Akira is our current focus, particularly as we only have so many sheds to fill. We do not build 20 of the same yacht, it is part of our mentality to evolve our yachts and continue to innovate our successful models.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/103967/image/large-155aa17731669b54c0ad1acde63aa93c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/103967">Finally, where do you see the customer demand coming from?Over the first half of 2021 we saw most interest coming from the US, but Europe is coming back very strong and the Middle East is also an evolving market, with more demand than ever before. There is some demand from South America as well, though Asia is still a very quiet market for us.

Interview with Heesen CEO on the future of the shipyard

SYT interviews to Arthur brouwer, CEO of Heesen about plans for the future, scaling up and sustainability.

Monaco Yacht Show exclusive: The three pillars of Heesen’s success with CEO Arthur Brouwer

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts</a> is developing its own hybrid solutions in a drive to make yachting cleaner, greener and more efficient.&nbsp;The demand for hybrid yachts has increased by an estimated 50 percent in the last seven years. The numbers compared with conventionally powered yachts are still small, but the technology is improving all the time and becoming more efficient, reliable and affordable. This is in part thanks to developments in the automotive industry (the hybrid Toyota Prius first appeared on our roads 25 years ago) that have trickled down to the yachting sector, but companies like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> are also busy researching hybrid solutions that make the most sense in a yachting context.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/23606/image/large-3b125a9f7a9e4ccc27de9b180d3ee622.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23606">“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> first deliberated building a hybrid yacht seven years ago and rather than leave it on paper, we decided to take the risk and build it on spec,” says Mark Cavendish, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>’s Executive Commercial Officer. “Project Nova, now motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5959" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Home49.8m (163'5&quot;)Heesen Yachts2017">Home</a>, was the world’s first Fast Displacement Hull Form with hybrid propulsion and was a huge success in 2017. In fact, we plan on offering hybrid propulsion as an option on all our future models.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/202510/image/large-e19937c1d8a206621b996ea45ad98866.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/202510">There is some confusion surrounding ‘diesel-electric’ and ‘hybrid’, terms that are often used interchangeably and sometimes inaccurately. In a diesel-electric system, generators provide power to e-motors coupled to the propeller shafts, or to drive electric thrusters such as Azipods. This brings advantages in terms of fuel consumption, flexible layout solutions, and reduced noise and vibration, but because all the power – whether for propulsion or hotel services – &nbsp;are converted from diesel to electric, it is what engineers call a ‘lossy’ system.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/197448/image/large-f0f171c760c9f4b420ac769294b1bffe.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/197448">Diesel-electric becomes a hybrid system when battery banks are added. Recharged by the electric motors, these batteries store energy that can be used for silent, emission-free cruising at low speed, or to cater for the hotel loads without the emissions, noise and vibration from generators.The problem is that batteries are heavy, take up a lot of valuable space that can be devoted to guest use, and rely on precious metals that are notoriously difficult to mine sustainably. In fact, most experts agree that their limited use on a superyacht does little or nothing to enhance the vessel’s eco credentials. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/202511/image/large-8a82c3f64614c026b509d725118a17d6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/202511">For this reason, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> has removed the batteries from the equation. Instead, the propulsion package aboard ground-breaking <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5959" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Home49.8m (163'5&quot;)Heesen Yachts2017">Home</a>, her sistership <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7195" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amare II49.8m (163'5&quot;)Heesen Yachts2020">Amare II</a> (formerly Project Electra), and the 50-metre steel Project Oslo24, comprises two diesel engines, two diesel generators and two electric motors that can be operated separately or together in various combinations thanks to sophisticated power management software.&nbsp;“Our focus is on energy saving,” says Erik van Mourik of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>’s Design &amp; Development department. “This is what makes a yacht more sustainable – not an ability run for an hour or two on battery power.”In Hybrid Mode, the generators power the yacht’s hotel services while the e-motors propel the yacht silently at low speed. For faster cruising, Economic Mode brings in the main engines both to propel the vessel and run the e-motors, which power the hotel services with the generators switched off. In Cruising Mode the yacht runs conventionally, with the main engines propelling her up to maximum speed, while the generators provide power for hotel services. If still more speed is needed, Boost Mode sees the e-motors come on line to augment the propulsion power of the main engines. Significantly, conversion is only necessary in quiet cruising mode, at low speed and low power, where diesel generators run electric propulsion motors.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/202512/image/large-97aadae9df57f8594de55d447c293d28.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/202512">“Diesel engines are very efficient at cruising speeds, but not so efficient at low speeds and low power,” continues van Mourik. “Each power conversion means electrical losses. This is why our hybrid system is the most efficient: at low speed, the win in diesel engine efficiency is higher than the electrical losses, because the diesel generator is running at optimal efficiency.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>’s hybrid system has another advantage that has less to do with sustainability but a lot to do with production efficiency and cost effectiveness. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> is primarily a builder of customisable series superyachts based on common technical platforms. So it was important to devise a hybrid system that would fit into the engine rooms of its existing platforms in order to improve comfort and performance without the need for expensive re-engineering. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/71072/image/large-5896eba81178daf094c4e21175a5c3e6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/71072">Of course, hybrid propulsion is not the final word in energy efficiency. The 50-metre Project Altea and 80-metre Project Cosmos, both currently in build, will feature ‘peak-shaving’ batteries not for propulsion but for storing excess generated energy that can be deployed during peak periods, saving on generator use. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/71122/image/large-98a9c09e02b1414cf087db9836039f40.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/71122">Hull design is another critical factor. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>’s 65-metre Galactica Star,&nbsp;now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3676" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Illusion65.0m (213'3&quot;)Heesen Yachts2013">Illusion</a>, was the first yacht with a Fast Displacement Hull Form in 2013. Developed and patented by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen Naval Architects</a>, the FDHF’s resistance values are typically 20% lower than a well-designed hard chine hull at semi-displacement speeds. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/71075/image/large-4864980e791c544453ca2de77bd0a042.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/71075"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen</a> further believes that cutting fuel consumption and emissions does not always depend on reinventing the wheel. Systems architect Peter Dijkstra, who has worked closely with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> since the shipyard first began contemplating a hybrid future, agrees that making yachting greener is more a matter of mindset than emerging technology:&nbsp;“Did you know that most of the heat pumped out of a yacht by the air-con comes not from the sun, but from the sea?” he asks. “Simply insulating the hulls would save a lot of that energy.”

Hybrid yachts by Heesen 

Heesen Yachts is developing its own hybrid solutions in a drive to make yachting cleaner, greener and more efficient.

Hybrid by Heesen: Cleaner, greener and more efficient

As the unusual year of 2020 approaches its close, it is the ideal time to take stock and to look ahead to a better 2021. Despite the exceptional circumstances in which we have all found ourselves, shipyards around the world have risen to the challenge and kept themselves busy with their ongoing projects, whilst adhering to new safety regulations. Here, we outline some of the largest superyacht launches we can look forward to in 2021. <ul><li>Solaris,&nbsp;138.96m, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1075" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd Werft (Company)">Lloyd Werft</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/31701/image/large-f0550af6b7ad84f6b98f50cc23d7b749.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/31701"> </li><li>Oceanco Y719,&nbsp;117m, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/85486/image/large-84196a8b5ae63f97e71d1b863eb56b8c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/85486"> </li><li>Oceanco Y720, 109m, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/121527/image/large-4cc4b7b649c28f0e2ce8be90757457b9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/121527"> </li><li>Project 1009,&nbsp;94.75m,<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">&nbsp;Feadship&nbsp;</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/96205/image/large-833dc56c1adf7c38fc7cb7e4073c9afb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/96205"> </li><li>Viva, 94m, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/45047/image/large-43784807fd4a749ee6209f59ef5bc513.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/45047"> </li><li>Project&nbsp;1601,&nbsp;90m,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/120296/image/large-5ef7b088e0566ca6fbdee8a4741b192f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/120296"> </li><li>SilverLoft 006,&nbsp;85m, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/899" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SilverYachts (Company)">SilverYachts</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/119391/image/large-fe9c802ef98b3e903ca28a9d7df69352.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/119391">Image depicts vessel rendering&nbsp; </li><li>Bilgin 263/2,&nbsp;80m,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1414" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bilgin Yachts (Company)">Bilgin Yachts</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/172078/image/large-2c6b2be1aed010b3155900cf6aae166e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/172078"></li></ul><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/113320/image/large-42c24b0b91c4f1d0bc92ff849450440a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/113320"> The data used for this article was sourced from the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachting-intelligence" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SuperYacht Times iQ yachting intelligence system</a>. You can enquire about becoming a user of iQ <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachting-intelligence" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here,</a> or, find more data on the market in the popular <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">The State of Yachting 2020 market report here.</a>

Making a splash: The largest superyacht launches expected in 2021

SYT takes a look at some of the largest superyacht launches slated for 2021. 

The largest superyacht launches due in 2021 

After arriving at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen’s</a> facility in Oss, the Netherlands last month, work has now commenced on outfitting the 80-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/51538" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cosmos: Behind the scenes of Heesen's biggest superyacht construction (2020-07-16 17:00:00 +0200)">Cosmos</a> as her 2021 launch date approaches. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/172103/image/large-e94298734e0b48826dfb11d75f5ba71d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/172103"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/172105/image/large-6d3b7c857da9690eaa00e46613ddde62.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/172105">During a recent exclusive visit to the shipyard, SuperYacht Times’ Charl van Rooy captured the impressive full-aluminium project (the longest aluminium motor yacht in the Netherlands) as the yard was preparing to cover the entire structure for cosmetic works to get underway. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/111158/image/large-19d7024bbcd30e4712522e34c9b5603e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/111158"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/172108/image/large-12b568a90673abbb12bf2eb8312d80a1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/172108">The custom project brings together <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/winch" target="_blank">Winch Design</a> (exterior) and <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/sinot-exclusive-yacht-design" target="_blank">Sinot Yacht Architecture &amp; Design</a> (interior) who worked with <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/van-oossanen-naval-architects" target="_blank">Van Oossanen Naval Architects</a> and <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/rolls-royce-marine" target="_blank">Rolls-Royce Marine</a> to create one of the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/world-s-fastest-yachts" target="_blank">fastest 80-metre plus yachts in the world</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/172116/image/large-956cb4ecefeecf2c02dc508082e41cec.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/172116"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/172110/image/large-de8cf194c643c486269cd3a5c73c04dd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/172110">Thanks to its innovative Fast Displacement Hull Form developed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen</a>, Cosmos will be able to achieve a top speed close to 30 knots. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/172111/image/large-adbd916cbf66b4ef29c68825552830e5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/172111"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/172119/image/large-510a7786b0379926416a1425622d885a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/172119">At 80 metres overall, the all-aluminium Cosmos is 10 metres longer than <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/galactica-super-nova" target="_blank">Galactica Super Nova,</a> <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/heesen" target="_blank">Heesen’s</a> largest launch to date, but more importantly, at 1,700 GT she has nearly 50 per cent more interior volume than her smaller and older sister. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/48891/image/large-231572ef1141fd85f5e9d8a2f8e078e7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/48891"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/172120/image/large-ea327433fe0bfc7660c5ef4ac1068268.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/172120">“Project Cosmos is raising the bar once again not only for <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/heesen" target="_blank">Heesen</a> but for custom aluminium yacht building in general,” explains Arthur Brouwer, CEO of <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/heesen" target="_blank">Heesen.&nbsp;</a>“Both from a technical standpoint and from a performance point of view we are pushing boundaries. Not only has this 80-metre project been designed to reach close to 30 knots, but she has also been designed for fast, 20+ knots cruising in an efficient manner.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/172104/image/large-80857879b0b13dab674e777006ced7ca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/172104"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/172102/image/large-be11252ac81bc34e7b8ca3cfad903d29.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/172102">To efficiently deal with the enormous amount of power (19,000 hp) that her four engines produce and to boost the structural rigidity of the vessel, <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/van-oossanen-naval-architects" target="_blank">Van Oossanen</a> and <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/heesen" target="_blank">Heesen</a> developed an innovative method of construction called Backbone®, a method of construction that delivers the required stiffness in the yacht without adding weight that would have impacted on the yacht’s performance. This new innovation has now been patented by the yard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/172109/image/large-6d7b2444aa8c7e9ff9992e62e752d2cd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/172109">

80m Heesen yacht Cosmos in build

Heesen's 80-metre all-aluminium yacht Cosmos captured in her early stages of outfitting where she is taking shape in Oss, the Netherlands. 

In Pictures: Heesen’s 80m flagship yacht Cosmos under construction

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts</a> celebrated a milestone in the construction of its 80.07-metre flagship superyacht Cosmos this month when it joined the hull and superstructure of the vessel at its shipyard in Oss, the Netherlands. The custom project brings together <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> (exterior) and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/926" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design (Company)">Sinot Yacht Architecture &amp; Design</a> (interior) who worked with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen Naval Architects</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce Marine</a> to create one of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/50563" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="15 of the world's fastest yachts (2019-10-24 11:00:00 +0200)">fastest 80-metre plus yachts in the world</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/168563/image/large-e6df1a37f4f1e417d0fb49170aacd681.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/168563">With the vessel’s four MTU engines now fitted inside the hull, Cosmos will return undercover where she will undergo outfitting before being delivered launched in 2021. The yacht has a designed top speed of close to 30 knots and a cruising speed in excess of 20 knots and will use a development of the Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) as developed by<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">&nbsp;Van Oossanen</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/111158/image/large-19d7024bbcd30e4712522e34c9b5603e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/111158"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/168560/image/large-ae22cf61f468d4fda6780d47b6a0bec1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/168560">At 80 metres overall, the all-aluminium Cosmos is 10 metres longer than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/galactica-super-nova">Galactica Super Nova,</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen’s</a> largest launch to date, but more importantly at 1,700GT she has around 50 percent more interior volume. Combining her size with such high speeds represented a challenge on numerous fronts, not least ensuring that she will be able to pass under the various bridges en route from the shipyard in Oss to the sea – a tight squeeze at the best of times.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/48898/image/large-d3341614ebcb48ff36ae7e4d1e4a9f93.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/48898"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/168548/image/large-e93b9107266894bd945b243397cc19e2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/168548">“Project Cosmos is raising the bar once again not only for&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>&nbsp;but for custom aluminium yacht building in general,”&nbsp;explains Arthur Brouwer, CEO of <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/heesen">Heesen.&nbsp;</a>“Both from a technical standpoint and from a performance point of view we are pushing boundaries. Not only has this 80-metre project been designed to reach close to 30 knots, but she has also been designed for fast, 20+ knots cruising in an efficient manner.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/48889/image/large-90540a17cd909c32bbb864c385589627.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/48889"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/168562/image/large-11124c3992e1fa377de1e28e43be1094.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/168562">To efficiently deal with the enormous amount of power (19,000 hp) that her four engines produce and to boost the structural rigidity of the vessel, <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/van-oossanen-naval-architects">Van Oossanen</a> and <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/heesen">Heesen</a> developed an innovative method of construction called Backbone®, a method of construction that delivers the required stiffness in the yacht without adding weight that would have impacted on the yacht’s performance. This new innovation has now been patented by the yard.

80m Heesen superyacht Cosmos construction update

Heesen Yachts' 80-metre flagship superyacht Cosmos is taking shape in Oss, the Netherlands as the yard works towards her 2023 delivery. 

Cosmos: Behind the scenes of Heesen's biggest superyacht construction

There’s certainly something about Sander Sinot. Speaking with a smooth Dutch accent and emanating a noticeably relaxed and humble persona, Sinot nonchalantly drifts over the details whilst conversing about the intricacies of some of the most complex superyacht projects the industry has ever seen. These details are the stuff of dreams and are clearly put together through a passion and integrity to create something that will not only turn heads, but also make a difference.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/111338/image/large-e27d7500c85dfdcbaa8c9e5c63610b5c.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/111338">The way he conducts business is through his eponymous design house which, after over a decade in the industry, has been behind the likes of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lonian87.0m (285'5&quot;)Feadship2018">Lonian</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5634" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Illusion Plus88.5m (290'4&quot;)Pride Mega Yachts2018">Illusion Plus</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5848" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aquarius56.0m (183'9&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2018">Aquarius</a> and the soon-to-be Black Shark and Cosmos. With nearly 50 employees under one roof, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/926" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design (Company)">Sinot Yacht Architecture &amp; Design</a> is one of the largest design studios around. With this in mind, the curiosity to see what Sander is like as a boss takes over.&nbsp;“It is not just me; we are a design house. I see ourselves as a brand that stands for the quality and creativity we give. I like flat management and we work in a very specific manner to ensure we are efficient and effective with good communication. The first six months of a yacht is intense because that is when we develop GAs and interiors. Here, the designers and CGI specialists make the renders, then, if approved, it moves to the technical specialists, FF&amp;E and project management teams. It works well!”&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/100794/image/large-faf5f89a7f559d99d9611bedbaec8b54.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/100794"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/100793/image/large-0f29e48d7d0c7dbc42ad9cec4c0047dd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/100793">There are more intricate qualities in the way Sinot operates his business and for the past five years, he has devised a particular theme to help focus some of the studio’s design concepts aside from those created especially to the client’s needs and wishes. The themes: zen, nature, balance, art of life and aqua, have noticeably energised and inspired the designer’s output and are all an extension of Sinot’s dreamy and extensive imagination. Now, “2020 is the year of poetry.”&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/95549/image/large-a52ade8895d7c3e201465352b8931492.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/95549"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/95545/image/large-d984cb0c88423360c5ca31bf16588cbd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/95545">“The poetry theme will look at materials, the inner value of something and how we spend our lives with a mixture of elements that people don’t normally think about. A yacht will, of course, have speakers and a sound system, but we approach this by asking how poetry is applied to music. There will be poetry behind everything, so our pieces in the room around will all have a story to tell. Most owners like that,”&nbsp;he adds. Responding to our interest in knowing when we will see the first results of the new theme, Sinot reveals that the concept is still in development. “These ideas always grow once you start, there is a foundation upon which you can build. It’s hard to tell when something is coming - it is unpredictable.”&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/96167/image/large-11ee25fdc030825b2d46c371eca7348e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/96167">It is intriguing to see how Sinot does not shun his natural call for creativity, especially when it comes to the official showcasing of the theme in question. As done previously, Sinot’s intentions with each theme are relayed spectacularly through passages of descriptive and thought-provoking text, accompanied by striking artistic imagery and high-fashion photography.&nbsp;“These themes give designs more of a reason – such as how a painting that uses a lot of colours does so to tell the whole story,” he concludes.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/98437/image/large-e80b5b392f4a56ede2e9ee9f3f22d667.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/98437">Clearly a character who prioritises a visionary outlook, Sinot was born to be a designer. Having started his design career in New York at the agency of Henry Dreyfuss, Sinot hit the ground running, working on design formulas for industrial products, planes, trains and speedboats. Sinot’s time in New York with the legendary industrial designer still influences his work today as the Dreyfuss studio was the first design agency to use CAD systems and consequently inspired the studio to be one of the first in yachting to start churning out computer renders over two decades ago. The exceptionally high-quality renders from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/926" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design (Company)">Sinot</a> are not only thanks to the founder being “a fan of tech”,&nbsp;but also to his certainty that an early investment in such technology would pay off - which it has. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/98451/image/large-b481aaffd189bed78f5075c7010d8843.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/98451">The latest radical new set of renders to come from Sinot’s studio are of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/50417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="AQUA: The 112m hydrogen-powered superyacht by Sinot (2019-09-20 13:30:00 +0200)">the 112-metre hydrogen-powered Aqua</a>, which dominated the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2019">Monaco Yacht Show</a> as another rendition of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/926" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design (Company)">Sinot Yacht Architecture &amp; Design</a>’s continuously impressive performance at industry shows. After five months of development, the team of designers and engineers curated a liquid hydrogen and fuel cell technology power system which converts liquified hydrogen into electricity for the propulsion system and hotel services, all based on existing energy-saving systems and technology. “My interest in Aqua is due to a combination of objectives. Throughout the whole yacht, we have put in innovations for ourselves as a design exercise. Even issues like finding the shortest possible route that food can move from the galley to the table in order to maintain the temperature are factors that I don’t believe everybody considers,”&nbsp;describes Sinot.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/98432/image/large-222a8afa6fc548b22783100126f935b5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/98432"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/98428/image/large-3f7c0a769911c6105dd2ee74a984406c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/98428">Aqua is one of the largest and most complex concepts to come out of 2019 and for Sinot, is the yacht he would have himself. Although agreeing that taking on certain challenges is healthy, Sinot reflects on what he and his team had to overcome to create such a spectacular superyacht. “Everything had to work together: not just for aesthetics, but the technical platform. For some reason, we are now in the market to accommodate more 100m+ yachts, which is a different league."<img src="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/uploads/store/photo/110873/image/large-fc04e84da5678e3d50fee990397b810d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/110873"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/98433/image/large-3a5e647b4d9187d4059ac7e2a4dc8f46.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/98433">Sinot is right. For the section of the fleet which is measuring up to triple-figure digits, these ladies are in a league of their own, as is the 77.25-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6300" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pi77.25m (253'5&quot;)Feadship2019">Pi</a> (originally named Syzygy 818) from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> which, with her wealth of glass and slick sword-like profile, was a fascinating new addition to the world fleet in 2019. For first-timer exterior designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5284" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jarkko Jämsén - Aivan (Company)">Jarkko Jämsén</a>, his work and alliance with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/926" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design (Company)">Sinot</a>’s interiors have been showcased as an iconic evolution of superyacht design. After having visited the owner at his house in Japan, Sinot cultivated an interior design for the new superyacht that reflects the Japanese culture and “moves away from being entirely glamorous.” “This is more of a ‘beach house style,’” he explains. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/99444/image/large-78fe21674e94e4c48df8cc01ff1ad6ee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/99444">The designer’s unfading affection for Japan is illustrated in aspects such as the superyacht’s free-standing bathtubs and surfaces, all carved and shaped from the wood of the Japanese pine Hinoki and cedar tree and left in their bare, natural form. “Besides the fact that they smell nice, they are very light woods to work with. We must respect that nature makes the most beautiful materials and so sometimes, you just don’t have to do much with the materials, they are already beautiful in their natural state,”&nbsp;he adds. &nbsp;Sinot is visibly passionate about his work for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6300" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pi77.25m (253'5&quot;)Feadship2019">Pi</a> and his admiration for Japan and the Japanese style. “I am a very big fan of their culture. I think they have the best artisans and craftsmen in the world. I once had a large collection of samurai swords and if you understand how they are made, it’s unbelievable. It takes months and months to make - the opposite of mass production, it’s dedication. The Japanese are masters in culture and nature.”&nbsp;<img src="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/uploads/store/photo/98720/image/large-e5dd61820e445b94f19ac43978ff253e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/98720">After prying more into his design preferences and what he considers to be some of the fundamental aspects of design, Sinot shares more of his inner workings and thought processes.&nbsp;“Good design is when it is not a design. It should not just exist; it should be a manifestation of something for not only a functional reason but also an aesthetically pleasing reason. For example, with this chair I am sitting on, you can sit on it in many ways and push the boundaries of the design. We didn’t design this chair, but I like it! If you have a nice house, boat or objects you naturally want to share them with others and have them enjoy it with you.” In a final attempt to further identify the man behind some of the industry’s greatest designs, the conversation continues to flow, and soon enough, that ‘certain something’ about Sander first described manifests itself: “Maybe I am a complex person, but I like simplicity,”&nbsp;he says.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title=""><img src="/uploads/store/photo/55401/image/large-6524e9c9dfc37e22bf131ecc39bea57e.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/55401"></a>This article was first featured in The SuperYacht Times newspaper.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;now to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.

Insight: Speaking with Sander Sinot 

SYT steps inside the mind of visionary Dutch superyacht designer Sander Sinot. 

Technical development and testing are progressing on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen'</a>s largest new-build superyacht project to date, Project Cosmos.&nbsp;The 80.07-metre superyacht is currently in build and will feature exterior styling from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> and interiors by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/926" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design (Company)">Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design</a>. She will be 10 metres longer than <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen'</a>s largest launch to date, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica Super Nova70.07m (229'11&quot;)Heesen Yachts2016">Galactica Super Nova.</a><img src="/uploads/store/photo/48889/image/large-90540a17cd909c32bbb864c385589627.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/48889">Project Cosmos'&nbsp;has a designed top speed of close to 30 knots and a cruising speed in excess of 20 knots and will use a development of the Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) combined with new construction and advanced propulsion solutions developed by the yard alongside <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oosanen Naval Architects</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce Marine</a>. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/48893/image/large-ec19496367af4d60140ea03d7b6e1a83.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/48893">With her keel-laying ceremony due to take place later this year in May, a vast amount of design and testing on the vessel has already taken place. This started with the base naval architecture of the vessel and its hull form, progressed through extensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) work and physical tank testing of a scale model, and culminated with the design of the propellers and rudder system.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/48896/image/large-24c6ad85f9bd56b60ac42c8489ce9c21.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/48896">The first stage in her development was to fine-tune the FDHF concept and ensure not only that Cosmos could benefit from the efficiency and gains in speed offered by the design, but also that the yacht could retain her inherent stiffness. This was a potential challenge because Cosmos will be an all-aluminium vessel in order to achieve her owner's desired maximum speed of close to 30 knots.&nbsp;To boost the structural rigidity of the vessel, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system">Van Oossanen</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system">Heesen</a> developed introduced an innovative method of construction called Backbone®, a method of construction that delivers the required stiffness in the yacht without adding weight that would have impacted on the yacht’s performance. This new innovation has now been patented by the yard. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/48894/image/large-cc2a628f8bf40f3344423684fc085093.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/48894">Subsequently, a scale segmented model of the yacht was built for physical tank tests at the Wolfson Unit in Southampton. Following the gathering of initial data on hydrodynamics, resistance and speed, the model has been radio-controlled and self-propelled in order to measure the various bending forces acting within the hull and prove the effectiveness of the Backbone® concept.Project Cosmos will feature variable pitch propellers that will enable the yacht to reach the desired maximum and cruising speeds. In terms of the project's current status, her hull design has now been optimised, the construction engineering is finalised and the propulsion system is undergoing its last stages of testing.&nbsp;“Project Cosmos is raising the bar once again not only for Heesen but for custom aluminium yacht building in general,”&nbsp;explains Arthur Brouwer, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen.&nbsp;</a>“Both from a technical standpoint and from a performance point of view we are pushing boundaries. Not only has this 80.7m project been designed to reach close to 30 knots, but she has also been designed for fast, 20+ knots cruising in an efficient manner. The solutions we have implemented to meet all these requirements are once again driving superyachting forward – just as&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen&nbsp;</a>has done with innovative and ground-breaking projects throughout its 40-year history."<img src="/uploads/store/photo/27343/image/large-798c9d9d6e922388bc4c64b49c08d959.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27343">

Heesen 80m cosmos yacht project update 

An update on Heesen's largest superyacht project Cosmos. See more on SYT. 

Project update: Heesen's 80m yacht Cosmos 

Heesen has kicked off 2019 in style with the launch of the 55-metre Project Antares. After being sold to an experienced American superyacht owner in early 2017, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen Naval Architecture</a> was tasked with designing the steel class FDHF (fast displacement hull form) hull and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega Architects</a> created the exteriors. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/586" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Francesco Paszkowski (Company)">Francesco Paszkowski</a> is responsible for the interiors, which include a larger master suite on the main deck forward in comparison to her sister Alida.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/59880/image/large-f8ad6864e9f250918ee5ef11ed37c510.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/59880">Antares is the first of five new superyachts to be launched by the Dutch shipyard this year and another 13 are still under construction, including the 80.07-metre Project Cosmos and a 57-metre explorer. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/59878/image/large-600cdc32a5242976c5fb0bf498b2d85b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/59878">“The biggest market is the 40m to 60m bracket and we are still active there. However, Heesen has made a strategic move into the spec build 50m to 60m bracket and we see that segment as a core market for us with the best potential, alongside the full custom 60m to 80m bracket,”&nbsp;comments Arthur Brouwer, CEO of Heesen. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/59879/image/large-0e50e9dd32370e14349fb2527daa8cbd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/59879">&nbsp;Further developments to Heesen's new explorer yacht concept and more sub-500GT projects are to be anticipated for 2019, and after having acquired land and location to increase their interiors division and workforce in Winterswijk, Heesen hopes to optimise their position in the “slowly growing wider market.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/59877/image/large-ef41d8a2a318aacde77de5527567d1e5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/59877">To find out more about Heesen, take a look at <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/out-now-the-first-2019-issue-of-the-superyacht-times-newspaper" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">issue 24 of the SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>, where we investigate how Heesen is safeguarding business for the future.

Heesen launch 55m Antares 

Heesen has kicked off 2019 in style with the launch of the 55-metre Project Antares. Read more on SYT

Heesen launches 55m Project Antares 

Heesen Yachts has revealed further technical details of its 80-metre Project&nbsp;Cosmos currently in build with exterior styling by Winch Design and interiors by Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design, and announced completely new projects.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/48891/image/large-231572ef1141fd85f5e9d8a2f8e078e7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/48891">Project&nbsp;Cosmos&nbsp;began when Mark Cavendish, Heesen’s Director of Sales and Marketing, received a call from the owner’s representative with a brief for a yacht capable of speeds close to 30 knots. “Aware that the yard had already built two large, high-speed, all-aluminium yachts –&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3676" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica Star65.0m (213'3&quot;)">Galactica Star</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica Super Nova70.07m (229'11&quot;)">Galactica Super Nova</a>&nbsp;– they were looking for something very special indeed,” says Cavendish.At 80 metres overall, Project Cosmos&nbsp;is 10 metres longer than <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galactica Super Nova70.07m (229'11&quot;)">Galactica Super Nova,</a> Heesen’s largest launch to date, but more importantly at 1,700GT she has around 50 percent more interior volume. Combining her size with such high speeds represented a challenge on numerous fronts, not least ensuring that she will be able to pass under the various bridges en route from the shipyard in Oss to the sea – a tight squeeze at the best of times. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/48888/image/large-47f7297afe17a12721844968d1d7add1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/48888">The Heesen team approached Van Oossanen Naval Architects to fine-tune the technical details. To be fast Project Cosmos had to be light, and it was obvious from the start that the yacht would have to be built of aluminium and take advantage of van Oossanen’s Fast Displacement Hull Form. Four MTU 20V 2000 engines, two driving each prop shaft, will deliver a total of 3500 kW each (representing a total of about 19,000 hp) to the twin controllable pitch propellers. At top speed all four engines are engaged, but at moderate cruising speeds the yacht can drop to a more fuel-efficient two-engine mode.&nbsp;In another first for Heesen, the decision was taken to install Rolls-Royce Promass rudders that further improve propulsive efficiency and manoeuvrability by combining the rudder and propeller into one hydrodynamic unit. The rudder itself has a twisted edge that optimises the flow from the prop so that some of the swirl energy normally lost in the slipstream can be converted into forward thrust, resulting in a 2-6 percent gain in efficiency.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/48895/image/large-64d180ee1beb22b0d4a04adb94bc54fa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/48895">As the propulsion package alone weighs around 52 tonnes, excluding the gearboxes, the far trickier challenge was how to achieve the structural strength required without adding too excess weight to the aluminium structure.&nbsp;“Aluminium is quite flexible and while there are a couple of 80-metre-plus aluminium yachts out there, none of them are required to do 30 knots when the loads at work on the full and superstructure are considerable,”&nbsp;says Perry van Oossanen. “To accurately predict these loads we developed a towing tank model in four separate sections, so we could measure the bending and torsional loads on each section. A boat of this size and speed has never been built before, so we couldn’t rely on what Lloyd’s told us because there are no precedents.”&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/48898/image/large-d3341614ebcb48ff36ae7e4d1e4a9f93.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/48898">To increase structural rigidity, Van Oossanen and Heesen has introduced an innovative method of construction, currently being patented, which they call the ‘Backbone’, consisting of three very stiff L-section girders – one in the keel and two where the hull meets the deck – to deal with the bending moments. The hull plates themselves are not structural, but help to absorb the torsional loads.Mark Cavendish also announced other new projects, including a 57-metre, all-aluminium yacht with a gross tonnage of around 800GT capable of 21 knots designed by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/48889/image/large-90540a17cd909c32bbb864c385589627.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/48889"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/48892/image/large-dc71ee1327a7901007ec974fd047b1a7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/48892">But completely new territory for Heesen is the brand’s first explorer yacht. Also measuring 57 metres overall, she will be built of steel and have a massive volume for her size of 1,400GT. Styled by Winch Designs, the yacht will feature all the ‘off-road’ features expected of an explorer vessel, including long-range, robust construction, helipad capability and storage space for multiple tenders. &nbsp;

MYS 2018: Project Cosmos updates from Heesen

Heesen Yachts announced in March this year that it will start construction on its flagship superyacht known as Project Cosmos, due for delivery in April 2022. At the time, it was revealed that Winch Design is the studio behind the 80.07-metre project’s exterior lines, and this week the Dutch builder announced that Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design has joined the design team as the creator of the custom interior on board.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/27343/image/large-798c9d9d6e922388bc4c64b49c08d959.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27343">Sinot looked to natural elements and forces of nature to find inspiration for the style of the interior. A clean environment has been created by using graphic lines and mathematically repeating sequences along with materials such as onyx, crystal glass panels and stainless steel.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/37586/image/large-246cf500c223856211f1b852270805b8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/37586"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/37587/image/large-d918d6678d27faef82fd330d163be1e6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/37587">Said to become the world’s largest and fastest all-aluminium superyacht, Cosmos’ bespoke interior will be handcrafted at Heesen Yachts’ interior workshop in Winterswijk, some 120 kilometres from the shipyard in Oss.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/37585/image/large-91403c1295962f65a8a557068a983adc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/37585">

Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design to design largest Heesen superyacht interior

Heesen has announced the sale of YN 19480 - Project Cosmos – an 80.07-metre all-aluminium FDHF motor yacht which is scheduled for delivery in April 2022 and is the yard's largest superyacht project to date.&nbsp; <img src="/uploads/store/photo/27343/image/large-798c9d9d6e922388bc4c64b49c08d959.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27343"> At 80.07 metres, 1,700 Gross Tons and reaching a top speed of 29 knots, upon completion, Project Cosmos will be the world’s largest and fastest full-aluminium motoryacht with conventional propeller propulsion system, with a FDHF by van Oosanen naval architects and four MTU 20V diesel engines. The British studio Winch Design has created a streamlined yacht with innovative design traits, with muscular sportiness and timeless elegance in her design. The extensive use of glass and the combination of soft and sculpted shapes make Project Cosmos a yacht packed full of contemporary charm. On board, some of her more notable features will include the fully-rated helicopter landing pad for a Eurocopter EC135 which transforms into an outdoor cinema, the crystal elevator from the lower deck to the sun deck for easy accessibility and the seven-metre pool with contra-jets which is paired with a waterfall and a glass bottom. Her generous beach club will include a sunken walk-around bar, a large transom and side platforms. In addition, Project Cosmos will also come complete with a full-custom limousine tender from Winch design. Twelve guests will be accommodated in four well-appointed suites on the lower deck, comprising a VIP with an adjacent private studio on the bridge deck, and a master stateroom on the main deck forward. A crew of 19 across 11 cabins will also be accommodated for on board. Project Cosmos follows on from Heesen's recent success in the 60 metre-plus market segment, including the 65-metre Galactica Star&nbsp;in 2013, the 70-metre Galactica Super Nova in 2016, and the 60-metre Project Falcon which was sold last month.