Heesen is proud to announce the delivery of 51-metre full-custom motor yacht YN 18151 Irisha following extensive sea trials in the North Sea. This unique yacht was sold by SuperYachtsMonaco who represented the commercial interest of the owner throughout the build.
Irisha’s unique exterior lines and interior are by Harrison Eidsgaard. This full-custom yacht incorporates elements of Heesen’s DNA: she is a full-aluminium, semi-displacement motor yacht below the 500GT threshold that allows for fast cruising.
Photo : Dick Holthuis
The owner’s brief called for a yacht that had to be unique in its looks. The proven engineering platform of the 5000 Aluminium class offered the perfect opportunity to give carte blanche to the designers to create a radical profile and to deliver the safety of a proven and efficient hard-chine hull: the best of both worlds!
Powered by two MTU 16V 4000 M93L diesel engines, Irisha exceeded expectations during the sea trials by achieving a top speed of 26.1 knots and a transatlantic range of over 3,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 11 knots.
Photo : Dick Holthuis
The Harrison Eidsgaard team devised innovative exterior lines enhanced by the extensive use of double curved glazed glass that gives the yacht the appearance of a fighter jet. The unique colour scheme enriches the beauty of the profile. The top is Snow White, the main deck is Midnight Blue by Awlgrip, and the hull is metallic Pacific Blue custom paint by Alexseal. In sunlight, the hull colour changes from metallic blue to dark olive-green hues.
The fixed aft platform is another key element of the design, facilitating easy and quick tender boarding when the transom door is closed.
Photo : Dick Holthuis
The interior design is inviting and relaxing with a neutral palette of beige, grey and blue. Walls and surfaces are covered with textured materials that catch and reflect the light in different ways creating a sense of warm luxury throughout the yacht. The architecture of the interior is emphasised by the accurate light design. Four different settings are conceived to draw the eye to the architectural and design elements, harmonising the design of each room, and creating different atmospheres at the touch of a button. Irisha accommodates ten guests and nine crew.
Photo : Dick Holthuis
The interior layout offers a high degree of versatility and is conceived to meet the need for formal and large receptions, as well as intimate areas for the daily family life on board.
Photo : Dick Holthuis
The main deck is dedicated to the formal reception and is characterised by a connection between indoor and outdoor. Sliding glass doors protect the aft deck which becomes a ‘winter garden’. This delightful indoor-outdoor living room is air-conditioned and can be fully enjoyed even late in the season. Once the doors between the ‘winter garden’ and the dining saloon are open, guests can enjoy a stunning 8-metre long saloon, ideal for formal banquets thanks to an extendable imperial dining table that seats from 14 up to an impressive 22 guests. A generous pantry enables the crew to deliver five-star service.
Photo : Waterline Media
Set forward on the main deck, the owner’s stateroom is accessed via the private study furnished with an exquisite cantilevered, custom-designed desk. Plenty of natural light floods the work space thanks to two large windows. A French balcony with sliding glass doors draws fresh air into the bedroom. The bedhead is a hand-felted silk artwork by Claudy Jongstra. His and hers walk-in dressing rooms with wash basins lead into the shared bathroom, with a central freestanding wengé bathtub and double therapy shower.
Photo : Waterline Media
The staircase in the grandiose atrium featuring curved glass and DKT custom artwork panels is the architectural masterpiece on board Irisha. The double curved staircase is not only a beautiful design feature, but also a cleverly engineered piece of art that connects the three decks.
The guest suites are located on the lower deck. Two doubles and two twins, with the option of converting the twins into a double. The twin rooms, thanks to a sliding partition, can be transformed into a full-beam VIP suite with double bed and sofa corner.
The upper deck features floor-to-ceiling structural glass that allows plenty of natural light to flood the interior. The sky lounge is equipped with a cinema screen and projector located opposite the U-shaped lounge sofa and armchairs and is served by a wet bar. A built-in lounge chair next to the large window is the perfect spot for reading and relaxing with breathtaking views. The terrace on the upper deck aft is conceived for informal dining and complemented by a comfortable built-in seating area located aft.
The ‘pièce de résistance’ is without doubt the raised pilot house whose futuristic design gives the cockpit the look of a fighter jet. The floating console and seats with carbon-fibre backrests catch the eye in this ultra-contemporary space.
The 13-metre long sun deck boasts a sunbathing area aft of the hot tub and an adjacent seating area with an adjustable dining table for informal dining, while forward there is a bar with high stools (serviced by a dumb waiter).
Photo : Waterline Media
Forward on the main deck, a built-in settee is protected by a hydraulically driven canopy that creates a wind-sheltered outdoor space ideal for relaxing in privacy. More forward, in the bow a second seating area is the ideal place for admiring the views.
A wellness area, complete with sauna and massage table is located in the beach club.
Photo : Waterline Media
Irisha is available for charter in the Mediterranean via SuperYachtsMonaco starting from € 280,000 and will make her official début at the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2018. Irisha is available for charter here.
Heesen Yachts has delivered the 50-meter hybrid superyacht Orion (YN 20750), marking the Dutch shipyard's third delivery this year. The aluminum-hulled vessel completed successful sea trials in the North Sea before handover to its owner.Orion features Heesen's Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) with hybrid propulsion, achieving silent electric cruising at 10 knots. The propulsion system combines two MTU 12V 2000 M61 (IMO III) engines with electric motors, reducing fuel consumption to 45 liters per hour in hybrid mode. The yacht offers a transatlantic range of 3,750 nautical miles at 12 knots (98 liters/hour) and reaches a top speed of 16.3 knots.Ruud vand der Stroom, Heesen CCO"The delivery of Orion is a moment of great pride for everyone at Heesen," said Ruud van der Stroom. "This yacht perfectly encapsulates our DNA: precise Dutch engineering, innovative hybrid technology, and the ability to deliver a high-quality product through dedicated collaboration."Designed by Omega Architects' Frank Laupman, Orion features a vertical bow and extensive glazing. The 499 GT interior by Cristiano Gatto incorporates 37 material varieties including Italian marble and woven leather. Accommodation includes six staterooms for twelve guests, with a main-deck owner's suite and full-beam VIP.Peter van der Zanden, General Manager Design & Development, Engineering and HeesenPeter van der Zanden, Heesen's Head of Engineering, noted: "Our expertise in lightweight aluminum construction, combined with the efficiency of the Fast Displacement Hull Form and hybrid system make ORION exceptional. This synergy reduces environmental impact while enhancing owner experience."Broker Anton Foord of Ocean Intelligence commented: "Orion offers an exceptional experience defined by performance, elegance, and technical innovation." The yacht will be available for Mediterranean charter this summer.Orion represents Heesen's continued focus on sustainable yachting solutions, following previous hybrid deliveries in its 50-meter series. The shipyard currently has five yachts under construction at its Oss facility, with scheduled deliveries through 2026.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Heesen Yachts
June 6, 2025
The judging process for the 2025 Honours awards has concluded in Amsterdam, with three recipients selected from 238 nominations. The winners will be announced at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) opening ceremony on October 28.Organized by The Superyacht Life Foundation in partnership with Pier 66 and FLIBS, the Honours recognize individuals making significant contributions to sustainability, innovation, and social impact within the superyacht industry. An 18-candidate shortlist was evaluated by a panel including Feadship's Farouk Nefzi, designer Espen Øino, Superyacht Times founder Merijn de Waard, and Royal Huisman's Jeroen Sirag.This year's judging panel included external perspectives from Ink Creative MD Jonny Clark and Untold Stories founder Nicola Chilton, who noted the breadth of industry initiatives beyond typical yachting activities."At its core, Superyacht Life is about celebrating the human stories that define our industry," said Dilan Sarac, Executive Director of The Superyacht Life Foundation. "Our 2025 Honourees embody the very best of what this industry can represent."The selection criteria focused on professional achievements, community engagement, philanthropy, and leadership. The three honourees were chosen unanimously following deliberations at Amsterdam's Royale Industrieele Groote Club.The October ceremony will mark the fourth edition of the awards, which aim to highlight positive contributions extending beyond traditional yachting circles. Previous honourees have been recognized for environmental initiatives, workforce development programs, and technological innovations benefiting broader maritime sectors.Credits: The Superyacht Life Foundation
June 6, 2025
Wally has officially presented its latest high-performance racing yacht, the wallyrocket71, during the 2025 Loro Piana Giraglia regatta. The 21.6-meter maxi yacht was developed through collaboration between Wally's technical team, designer Botin Partners, and owner Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, with construction completed by King Marine shipyard.The wallyrocket71 represents Wally's continued commitment to competitive sailing innovation, featuring advanced design elements including twin rudders, a high-performance bulb keel, and a sophisticated 2.7-ton water ballast system capable of transferring sides in approximately six seconds. With a displacement of 12 tons, the yacht is approximately three tons lighter than comparable Maxi 72 class vessels while maintaining similar sail area and power.Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, commented: "First and foremost, I want to express my thanks to the owner, Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, whose trust in this ambitious vision from day one made it all possible. With the wallyrocket71, Wally sets sail into an exciting new chapter in competitive yacht racing, launching a vessel designed to be one of the fastest in its class."Initial sea trials conducted in Valencia demonstrated the yacht's performance capabilities, achieving upwind speeds of 10.5-11 knots and matching wind speed downwind. Adolfo Carrau of Botin Partners explained the design approach: "We started from a blank sheet of paper, asking how we could beat the most competitive Maxi 72s on corrected time. When they were designed, it was to a box rule, so many parameters were already set. Now, as everyone is optimizing their boats under IRC rules, there is a lot more freedom."The racing crew, including tactician Vasco Vascotto and strategist Guillermo Parada, reported positive initial impressions of the yacht's handling and performance. Vascotto noted: "After only a few days on the water, I'm really impressed by both the construction quality and performance." Parada added: "The boat's performance is in line with our expectations: it is a complex and high-performing vessel that requires careful handling but is very exciting."The wallyrocket71 will compete in major Mediterranean events including the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, following its debut at the Loro Piana Giraglia.Wally's racing fleet continues to demonstrate strong performance in the 2025 season, with 15 yachts scheduled to compete across various events. Notable recent results include victories by Wally Cento V at the RORC Nelson's Cup in Antigua and dominant performances by Tilakkhana II at Palmavela. The wallyrocket51, Wally's smaller performance model, has also shown competitive results at the Central and Southern Tyrrhenian ORC National Championship.The remainder of the 2025 racing calendar includes prestigious events such as the Admiral's Cup in Cowes, the Rolex Fastnet Race, and the season-ending Rolex Middle Sea Race in Malta. Wally's growing fleet of performance yachts, ranging from the wallyrocket series to the larger Cento models, continues to establish the brand's position in competitive sailing circles.The wallyrocket71 project represents approximately 18 months of development from initial concept to launch, with the design team focused on creating a versatile yacht capable of strong performance across various wind conditions and course configurations. The yacht's construction at King Marine incorporated advanced composite materials and weight-saving techniques to achieve its target displacement.With the introduction of the wallyrocket71 and continued success of its racing fleet, Wally maintains its commitment to developing high-performance sailing yachts that combine cutting-edge technology with competitive results across international regatta circuits.Credits: Wally
June 6, 2025
Eastwind Yachts has been appointed as the central sales agent for the 114.2-meter expedition yacht Luna, currently available for €270 million. Built by Lloyd Werft in 2010 and refitted in 2015/16, the vessel is undergoing additional refit work before delivery to a new owner.The Newcruise-designed exterior and Donald Starkey interior accommodate 18 guests in 9 suites with a crew of 51. Luna's steel hull and aluminum superstructure provide a 9,500-nautical-mile range at 16.8 knots cruising speed, with a top speed of 22 knots. The diesel-electric propulsion system and ice-class hull enable global exploration in various conditions.Key features include twin helipads, a swimming pool, beach club, full spa with steam room and sauna, cinema, and two tender garages adjacent to a gym. The yacht's stabilization system ensures comfort at sea."Luna represents the pinnacle of expedition yachting with proven global capability," said an Eastwind Yachts representative. The vessel is currently the world's second-largest expedition yacht.Interested parties can contact Eastwind Yachts for viewings and additional specifications.Credits: Eastwind Yachts; Yacht Harbour archive
June 5, 2025
Viken Group, a global marine design firm specializing in cruise ships and superyachts, has appointed Anna Silvesjö as Chief Executive Officer. Silvesjö previously served as Partner and Group Chief Financial Officer of the company, which owns design studios TDoS (Tillberg Design of Sweden), Hot Lab, and Thalia Marine.Silvesjö outlined her strategic priorities for the group: "Viken Group will continue to expand into new market segments while deepening partnerships with clients through our on-brand design philosophy. Our design solutions align with each client's brand identity, culture, and target audience." She emphasized design excellence, commercial performance, and talent retention as key focus areas.Anna SilvesjöA central initiative under Silvesjö's leadership will be the development of Navigator, the group's integrated service platform for maritime projects. "Rooted in decades of experience across cruise ships, expedition yachts, and private yachts, Navigator simplifies the complexity of shipbuilding while ensuring rigorous cost control throughout development and construction," said Fredrik Johansson, Viken Group Co-Founder.The leadership transition occurs as the marine design industry continues to evolve, with Silvesjö representing one of few female executives in the sector. Her appointment reflects the group's emphasis on financial and operational management combined with design expertise.Viken Group's three subsidiaries maintain distinct specializations: TDoS in cruise ship design, Hot Lab in superyacht concepts, and Thalia Marine in naval architecture and engineering. The group currently operates across multiple international markets, serving both new construction and refit projects.No additional executive changes were announced alongside Silvesjö's promotion. The transition takes immediate effect, with Silvesjö assuming full operational responsibility for the group's global activities.Credits: Viken Group
June 5, 2025