Heesen Yachts was created in 1978 by Frans Heisen. Having built about one hundred and fifty ships from 37 to 50 meters in less than thirty years, she has become one of the world's largest shipyards.
Since 1988, she has focused on building sports boats, and even set a record: Octopussy, a 43-meter boat capable of 52.3 knots, is the fastest boat of its time. In 2003 Heesen broke an important milestone with the launch of the 3700 and 4400, elegant and fast semi-custom yachts.
Success comes at once, the shipyard is flooded with orders and today Heesen is adding three new series 5000, 5500 and the planned 6500 to its range in the near future. In the displacement yacht category (steel hull and aluminium superstructures) Heesen offers three lengths: 47, 50 and 55 metres.
Heesen 4YOU belongs to the 4700 family and this is, you might say, the next of kin (except for the interior furnishings and the color of the body). Siroccoreleased in 2006, and Celestial Hopethat was launched in 2008. Like these two yachts, the 4YOU silhouette is a work by Frank Laupman from the design studio. Omega Architects. This aluminium four-deck vessel can reach a maximum speed of 24 knots, which is certainly a rarity for this type of vessel.
The blue hull colour and white superstructure colour blend in perfectly with the seascape. The lifeboat required for MCA certification is located in a large utility room under the front bridge, while the main hangar occupies a large part of the stern. It is spacious enough to accommodate another lifeboat and several sea toys such as a jet ski or seaboba. The rear wall folds out into the water and forms a large swimming platform.
The interior design and layout, as well as the exterior, have been developed by Omega Architects studio, which has given preference to a rather classical main theme, while not hesitating to mix sometimes styles and colors, as in the upper deck saloon. A relaxed atmosphere reigns here: a piano in front of the bar, three imposing sofas in front of the plasma panel. When the plasma screen is not necessary, it hides behind an Art Deco mural depicting the oceans.
There is a dining table on the open deck, which can accommodate twelve guests enjoying the panoramic views. To refresh yourself in the Jacuzzi, simply walk up the stairs leading to the huge solarium. In its central part, protected from the sun and hidden from the wind by transparent sliding screens, there is a small gym. A bar and sofas next to the simulators will help you relax after the exercises.
The style of the main deck is dominated by various types of wood (light oak walls, walnut furniture, teak parquet), while the harmony of the overall ensemble is accentuated by several well placed works of art. To bring a slightly cozier and warmer note to the interior, dense carpets and white silk draperies are used in some places. The carpets also cover all the steps of the main staircase, whose perfect symmetry pleases the eye.
The owner's cabin, located on the bow, can be accessed through the study and dressing room. It covers the entire width of the ship and is flooded with light thanks to three large glass panels.
When it comes to the ship's test results, given its size, the 47-meter Heesen is astonishing. Equipped with a fairing and two MTU diesel engines of 3650 horsepower each, 4YOU is capable of speeds up to 24 knots. This yacht can compete with some sports boats which, of course, do not have such a huge living space. For large crossings. 4YOU has a power reserve of 3,400 miles at 12 knots. No rocking provides two Naiad stabilizers.
The launch of this new 47-metre Heesen Yachts confirms the status of the Dutch leader in the construction of semi-custom yachts. Moreover, 13 more yachts are currently under order and will be delivered before the end of 2012.
Published in YACHTS magazine #34.
