Good morning ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Monaco Yacht Show. Thank you for this incredible turn out – I know how hard it can be to digest our latest news at this earliest of hours, so we have made sure the coffee is extra strong this morning! For those of you who do not recognize me, my name is Arthur Brouwer and I am CEO of Heesen.
It is a privilege to stand at the helm of our company which, in 2018, celebrates its 40TH anniversary. Just a few weeks ago we marked this milestone with a party at our shipyard in Oss for our employees and their families. It is lucky that we are in the process of expanding the shipyard – with 1,200 party guests we certainly needed the space!
Such a large turnout to that celebration really brought home to me just how far Heesen has come over the past 4 decades. I think back to those first steps in 1978, and remember that we had just 20 employees – and incredibly, 5 of those original 20 are still working with us today. They have certainly witnessed a lot of changes.Over the years, the company has grown just as the size of our yachts has grown. The very first Heesen, MY Amigo, was launched in 1979 and was “just” 20 metres. That seems small by today’s standards, but back then she was certainly considered a large yacht.
Today our largest yacht under construction, as you have just heard, is 80 metres. That’s a growth of nearly four times the length in four decades, or 20 metres every ten years. Of course, this growth has meant we have had to continually expand our facility, and today we have 8 sheds and 6 dry docks, totalling 22,000 m2 at our main shipyard - including an 85 metre dry dock we inaugurated in 2016. We also have a 6,500m2 interior workshop in Winterskwijk.
The key to all our success is the same now as it was right back in 1978 – the women and men who work passionately to craft our yachts. That original team of 20 has also grown considerably. We now have 450 fulltime employees and approximately 200 subcontractors. That means that on any given day there are around 650 people working on our premises. And they are being kept very busy. Earlier this year we sold 2 full custom yachts: the 60m Project Falcon and the 80m Project Cosmos – a combined total of 140 linear meters of yacht. Perhaps more impressively, their combined Gross Tonnage is 2,760 GT – which is 80 per cent of the entire gross tonnage of the six yachts we sold in 2017.
It means our company, once again, is expanding accordingly. We have recently completed the acquisition of a new property in Winterswijk to increase our interior facility there, and we are currently in an advanced phase of negotiations to acquire more land in Oss. As we are expanding, we are also actively looking for new people to join our highly skilled workforce, and we are training the next generation of craftsmen and yacht builders.
Recruiting and training skilled workers is just one of the challenges we face and embrace. Over the past 40 years we have seen the market change considerably. We have not only changed with the market, we have also made it our mission to influence and drive those market changes. Heesen began as a yard building full custom yachts on demand, and we remained a custom yacht builder for the first 20 years of our history. But at the turn of the millennium we were among the first shipyards to bring semicustom and platform superyachts to the market, with the idea of building on speculation. It proved to be a milestone decision, and today our commercial success continues to draw on this strategy of building both custom yachts and on-spec platform yachts.
Our current order book consists of 12 yachts under construction, with deliveries ranging from next year, all the way out to 2022. 5 of these are being built on spec. We live in a world of instant gratification, and not all clients are willing to wait 2.5 to 3 years to take possession of their yacht. Building on spec allows us to reduce the delivery time to clients. Of course, we also have to be aware of wider market conditions and in this sense the global economic outlook remains positive. However, substantial risks do exist and could threaten growth in the short and medium terms. Escalating trade conflicts and protectionism, the tightening of monetary policy, equity market corrections and global political strains are just a few of the factors that can play their part.
However, the number of the world’s wealthiest individuals continues to grow, not just in the billionaire bracket but also in the Ultra High Net Worth bracket – usually defined as those people who have a net worth of more than $30 million. Indeed, Knight Frank estimates that at the end of last year there were close to 130,000 of these UHNW individuals worldwide – a rise of 10 per cent over the course of 2017. 2017 was also a great year for Heesen with the sale of 6 yachts ranging from 47 to 55 metres, and with the 60 metre and 80 metre full custom yachts sold this year it is clear that we continue to enjoy a promising future. Perhaps that’s a result of the 40 years of experience we have amassed in the custom and semi-custom superyacht market, having now built and delivered more than 170 superyachts.
Either way, we are moving into the next 40 years of our history with a strong order book and a solid strategy, and we look forward to working with you all as we unveil exciting new projects and continue to grow our facilities in the coming months and years. Thank you all for coming, and enjoy the rest of the Monaco Yacht Show.
The latest 80-meter Amels Limited Editions superyacht has arrived at Damen Yachting's Vlissingen shipyard in the Netherlands after construction at their Galatz facility in Romania. The vessel will now undergo full outfitting in preparation for delivery in 2027.Project Manager Danker Rijk stated: "After an impressive launch in our Galatz shipyard, we are delighted to welcome this Amels 80 to Vlissingen to commence the outfitting phase. This is an exciting milestone toward delivering another exceptional yacht on schedule."The 2,175 GT superyacht features exterior design by Espen Øino and interiors by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. With accommodations for 14 guests and 21 crew members, the vessel represents Damen Yachting's combination of custom features with proven yacht-building technology.The Amels 80 follows the Limited Editions series' approach of offering semi-custom superyachts with reduced build times compared to fully custom projects. No further details about the owner or specific custom features were disclosed.Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting
June 27, 2025
Flexjet and Ferretti Group have introduced Riva Volare, a custom aircraft cabin design inspired by Riva motoryachts. The collaboration brings nautical styling to Flexjet's Gulfstream G650 jets and Sikorsky S-76 helicopters, targeting ultra-high-net-worth travelers.The Gulfstream G650 configuration accommodates 12-15 passengers for flights up to 16 hours, while two Sikorsky S-76 helicopters will operate in Florida and a new Milan-based service covering Italy and the French Riviera. Ferretti Group clients will receive preferential access to the helicopter operations.The design blends elements from Riva's 1960s Aquarama with contemporary Aquariva models, using artisanal materials and distinctive patterns. The interiors were developed through collaboration between both companies' design teams.Kenn Ricci and Alberto Galassi"I have long admired the iconic style of Riva, and seeing this brought to life in our aircraft is nothing short of exceptional," said Flexjet Chairman Kenn Ricci. Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi added: "Riva Volare is another splendid result of our collaboration with Flexjet, a brand with which we share the same passion for constantly raising quality standards."The design was unveiled June 26 at Milano Prime Linate Airport, with displays of the aircraft alongside a Riva Aquariva Special yacht. No pricing details were disclosed.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
June 27, 2025
Italian shipyard AB Yachts, part of Next Yacht Group, has unveiled the AB 110S, a sportier version of its AB 110 model. The 33.7-meter yacht marks AB Yachts' first collaboration with automotive design firm EXE Design, incorporating elements such as a raked windshield and lightweight profile."We also boast over 20 years of experience in naval architecture. [And] this cross-sector approach is the real added value of our work," said Stefano Bedoni of EXE Design.Key features include multiple retractable systems: a sliding cockpit cover, a sunroof between the helm and saloon, and a hardtop that can cover either the helm station or sunpad. The main deck integrates a sunbathing area and a bar serving both indoor and outdoor spaces. A forward "flying couch" provides elevated seating with panoramic views.Powered by three MAN V12X-2200 engines, the AB 110S reaches 48 knots. The engine room is fully soundproofed to minimize noise and vibrations. No pricing or delivery details were disclosed.Italian shipyard AB Yachts was founded in 1992. In 2001, AB Yachts was acquired by the Fipa Group. Today Next Yacht Group is the owner of the historic Maiora, AB Yachts, and CBI Navi brands. AB Yachts range consists of semi-displacement yachts from 17.70 to 42 meters.Credits: AB Yachts
June 26, 2025
Cantiere del Pardo has introduced the Grand Soleil 65 Performance, a performance-oriented evolution of its 20-meter sailing yacht series. Following the Long Cruise version, this model emphasizes speed and responsiveness while retaining onboard comfort. The yacht made its debut at the Palma International Boat Show in May.As part of the Plus Line for vessels over 18 meters, the 65 Performance involves owners in the customization process from initial design stages. Franco Corazza, project manager for the Plus Line, stated: "The 65-footer is the result of a totally Made-in-Italy design process that brings together a team of professionals representing Italian excellence in the yachting sector." Naval architecture was handled by Matteo Polli, structural design by Marco Lostuzzi, and layout by Nauta Design.Environmental considerations include sustainable teak, laminated glass insulation, linen-reinforced composites, water-based paints, and solar panels. The hull utilizes epoxy-infused biaxial fiberglass and carbon reinforcements, with construction processes meeting strict quality certifications.Matteo Polli's design adapts features from the larger Grand Soleil 72, including a V-shaped bow for reduced drag and improved light-wind performance. The sail plan positions the mast aft to maximize the foretriangle, with a self-tacking jib as standard for simplified handling. Underwater, an inverted T-keel and single rudder balance stability and maneuverability, offering draft options of 3.5 meters (standard), 3.0 meters (shallow), or telescopic configurations.Nauta Design optimized deck space and interior flow, lowering the saloon to align with cabin levels for improved continuity. The coachroof's tapered profile distinguishes it from the Long Cruise version's panoramic windows. Massimo Gino of Nauta Design noted: "Our challenge was to convey a sense of motion and energy while preserving comfort, functionality, and style."Interior materials are customizable, with owners selecting finishes from the shipyard’s portfolio. No pricing or delivery timelines were disclosed.Cantiere del Pardo was founded in 1973 in Italy. Pardo Yachts, the brand of Cantiere del Pardo dedicated to powerboats, was born in 2016. The first model, the Pardo 43, was launched in 2017. Grand Soleil was founded in 1973 and is famous for its yachts, which ensure performance for regattas, autonomous long-distance navigation, as well as a high level of sustainable consciousness.Credits: Grand Soleil Yachts
June 26, 2025
Denison Yachting has announced the availability of the fourth hull in the Conrad C144S series, priced at EUR32 million with a two-year delivery window. The vessel follows three previous models, including the award-winning Ace (hull 1), Extra Time (hull 2), and the upcoming Moonlight (hull 3), the latter two sold by Denison.Built by Conrad Shipyard in Gdańsk, Poland, the 44-meter C144S is a full-displacement superyacht with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure. The design features exterior styling by Reymond Langton Design and naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design, emphasizing seakeeping performance. The "S" designation refers to the straight bow, which increases interior volume while maintaining a streamlined profile.Interior options include the original M2 Atelier concept seen on earlier models or alternative designs, such as Nauta Design’s understated approach chosen for Moonlight. The yacht accommodates 10–12 guests across a full-beam owner’s suite and four VIP cabins, with crew quarters for nine.Key features include a sundeck with a hot tub, infinity pool, and outdoor cinema, along with a beach club featuring a wet bar and wellness area. Storage capacity includes a 7-meter tender, two jet skis, and multiple SeaBobs.With a transoceanic range exceeding 4,000 nautical miles, the C144S cruises at 11 knots (max 13.8 knots) and complies with IMO Tier III and Lloyd’s MCA LY3 standards."The C144S represents a proven platform with award-winning design and strong value in the 500GT segment," said Denison broker Alex Clarke. Delivery is scheduled for 2027.Conrad Shipyard is located in Gdansk, Poland and specializes in building steel, and aluminum luxury yachts ranging from 24 to 100 meters in length.Credits: Denison Yachting
June 26, 2025