Heesen has announced the sale of Project Akira, YN 20457, with Wes Sanford of Northrop & Johnson and James Corts of MarineMax introducing the client. Frank Laupman of Omega Architects penned a distinctive profile, Harrison Eidsgaard worked closely with Frank Laupman and Heesen’s in-house engineers to create an efficient and purposeful layout. The owners and their team are working with Harrison Eidsgaard and Heesen’s interior engineer to personalize the yacht and meet their tastes and lifestyle. Akira will offer plenty of outdoor space to enjoy life at sea and generous indoor areas in which to socialize and relax.
“We couldn’t be happier to have matched this family with such an excellent Dutch shipyard. In Project Akira, Heesen, Harrison Eidsgaard, and Omega Architects have developed an incredible yacht for cruising the world and, even more specifically, exploring The Bahamas,” said Wes and James, commenting on the sale.
The shipyard presented the 57-meter series design at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2019, and construction of YN 20457 began in February 2022 as a speculative venture. The official keel-laying was witnessed by the American Bureau of Shipping surveyor. To mark the occasion, four Heesen employees celebrating their 25th work anniversary carried out the first welds.
Main deck aft
Another milestone was marked on November 18, 2022, when Akira’s two IMO Tier III-compliant MTU 16V 4000 M65L engines were installed. This propulsion package, in concert with the super-efficient hull design, will give the yacht a maximum speed of 22 knots – quite remarkable for a superyacht displacing approximately 490 tonnes at half load and with no shortage of luxury.
The joining of the hull and superstructure, another landmark occasion in her construction, took place in December 2022. The project remains on schedule and will be delivered to her new owners in time to enjoy the 2024 summer season.
Skylounge
Twelve guests are accommodated in six staterooms, with the 63 sqm owner’s apartment located forward on the main deck. There is a VIP suite on the bridge deck above, while the remaining guest cabins are on the lower deck. A glass and stainless-steel elevator serves all three decks. Heesen Yachts Interiors, Heesen’s fine cabinetry workshop in Winterswijk, is responsible for handcrafting the refined bespoke furniture for Project Akira.
Beach club
“It is a very exciting time for our shipyard as YN 20457 Project Akira is the first in a new class of yachts, which we have carefully studied and engineered to deliver optimum luxury on water. We look forward to working with the Owners and their family to build a yacht that will provide many days of happy sailing and create long-lasting memories,” says Mark Cavendish, Heesen CCO.
Lounge
Project Akira is the first in Heesen’s new 57-meter all-aluminum series of fast yachts, with an enclosed volume of approximately 780 GT and a lightweight, ultra-efficient Fast Displacement Hull Form. Heesen is one of the few shipyards in the world with the in-house capability to weld such high-performance structures to the required tolerances.
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
Camper & Nicholsons has been appointed central agent for the sale of the 40.05-meter Sunseeker motor yacht Berco Voyager. Built in 2018, the vessel is offered at €13.9 million with VAT paid. Sales advisor Maël Fiolet is handling the listing.The yacht represents one of the final hulls in Sunseeker's 131 series, featuring upgraded interiors and specifications exceeding standard models. The current owner has maintained the vessel with additional custom features distinguishing it from sisterships.Berco Voyager accommodates 10 guests across five cabins with crew quarters for seven personnel. The yacht has demonstrated charter operational capability and includes extended engine warranty coverage.Currently located in Sardinia, the vessel will relocate to Southern France for the upcoming show season. The listing presents a rare opportunity to acquire a 40-meter Sunseeker with proven charter history and comprehensive maintenance records.Since 1969 Sunseeker Yachts has built composite semi-custom yachts from 12m to 47m. The shipyard's main facility is located in Poole.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
August 20, 2025
American shipyard Hargrave Custom Yachts has unveiled a new 36.5-meter design in its 120 Series, featuring exterior and interior styling by Italian designer Patrizio Facheris. The raised pilothouse model represents a departure from the yard's typical in-house design approach.Constructed in carbon-reinforced E-glass epoxy composite, the yacht meets RINA Pleasure classification standards. The vessel accommodates 12 guests and 7 crew members, with a 7.6-meter beam and 1.9-meter draft. Light displacement measures 130 tons.Performance specifications include twin Caterpillar C32 engines producing 1,900 horsepower each, enabling a maximum speed of 21.5 knots and a cruising range of 945 nautical miles. The electrical system incorporates twin Northern Lights 56kW generators with 120/208 VAC power distribution and 24V DC engine starting.Exterior finishes feature hand-laid Burmese teak decking with non-skid paint options. Hull and superstructure coatings utilize AWLGRIP and International products for durability.Hargrave includes a six-month management package with each sale. The vessel remains available for inspection ahead of its Cannes showing.Credits: Hargrave Custom Yachts
August 20, 2025
Damen Yachting has simultaneously delivered two vessels to a single owner: the 60-meter Xplorer After You and the 53-meter Yacht Support Emotional. Both yachts were constructed at Damen's Antalya shipyard with Dutch engineering support and brokered by TWW Yachts.The Xplorer 60 is designed for global exploration ranging from polar regions to Mediterranean destinations. The Yacht Support vessel provides additional crew accommodations, toy storage, and helicopter facilities to complement the main yacht's operations.Jorrit Pilaar, Damen Yachting Sales Manager, stated: "It was an absolute pleasure working with the team of TWW Yachts over the last months to get the first Xplorer 60 and the 53-metre Yacht Support ready for delivery."Enrique Tintore, Product & Design Manager, added: "This double delivery is a landmark moment for Damen Yachting," acknowledging collaboration between the company's Antalya and Vlissingen facilities.David Westwood, CEO of TWW Yachts, noted: "Their technical proficiency and reliability as a supplier allowed us to focus on the Owner's priorities with complete confidence."Both vessels will appear at next month's Monaco Yacht Show before beginning operational service. The delivery represents Damen Yachting's continued expansion in the expedition yacht and support vessel market segments. The Xplorer series (formerly SeaXplorer) and Yacht Support vessels complement Damen's existing Amels superyacht portfolio.Damen Yachting, the yacht-building division of Damen Shipyards Group, employs approximately 500 professionals across its Amels, SeaXplorer, and Yacht Support vessel programs. No purchase price was disclosed for the new build.Credits: Damen Yachting
August 20, 2025
Tureddi Group has sold the first superyacht under its recently established Tureddi Yachts brand. The 36-meter Azzurra is currently under construction with delivery scheduled for 2027. Worth Avenue Yachts brokered the sale and will provide project management during construction.The steel and aluminum yacht features exterior design by Italian studio Giamboi Design and naval architecture by Dutch firm Van Oossanen Naval Architects. The interior designer remains undisclosed, described only as a "renowned international design house" by the shipyard.Project details remain confidential, though the yard references a "wide beam, generous volume and high-level specification" incorporating latest marine technologies. Worth Avenue Yachts' Europe managing partner Mathieu Bardon stated: "This sale represents an incredible collaboration between all parties involved, supported by the trust of the buyer through a long-standing relationship."The sale marks Tureddi Group's transition from component supplier to independent yacht builder after 40 years in the marine industry. Company president Alessandro Tureddi noted the significance of this milestone for the family-owned business.The Italian shipyard recently expanded its portfolio with two new designs currently available for sale. Construction progresses at Tureddi's facility with the Azzurra representing the brand's inaugural superyacht project.Credits: Tureddi Group
August 19, 2025
William J. Healey, co-founder and former president of Viking Yacht Company, passed away on August 14, 2025 at Shore Medical Center in Somers Point, New Jersey. He was 97 years old.Healey established Viking Yacht Company with his late brother Robert T. Healey Sr. on April 1, 1964, building the New Gretna-based operation into a leading manufacturer in the recreational marine industry. Under his leadership, the company became known for its luxury yacht production and innovative workplace practices.Healey maintained direct relationships with employees, personally greeting workers by name as they left the factory each evening. He implemented comprehensive employee benefits including an on-site health department providing free medical care to workers and their families.The industrialist pioneered several manufacturing advancements, including a tri-generation facility for power generation, wastewater treatment systems, and early adoption of computer numerical control technology. He oversaw installation of solar panels on company buildings and invested in advanced manufacturing equipment including a $1 million five-axis CNC router.Healey retired in October 2013, succeeded by his son Patrick, but maintained regular presence at the New Gretna facility. His brother and co-founder Robert Healey Sr., who led the successful campaign to repeal the federal luxury tax on yachts, predeceased him in 2021.Viking Yacht Company continues operations under family leadership, maintaining its position in the luxury yacht market. The company's New Jersey facility remains one of the largest yacht manufacturing operations in the United States.Credits: Viking Yacht
August 19, 2025