Heesen is back at the Dubai Boat Show, which opened today, and will be presenting YN 20555 Project Serena, the latest in the shipyard's successful 55-meter steel class. With exterior lines from the drawing board of Frank Laupman at Omega Architects and interior décor by Luca Dini Design and Architecture, she is currently under construction at the shipyard. She will be available for delivery in November 2024. 



"Heesen's 55-meter steel incorporates a unique combination of qualities in terms of size, features, and value," says Tim Trenker of local representative Behnemar. "Serena sports an appealing exterior style which mixes modern with traditional, while her Dutch pedigree, high level of quality and perfect market positioning make her an ideal yacht for Middle Eastern clients. And of course, the customer will also benefit from a short delivery time, thanks to Heesen's speculative build programme."



Built on Heesen's proven 55-meter concept, Serena will be presented at the show with a six-cabin layout – but the 55-meter engineering platform offers the possibility of numerous custom options.

CCO Friso Visser and Sales Director Robert Drontmann look forward to welcoming visitors to stand MD4. Dr Reiner Behne and Tim Trenker from local representative Behnemar will also be in attendance. 



"This is the first boat show held in the brand new Dubai Harbour, the region's largest marina," comments Friso Visser. "It is inspired by the Gulf's long tradition of boatbuilding and seafaring and will further enhance Dubai's position as a global yachting hotspot." Acknowledging that the UAE is an important maritime hub whose truly international clientele understands and appreciates quality, he added: "We are thrilled to be part of this new beginning and look forward to seeing this boat show bloom. The new marina is an iconic project for Dubai and the region. It will be home to many superyachts, and it will most certainly generate new business – which we are ready to welcome, thanks to our partnership with Behnemar." 

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

Latest News

Genoa International Boat Show to Showcase Italian Marine Excellence at Expo 2025 Osaka
The Italian Marine Industry Association will present the 65th Genoa International Boat Show at Expo 2025 Osaka on June 30, highlighting the Mediterranean’s largest boating event and the world’s third-largest boat show.The Japanese presentation serves as a strategic platform to reinforce the Genoa International Boat Show’s position as a global hub for promoting Italian marine manufacturing. The event is part of Liguria Week at the Italian Pavilion, aiming to demonstrate Italy’s leadership in the boating sector.The Italian boating industry achieved a record global turnover of €8.33 billion in 2023, marking a 13.6% increase from the previous year. Exports surpassed €4.3 billion, with Italy leading worldwide superyacht production (>24m) and inflatable boat manufacturing. The sector supports over 200,000 jobs with a 90% export rate.Organized by the Italian Marine Industry Association – Confindustria Nautica, the Genoa International Boat Show has maintained its status as a global reference point for the marine industry for 65 years. According to Nielsen analysis, the event generates between €65 and €70 million during its duration and attracts industry professionals from over 30 countries.Alessandro Gianneschi, Vice President of the Italian Marine Industry Association responsible for promoting Made in Italy production, commented: “With its presentation at Expo Osaka, the Genoa International Boat Show, organised by the Italian Marine Industry Association, continues in its role as an ambassador of the Made in Italy brand across the world and of the industrial value of the boating sector. For 65 editions, the Genoa International Boat Show has promoted and supported the boating industry, thanks to its specific nature as a supply chain event, designed and organised by the Italian Marine Industry Association, an Association of Companies for Companies, and has fostered such an exceptionally positive trend over the last twenty years, accompanying the sector’s businesses on a journey defined by growth and excellence.”The 2025 edition will take place from September 18-23 at the new Levante Waterfront venue designed by architect Renzo Piano. The 20,000 sqm event features five interconnected product areas: Yachts & Superyachts, Sailing World, Boating Discovery, Tech Trade, and Living the Sea. The venue’s unique design allows 85% outdoor space for sea trials and seamless visitor access.The show will also host the 4th World Yachting Sustainability Forum and the Design Innovation Award, recognizing creativity and technological excellence among new products.Credits: Confindustria Nautica
Rolex Fastnet Race: Battle for Line Honours Heats Up
The centenary edition of the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s Rolex Fastnet Race is set to feature a fierce competition among the world’s fastest 100-foot maxi yachts vying for the prestigious Erivale Trophy for monohull line honours.The main contenders this year are Black Jack 100, owned by Ramon Vos, and SHK Scallywag, belonging to Seng Huang Lee. Black Jack 100, originally Alfa Romeo II, underwent a complete refit in Italy. Skipper/project manager Tristan le Brun noted: “We’ve done a full overhaul of all systems… We’ve replaced all the moving parts.” The yacht features a revised sail plan with a reduced mainsail and enlarged foretriangle.SHK Scallywag, formerly Ragamuffin 100, has a notable racing history. In the recent Rolex Middle Sea Race, it finished 18 minutes ahead of Black Jack 100. The yacht recently won the Loro Piana Giraglia.Another strong contender is Leopard 3, owned by Joost and Laura Schuijff. Long-term skipper Chris Sherlock reported: “We had a new rig and a new sail package and we reduced the weight of the boat by 10 tonnes.” The yacht is preparing for the event after winning the Rolex IMA Maxi 1 World Championship in Porto Cervo last year.The fleet also includes VO70 yachts, with Christian Zugel’s Tschüss 2 being a strong contender. The yacht, originally Groupama 70, has an impressive racing record, including victories in the Volvo Ocean Race, RORC Caribbean 600, and the Transatlantic Race.The current monohull race record stands at 2 days, 7 hours, 16 minutes, and 26 seconds, set by Charlie Dalin’s IMOCA MACIF in the previous edition. The race presents the unique opportunity for a yacht to achieve the ‘triple’ — winning line honours, IRC overall, and setting a new race record. The last to achieve the ‘double’ (line and IRC honours) was Ludde Ingvall’s Nicorette in 1995.The race, which covers 695 miles to Cherbourg, will test the yachts’ capabilities in various conditions, with the potential for record-breaking performances.Credits: Royal Ocean Racing Club
XPD 46 Launched by Technohull
Technohull has introduced the XPD 46, the first model in its new Expedition Series, designed for year-round, all-weather cruising. The 14.85-meter yacht combines Scandinavian ruggedness with Mediterranean styling, featuring a convertible superstructure that can be fully enclosed or opened.The XPD 46 is built on a Dynastream deep-V hull with ventilated steps and a wave-piercing bow, engineered for performance and comfort in various sea conditions. The layout includes an en-suite master cabin forward, a guest cabin with an oversized double aft, and an optional skipper’s cabin beneath the aft sunbed.The central superstructure adapts to different climates, with sliding doors, a retractable roof, and an opening aft window for open-air use. The helm station accommodates three seats, while the aft lounge can be configured for additional seating. Deck spaces include a large aft sunbed with storage, side walkways, and a forward sunpad with locker space.Power options range up to 1,800 hp, enabling a cruising speed of 35 knots and a top speed nearing 60 knots. The 4.40-meter beam provides stability, and the hull design prioritizes seaworthiness for coastal and offshore navigation."The Expedition Series marks a significant step in our journey, a boundary-pushing new family within our range that positions the brand firmly within the explorer market," said Gerasimos Petratos, CEO of Technohull. "Designed for those who seek limitless adventure and wish to enjoy year-round cruising, the XPD 46 masterfully blends extreme capability with the benefits of Technohull’s signature comfort and renowned seaworthiness."The yacht’s interior features high-end finishes, including premium upholstery and storage solutions. No pricing details have been disclosed. Greece company Technohull launched its first hull in 2004. The most popular Technohull models of today include: Omega 45, 38 Grand Sport, 909, Explorer 40 and SeaDNA999. Credits: Technohull
Numarine Delivers New 37XP Explorer Yacht to Owner
Northrop & Johnson has announced the delivery of a new Numarine 37XP explorer yacht to its owner. The vessel, sold by yacht broker Richard Higgins at the end of 2022, represents a significant addition to Numarine’s expanding 37XP Series.The 37-meter yacht is designed for long-range cruising and offers impressive performance capabilities. It features a range of 5,500 nautical miles, a cruising speed of 12 knots, and stabilizers for enhanced comfort during voyages.The yacht’s exterior design, created by Can Yalman, showcases angular lines and expansive dark-tinted windows across all decks. The triple-deck layout includes spacious outdoor areas such as a large beach club, shaded aft deck, and extensive sundeck.Interior features include floor-to-ceiling windows on the main and upper decks, which provide natural light and panoramic views. The contemporary interior design offers spacious accommodations.Richard Higgins commented on the project: “The construction of this yacht was a complex and rewarding journey — one that ultimately resulted in a truly exceptional vessel. While not without its challenges, the project was brought to a successful conclusion thanks to the dedication, experience, and close collaboration of the build team and the buyer’s knowledgeable representatives. From concept to delivery, every stage was met with a strong commitment to quality and a clear focus on achieving the owner’s vision. The result is a yacht that not only meets but exceeds expectations in design, performance, and craftsmanship — a testament to what can be accomplished through expertise, perseverance, and an effective team.”This delivery strengthens the reputation of the 37XP Series, which continues to attract owners seeking a capable platform for worldwide cruising with a focus on style and comfort.Credits: Numarine
33m Far Niente Listed for Sale
The 32.7-meter motor yacht Far Niente, built in June 2024 by Turkish shipyard SES Yachts, is now available for sale through broker Dominic Meredith-Hardy of Classic Charters. Combining classic aesthetics with modern technology, the yacht features a fuel-efficient hull design by Hoek Design Naval Architects, inspired by early 20th-century Dutch herring luggers.Constructed with a steel hull and wood-composite superstructure, Far Niente was commissioned by experienced owners as a classic-style expedition yacht. The interior layout accommodates 10 guests across five cabins, including a full-beam owner’s suite on the main deck, along with crew quarters for six.The yacht’s design blends traditional and contemporary elements, with grey-washed oak and white paneling contrasted by exposed timber beams and classic deckheads. The main saloon includes a dining area for 10 and an L-shaped lounge, while the bridge deck offers a TV lounge and an outdoor space with al fresco dining and sunpads.Additional features include tender storage on the foredeck, serviced by a retractable crane. Powered by a single MAN diesel engine, Far Niente reaches a top speed of 11 knots, with a cruising speed of 9.5 knots and a range of 3,750 nautical miles. Key specifications include a 200GT interior volume, a 6.7-meter beam, and a 2.5-meter draft.The asking price is EUR13,000,000.Credits: Yacht Harbour archive