Yacht news

The newest Heesen 50m superyacht Book Ends (previously known as Project Sapphire), which was launched earlier this month, has gone through intensive sea trials at the North Sea. She is the second in the new semi-displacement 5000 Aluminum Class, a fast-cruising design of under 500GT which follows from the successful Satori Class. The in-house team was supported by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, who carried out the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tests. The yacht was sold in September 2021 by Thom Conboy from Heesen USA for experienced owners. After the successful sale of their 2017 47m Heesen motor yacht of the name Book Ends (now Artisans), Bob and Amy Book have returned to the Dutch shipyard for their second Heesen yacht in four years.<iframe src=https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fheesenyachts%2Fvideos%2F584941556381205%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0 width=560 height=314 style=border:none;overflow:hidden scrolling=no frameborder=0 allowfullscreen=true allow=autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share allowFullScreen=true></iframe>An optimized, low-drag hull design with a reduced transom depth – a design refinement conceived by Heesen’s in-house team of naval architects – has resulted in efficiency gains of around 12 per cent. A draft of just 2.15 meters makes her the perfect yacht for exploring shallow waters. Her ultra-efficient hull shape is seamlessly complemented by two MTU 16V4000M65L ‘green ocean’ engines, fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) units to reduce NOx emissions. With a top speed of 23 knots, she perfectly embodies Heesen’s sporty DNA. Book Ends interior was penned by Cristiano Gatto. Twelve guests can be accommodated in four spacious suites on the lower deck and a master stateroom forward on the main deck. She offers plenty of outdoor deck space, with a raised lounge on the main deck aft, a dining area on the upper deck and another lounge on the foredeck. She also features a hot tub, bar and dining table. After completing sea trials she now undergoes interior outfitting before her delivery. 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

For the first time since the joining of her hull and superstructure, 38 meter Moonen Martinique, YN201 has been towed out of the outfitting shed at Moonen Yachts in Den Bosch. The steel aluminum superyacht is the first of the Martinique’s to feature an anthracite hull and a fully integrated hydraulic swim platform at the owners request.YN201 became the fourth hull to be built on the Moonen Martinique platform and the first of two Moonen Martinique’s currently in build at the Dutch superyacht builder’s shipyard. Both superyachts were sold earlier this year.Originally a 36 meter design, the 1.5 meter extension to the swim platform also came at the owners request. She therefore had to be towed out of the shed and realigned to allow for the 1.5 meter extension to be built.The 38m yacht features the exterior design by Dutch designer René van der Velden and naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design. Her fully customized Scandinavian design interiors will be executed by Andreas Martin-Löf Arkitekter who was also introduced to the project by the owner. "Having looked at multiple shipyards and what they had to offer, the choice to choose Moonen was simple. A beautiful boat with very high build quality, smart design and layout. Add to that a great team and the decision was easy. I can't wait to see the final product, " says the owner. She is scheduled for delivery in early 2023, with A2B Marine Projects is heading up the owners team with Christian Poorte as the owner's representative.Moonen Yachts is a yacht builder based in the Netherlands, and its first yacht was built in 1964 under the original yard name of De Ruiter. In 1981, the yard was renamed Moonen Shipyards. It’s launching its first vessel under new ownership: Alhena. In 2017 Moonen Shipyards changed into Moonen Yachts. With the help of strong vision, innovative technology and new designers, Moonen is once again becoming the market leader in 30m to 50m luxury yachts.Credits: Moonen Yachts

The 160m Blue left Lürssen's shipyard in Bremen on 2nd July and embarked on her maiden voyage, heading to the Mediterranean where she will now enjoy her very first season with her new owners. Before that Blue had a successful second sea trial at the end of June.The yacht is equipped with a highly efficient Diesel-Electric Hybrid Propulsion Concept developed by Lürssen’s own engineering specialists. The concept combines diesel-propulsion-technology with efficient modern electric propulsion systems. Blue’s system consists of two diesel engines that drive two controllable pitch propellers through individual gearboxes. These gearboxes are equipped with PTI/PTO units that can be used for either electric propulsion (slow speeds) or for generating electrical energy to operate the vessel at higher speeds. Blue is also equipped with an electric Azimuth Pod Drive, which in electric mode can be used separately, or when the PTI units are engaged, with the two propeller shafts.In order to generate less noise and vibration and reduce nitrogen oxide levels, the megayacht is equipped with a state-of-the-art exhaust after-treatment system. Furthermore, the wastewater treatment plant is equipped with new membrane technology that allows the treated wastewater to be safely disposed of in ‘drinking water quality’.“To execute such a comprehensive project, an excellent team is necessary. In this case, the team consisted of the owner's technical project management team, the design team from Terence Disdale who are responsible for the contemporary exterior and the traditional fresh interior design and of course, Lürssen’s own project team,” says Peter Lürssen, managing partner. “We are very proud of Blue as yet another statement of Lürssen’s ability and desire to build yachts that meet all of our exacting owners’ requirements, guided by our core focus of expert engineering, beautiful design and being a proud market leader in developing sustainable technologies.”Lürssen is a German shipyard with headquarters in Bremen-Vegesack and shipbuilding facilities in Lemwerder, Berne and Bremen-Aumund. Founded in 1875, Lürssen is one of the world's leading builders of custom luxury superyachts and has launched many of the largest yachts in the global fleet.Credits: Tom van Oossanen/Lürssen

Otam has announced that construction of the first Otam 90 GTS – a brand new model and the largest in its Fast & Iconic line-up – is under way at its shipyard in Genoa. Her elegant but racy design was made by Giuseppe Bagnardi of BG Design Firm. The 24 meter yacht was selected by the passionate owner because the yacht is a great combination of speed and volume – she is able to accommodate a large number of guests.“Because our boats are often used as chase boats for larger vessels, our clients are looking to approach a medium-sized yacht with the same level of freedom of customisation that you’d normally find on a superyacht,” says Matteo Belardinelli, Otam commercial director. “We’ve integrated that big boat mentality into a yacht of under 24 meters at the load line with all the associated advantages in terms of manning and maintenance.” The new Otam 90 GTS is available with different ‘options’ – opening hard top or soft top, with full or half-height side windows, with or without a side passage door, and with a single or double hull window for the master suite amidships. Hull no.1 is scheduled for delivery in 2024.The shipyard’s history started in 1954 in Liguria. Its professionalism is what made it stand out, very quickly becoming the first authorized Riva yacht Service Center for the Med Sea. In the 80’s Otam fit around 25 yachts for an American builder before starting his own production of Otam 45’ and 55’, earning significant attention. Today Otam has produced around 90 yachts, becoming an Italian specialist, and, together with its custom range, offers a limitless choice between 45’ and 130’.Credits: Otam

Sirena Yachts has announced the debut of its brand-new 78 at the 2022 Cannes Yachting Festival. The 78 designed to be a do-it-all cruiser that excels as well as an entertainment platform as she does on longer-range voyages. The Sirena 78’s flying bridge is available either in open, semi-enclosed or fully enclosed formats. Sirena decided to offer these options as their clients tend to boat in a variety of locales with differing climates. Each of the latter iterations benefits from super-sized windows that let in natural light and also allow for excellent views. The main saloon in Elegance version The 78 will be absent from a main-deck helm station, which opens up space in that area for entertainment. The sheer amount of space means that all guests will have lots of room to relax and socialize on the main deck.The main saloon in Serenity version The centerpiece on the main-deck’s interior will be a massive galley. The enormous island provides loads of counter space that makes entertaining easy and also makes food prep a cinch. A deep sink, extra stowage, and full-size appliances round out the galley. Sirena’s new 78 will also have a revolutionary loose-furniture concept that is sure to impress any potential client. Pieces of furniture such as settees and ottomans will be able to be arranged nearly anywhere an owner so desires. In this way, the layout of the boat is ever-changing and even more customizable. The owner's cabin in Elegance version She can accommodate eight guests across four cabins. The yacht features a full-beam, amidships master cabin with a private bath and dressing area. A forepeak VIP benefits large windows.The main saloon in Inspiration version The 78 will have a unique foredeck area with a key element – a massive sunpad flanked by tables to port and starboard accompanied by L-shaped settees. The overall effect of this setup is a true alfresco lounge.The world debut will take place between 6 September and 11 September 2022 at the Cannes Boat Show.Sirena Yachts is a Turkish yacht brand. The company produces semi-displacement motor yachts ranging from 17m to over 30m.Credits: Sirena Yachts