Heesen Yachts is proud to announce that on December 17, 2016 the process of joining the hull and superstructure of YN 18250 (Project Ayla) was completed at the facility in Oss.
Project Ayla is a 50m semi-displacement yacht with sleek exterior lines styled by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects. Two MTU 16V series 4000 are installed on board the yacht. Heesen’s in-house naval architects and engineers created the hull design based on the cumulative experience of building 36 semi-displacement yachts over 40m. Thanks to her unique combination of design and craftsmanship, Project Ayla will reach a maximum speed of 23 knots and deliver a transatlantic range of 3,200nm at 11 knots.
But Project Ayla is not only about speed and power, she is also very much about comfort and space. Zero speed stabilizers reduce motion to a minimum while at anchor and the yacht offers the best internal volume possible in a design package below the 500GT threshold. Twelve guests are accommodated in six cabins. The full-beam master suite is traditionally located on the main deck forward, while the guest cabins are found on the lower deck, including one full-beam VIP, 2 twin, and 2 double staterooms, all with private en suite bathrooms.
Cristiano Gatto created a minimalist chic interior, a contemporary interpretation of New Déco style inspired by the work of design legend Jean-Michel Frank. Clients have the opportunity to personalize the décor at different stages of the construction process thanks to the extensive use of fabric upholstery, both on vertical and horizontal surfaces. This will allow the new owners to choose material and colour palettes to create the atmosphere that corresponds to their own taste and lifestyle.
The balance between outdoor and indoor space has four al-fresco dining possibilities available for guests to choose from. The 70-sqm sundeck is one of the most popular areas on board with its forward spa pool surrounded by sunpads, a full-service bar and a dining table for twelve. The bridge deck aft terrace connects with the sky lounge offering a setting for dining with stunning views. Casual al-fresco dining is also possible forward in front of the bridge and on the aft terrace on the main deck.
After intensive sea trials in the North Sea, project Ayla will be available for delivery in April 2018.
Heesen has recently opened a new 85m dry dock and has introduced the 42m Project Cayman, which the Dutch shipyard has developed with the American market in mind.
Photos by Dick Holthuis
The 38.6-meter motor yacht Areti I has changed ownership in a transaction brokered by IYC and Hamilton Marine International. Michael Rafferty and Dimitri Blaimer of IYC represented the buyer, while David Ross of Hamilton Marine acted for the seller.Built in 2007 by U.S. shipyard Burger, the aluminum-hulled vessel was designed by longtime Burger naval architect Don O'Keeffe. The yacht had one owner since delivery and never entered charter service.Areti I accommodates 10 guests across five cabins, including a full-beam master suite on the main deck. Crew quarters house up to eight staff. Douglas Richey designed the interior featuring wood paneling and neutral-toned furnishings.Recent updates include a 2024 refit and full repaint at Rybovich in North Palm Beach. The yacht carries ABS classification and MCA compliance.Powered by twin 1,300hp Caterpillar engines, Areti I achieves 14.5-knot top speed with 5,500-nautical-mile range at 10 knots. The vessel was listed at $9.95 million prior to sale.The transaction demonstrates continued market activity for well-maintained American-built superyachts in the 35-40 meter range. Burger's aluminum construction and single-owner history likely contributed to the yacht's market appeal.Credits: Hamilton Marine International
August 18, 2025
Horizon Group has completed installation of a new 1,800-ton shiplift system at its Premier Shipyard facility in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The 60-meter by 13.7-meter Pearlson Shiplift System represents a two-year development project, expanding the yard's capacity to service superyachts exceeding 70 meters in length.The 24,000-square-meter shipyard occupies 200 meters of waterfront at Taiwan's largest commercial port. The new infrastructure strengthens Premier's position in the Asian refit market, where it has previously serviced vessels up to 69 meters from builders including Feadship and Riva.John Lu, Horizon Group CEO, stated: "The shiplift provides our shipyard with vastly increased capabilities and capacity, helping to fulfill unprecedented demand for global superyacht owners." The yard maintains certifications from classification societies including Bureau Veritas, Lloyd's Register, RINA and DNV.The installation follows Horizon's ongoing investment in service infrastructure, complementing its core yacht construction business. The Taiwanese facility becomes one of few Asian yards capable of handling large superyacht refits with its new lifting system.Premier Shipyard has serviced over 30 yachts since establishing its refit operations. The shiplift project aligns with growing demand for maintenance facilities in Asia as the regional superyacht fleet expands. Horizon continues production at its main yacht-building facilities while expanding aftermarket services through the Kaohsiung location.The completed shiplift enters service immediately, with the yard prepared to accommodate vessels for scheduled winter maintenance work. Horizon confirms the facility will participate in upcoming regional boat shows to demonstrate its enhanced capabilities to potential clients.Horizon Yachts, the subsidiary company of Horizon Group, was co-founded in 1987 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Since then, Horizon has become the leading Asian yacht brand in the luxury yacht market.Credits: Horizon Yachts
August 18, 2025
Dutch yacht builder Heesen Yachts has appointed Jeroen van der Meer as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 2025. The leadership change follows the shipyard's recent acquisition by owner Laurens Last.Van der Meer replaces Niels Vaessen, who departs after thirteen years with the company, including service as both CFO and CEO. The new CEO holds a mechanical engineering degree and MBA from Eindhoven University, with professional experience focused on manufacturing optimization and strategic restructuring.Laurens Last stated: "Our goal is to build upon Heesen's legendary status by focusing relentlessly on quality, innovation, and the client experience. Jeroen's appointment is a strategic move to accelerate this vision." The owner emphasized plans to enhance production processes and invest in sustainable technologies under the new leadership.Vaessen commented: "I have an immense respect for the craftspeople and colleagues at Heesen, and I am grateful for my long service. I have full confidence in the shipyard's continued success."Van der Meer outlined his priorities: "My focus will be on harnessing the incredible talent within the company. By optimizing our processes and integrating advanced systems, we will empower our people to build the most innovative and reliable yachts." He emphasized strengthening client relationships and after-sales support.The leadership transition comes as Heesen prepares for the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2025, where executives will meet with clients and partners. The shipyard continues production at its Oss facility, maintaining its focus on aluminum and steel superyacht construction.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
August 18, 2025
The 100.8-meter Kusch Yachts superyacht I Dynasty has been listed for sale with Merle A. Wood of Merle Wood & Associates and James Auld of SuperYachtsMonaco, with an asking price of €240,000,000. This places her as the fourth most expensive superyacht currently on the market.Built in Germany and delivered in July 2015, I Dynasty is the second-largest vessel from Kusch Yachts and the yard’s most recent delivery. The project was overseen by Vega Yachts, with The A Group’s Richard Hein responsible for exterior design and naval architecture. She was among the first superyachts to be fully certified to Passenger Yacht Code (PYC) standards.Her interior, designed by Massari Design, accommodates up to 34 guests in 12 cabins, plus four staff in three cabins and 36 crew in 19 cabins. Under PYC certification, she can carry up to 36 guests. The main deck hosts the owner’s suite, which includes separate his and hers marble en suites, while two master VIP suites are located on the bridge deck.With an interior volume of 4,437GT, I Dynasty offers a variety of amenities, including a bridge deck cinema, beach club, sauna, hair salon, massage room, hammam, gym, and a dive centre. Notable design features include an open staircase, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a mix of classical and modern finishes, including warm woods, marble pillars, and glass “shark fins” acting as windbreakers.The yacht’s exterior spaces include multiple dining areas, a covered cinema, several pools, and a float-in tender garage that can be converted into a saltwater pool. She carries a range of tenders and water toys, including a Riva 33 Aquariva and a 9.6-metre Pascoe Limousine.Powered by a diesel-electric system with twin Rolls-Royce Bergen main engines and triple Caterpillar C32 auxiliary engines, I Dynasty has a top speed of 17 knots, a cruising speed of 14 knots, and a range of 7,000 nautical miles.She recently completed her Lloyd’s 10-year Special Survey in June 2025 and will be available for inspection by appointment during the Monaco Yacht Show.Credits: Merle Wood & Associates
August 15, 2025
The first unit from the Lazzara UHV 100 series has had its asking price reduced by €1,005,000. Represented for sale by Josh Gulbranson of Fraser and Richard Higgins of Northrop & Johnson, the 30.5-metre motor yacht is currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2026.Designed entirely in-house by Turkish shipyard Lazzara, the model has a reported gross tonnage of 222GT, which the builder claims is the largest in its class. The yacht is being built using a full epoxy construction with e-glass, a closed-cell aviation core, and no gelcoat or wood.Accommodation will be for up to 10 guests in five cabins, including a main-deck owner’s suite with private seating and en suite, and four guest cabins on the lower deck in a mix of queen and twin arrangements. Crew quarters will accommodate five.The interior is designed with multiple floor-to-ceiling windows and 2,800 square feet of living space, including a main deck lounge and dining area for 10, and a full-beam skylounge with a bar and lounge seating.Outdoor areas will include a beach club with a submersible swim platform, a foredeck lounge with a Jacuzzi, and alfresco dining and seating on both the main and upper aft decks.Powered by Volvo Penta engines, the yacht is expected to have a cruising speed of 12 knots and a maximum speed of 16 knots. She will also be equipped with CMC electric fin stabilisation and hydraulic bow and stern thrusters. Principal dimensions include a beam of 7.4 metres and a draft of 1.8 metres.The Lazzara UHV 100 is now listed for sale at €13,495,000.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
August 15, 2025