Heesen Yachts has delivered its 55 metre steel class superyacht Project Castor, which is now named Solemates.
Being the second Heesen project to be delivered since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Solemates hit the water for the first time in May. The fourth hull in Heesen's 55 metre Steel Class series is the first to feature an a new layout to accentuate the impressive interior volume of approximately 760gt.
Solemates sports a number of alterations to the first three 55 metre Steel Class yachts: a full beam sky lounge, a larger master stateroom of 73 square metres and larger lower deck suites.
YN 19055 Project Castor boasts its exterior lines by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects. Key exterior features include vertical floor to ceiling windows in the forward section of the main deck, as well as full height windows in the main saloon and skylounge. Another notable feature is the “shark tooth” design detail of the wheelhouse overhang.
As for the yacht's interior design, the owner entrusted a stylist to personalise the interiors designed by Bannenberg & Rowell. It is the eighth collaboration between the design studio and Dutch yard.
The 760GT yacht also features a fast displacement hull designed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects. With this low-drag hull and two relatively modest MTU engines of just 1000 kW each, yachts in Heesen’s 55m Steel class are hailed to be among the most efficient of their size in the world.
Being the second Heesen project to be delivered since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Solemates hit the water for the first time in May. The fourth hull in Heesen's 55 metre Steel Class series is the first to feature an a new layout to accentuate the impressive interior volume of approximately 760gt.
Solemates sports a number of alterations to the first three 55 metre Steel Class yachts: a full beam sky lounge, a larger master stateroom of 73 square metres and larger lower deck suites.
YN 19055 Project Castor boasts its exterior lines by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects. Key exterior features include vertical floor to ceiling windows in the forward section of the main deck, as well as full height windows in the main saloon and skylounge. Another notable feature is the “shark tooth” design detail of the wheelhouse overhang.
As for the yacht's interior design, the owner entrusted a stylist to personalise the interiors designed by Bannenberg & Rowell. It is the eighth collaboration between the design studio and Dutch yard.
The 760GT yacht also features a fast displacement hull designed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects. With this low-drag hull and two relatively modest MTU engines of just 1000 kW each, yachts in Heesen’s 55m Steel class are hailed to be among the most efficient of their size in the world.
The yacht's sister ship, YN 19255 Project Pollux, is currently nearing completion at the Heesen yard, and available for sale, with delivery for later this year.
Solemates will be available for charter in the Eastern Mediterranean via Luxury Yacht Group, who introduced the client to the shipyard and were responsible for project management during construction.
Images by Dick Holthuis.
Alinghi Red Bull Racing has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming America’s Cup competition, citing financial and strategic reasons. The team, which was set to compete in the 37th edition of the prestigious sailing event, confirmed the decision in a statement released today.“After careful consideration and thorough analysis of our current situation, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the America’s Cup,” said team principal Bruno Troublé. “This was not an easy choice, but we believe it is the right one for the future of our organization.”The withdrawal comes as a significant blow to the America’s Cup, which was scheduled to take place in Barcelona later this year. Organizers have yet to comment on how the absence of Alinghi Red Bull Racing will impact the competition format and schedule.Alinghi Red Bull Racing has been a prominent participant in recent America’s Cup editions, most notably competing in the 36th edition held in Bermuda. The team has a history dating back to the original Alinghi squad that won the America’s Cup in 2003.“We want to thank all our supporters, partners, and the incredible team members who have been part of this journey,” Troublé added. “While we are leaving the America’s Cup, we remain committed to the sport of sailing and look forward to exploring new opportunities in the future.”The team’s departure leaves the field of competitors for the 37th America’s Cup reduced, with organizers now facing the challenge of potentially finding a replacement team or adjusting the competition format. The America’s Cup is known for its high-stakes, high-tech sailing competitions involving cutting-edge catamarans capable of speeds exceeding 50 knots.Details regarding the future of Alinghi Red Bull Racing’s assets, including their AC75 foiling catamaran, have not been disclosed. The team’s withdrawal adds to the uncertainty surrounding the America’s Cup, which has already faced challenges related to cost and complexity in recent years.Organizers of the America’s Cup are expected to provide further updates on how they plan to proceed with the competition in the coming days. The event remains one of the most prestigious and technically demanding regattas in the sailing world, attracting teams from around the globe.Credits: Alinghi Red Bull Racing
April 22, 2025
The Sunseeker 131 motor yacht ‘Best of Me’ has entered the luxury yacht market through Camper & Nicholsons. Built in 2014, the vessel has undergone a comprehensive refit in 2023, bringing it up to the latest standards of comfort and performance.The yacht measures 40 meters in length and features exterior design by Don Shead. The interior, spanning three decks, has been reconfigured during the recent refit to accommodate up to 12 guests across six staterooms. The master suite is located on the main deck, offering panoramic views and direct access to the aft deck.Key features include a spacious beach club area with a hydraulic swim platform, a large sundeck with alfresco dining facilities, and a fully equipped gym. The yacht is powered by twin Caterpillar engines, delivering a top speed of 30 knots and a cruising speed of 25 knots.The refit included upgrades to the vessel’s technical systems, including new generators, stabilization systems, and air conditioning units. The interior received new furnishings and finishes, with a focus on creating a contemporary, luxurious ambiance.“Best of Me presents an exceptional opportunity for those seeking a well-maintained, high-performance yacht with a proven pedigree,” said a spokesperson from Camper & Nicholsons. “The recent refit has ensured that the yacht meets the highest standards of comfort and performance expected from a vessel of this caliber.”The yacht is currently available for viewing in the Mediterranean and is offered for sale through Camper & Nicholsons, one of the world’s leading yacht brokers. The asking price and further details are available upon request through the brokerage firm.The vessel’s layout includes a master stateroom on the main deck, a VIP stateroom on the upper deck, four additional guest staterooms on the lower deck, crew quarters for up to 10 staff, multiple entertainment areas, and state-of-the-art audio-visual systems.The yacht is equipped with advanced navigation systems, including stabilizers at anchor and underway, ensuring comfort during both cruising and stationary periods. The exterior decks provide ample space for socializing and relaxing, with multiple seating areas and dining options both inside and outside.Best of Me is registered in the Cayman Islands and is compliant with all relevant international regulations and standards. The yacht is offered with a full inventory of water toys and tenders, making it ready for immediate enjoyment by its new owner.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
April 22, 2025
Moonen Yachts has announced the sale of the Moonen 110 Mustique YN202, now named MIDNIGHT SAGA. The transaction was facilitated by Moonen’s Global Sales Representatives and IYC brokers Matthew Stone and Richard Gray, who represented both the buyer and the seller in the deal.The sale was concluded during the 2025 Palm Beach International Boat Show, where the yacht was showcased at the IYC display and available for private viewings. Currently located in Florida, the 34-meter yacht will soon transit to European waters for delivery to its new owner.The Moonen 110 Mustique features design work by René van der Velden and interior finishes by Studio Indigo based in London. The yacht offers accommodation for up to 10 guests, including a full-beam Owner’s Stateroom with 180-degree panoramic views. Additional features include spacious exterior decks for socializing and dining, a generous bridge deck, and an interior volume of 279 gross tons.The vessel boasts operational capabilities such as fuel efficiency, long-range cruising ability, shallow draft, and low acoustic impact. It also comes with Moonen’s comprehensive shipyard warranty.“We are thrilled to confirm the sale of YN202, the first hull in the Moonen 110 series,” said Nicky van Zon, Technical Director of Moonen Yachts. “As a long-range steel yacht built with Moonen Yachts’ renowned Dutch engineering and exceptional craftsmanship, MIDNIGHT SAGA is a truly remarkable vessel. We wish the new owner many years of serene and luxurious cruising.”Richard Gray, Head of Sales UK, added, “This sale marks a significant milestone for both IYC and Moonen Yachts. It’s always a privilege to guide a client through the purchase of such a meticulously built yacht, and even more rewarding when the entire process is managed in-house. This was a true team effort between IYC and the dedicated team at Moonen Yachts. We’re now looking forward to introducing the yacht to the charter market, with an exciting cruising itinerary that will perfectly showcase the quality and capabilities of a Moonen build.”Matthew Stone, Managing Partner, California, and IYC Sales Consultant, commented, “This sale reflects the strength of our collaborative approach and partnership with the Shipyard. The Moonen 110 is an exceptional platform, and the yacht’s new owner immediately recognized its unique capabilities and refined craftsmanship. We’re excited to support the new owner and the vessel’s global journey.”Credits: Moonen Yachts
April 22, 2025
Italian shipyard Baglietto has delivered the 43.7-meter motor yacht Speedy Bear, a custom Fast44 model designed by Francesco Paszkowski Design with interior collaboration from Margherita Casprini. The aluminum-hulled vessel follows the design lineage of Baglietto's fast yachts, including the 46M Lucky Me. Speedy Bear accommodates 10 guests across five cabins: a main-deck master suite forward of the saloon, two VIP doubles, and two convertible singles with additional berths. Stern fold-down balconies create expanded sunbathing space around the pool, while the garage door converts to a swim platform extending the beach club area.Powered by twin MTU engines, the yacht reaches a cruising speed of 23 knots and maximum speed of 27 knots. Baglietto's CCO Fabio Ermetto stated: "This is indeed a custom project that exudes classical beauty while also featuring innovative solutions. Speedy Bear reminds me of several historical and yet revolutionary vessels built by Baglietto – which marked the history of yachting – while also being a brand-new, one-of-a-kind project, faithful to Baglietto's DNA."Baglietto Spa is an Italian boat builder based in La Spezia specializing in new aluminum light alloy yachts ranging between 35m and 50m in length and steel and light aluminum alloy displacement megayachts starting at 40m.Credits: Baglietto
April 21, 2025
The 53-meter sailing yacht Drumbeat is now available for charter in the West Mediterranean for summer 2025 through Camper & Nicholsons, with weekly rates starting at EUR210,000. Built by Alloy Yachts in 2002 and refitted in 2019, the Dubois Naval Architects-designed ketch combines performance sailing credentials with luxury accommodations.Drumbeat accommodates 10 guests in five cabins, including a full-beam master suite featuring panoramic views, a lounge area, and hot tub. The 2019 interior refurbishment incorporated warm wood tones, contemporary art, and refined textiles. The yacht's sailing pedigree includes winning the Rolex Transatlantic Challenge. Current features include a transformable transom swim platform, spacious aft deck lounge with alfresco dining, and shaded relaxation areas. A 10-person professional crew maintains a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio.Technical specifications confirm the vessel's 53-meter length and ketch rig configuration. Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
April 21, 2025