Heesen Yachts has marked a significant milestone with the delivery of Iris Blue, the first vessel in its restyled 55-metre series and the first vessel of the year. After a series of demanding sea trials in the North Sea, this groundbreaking yacht not only met but exceeded all performance expectations. With a bold exterior redesign by Omega Architects and enhanced interior layouts, Iris Blue sets a new standard in its yacht size.
Rigorous Sea Trials: Testing Iris Blue Capabilities
Heesen has successfully delivered Iris Blue, the inaugural yacht from its revamped 55-metre series. Following rigorous sea trials in the North Sea, the vessel has proven to meet all specified requirements, affirming its engineering and design advancements. Three days-long trials subjected Iris Blue to challenging conditions, including gusting winds up to 28 knots and 1.7-metre seas. The yacht demonstrated exceptional manoeuvrability, responding promptly to steering commands with its large rudders and high-pitch propellers.
Evolutionary Design: A Modern Take on Classic Elegance
The exterior restyling of Iris Blue was entrusted to Frank Laupman of Omega Architects, the original designer of the 55-metre series. Laupman introduced significant updates to the profile, enhancing its aesthetic appeal while retaining the brand's signature design language. "We felt it was time to make an evolutionary step," Laupman explains. The design overhaul includes expansive, floor-to-ceiling glass without mullions in the main salon, which modernises the yacht's look and amplifies the sense of openness and connection with the surroundings. Continuous tinted glass sheets along the yacht's profile give it a more aggressive and streamlined appearance, extending the optical length and balancing the air draft.
Enhanced Interiors: The Owner's Quarters and Guests Areas
The yacht interior has also seen substantial revisions, particularly in the owner’s quarters.
- A new private veranda on the starboard side is a transformative addition, offering a unique outdoor space.
- While the new walk-in wardrobes elevate the 78-square-metre stateroom into a versatile and serene retreat.
The reimagined layout further extends to the yacht’s communal spaces.
- A larger sundeck now features a bar encircling the whirlpool, offering enhanced leisure options.
- The central atrium on the main deck has been modernised with a wider staircase, improving flow and access throughout the yacht.
- Additionally, a new companionway from the wheelhouse deck to the sundeck facilitates crew movement, ensuring operational efficiency without compromising guest comfort.
Why Is Iris Blue A Benchmark in Heesen Yacht Construction?
The best explanation comes from Niels Vaessen, Heesen's CEO:
"Heesen 55-metre Steel is a unique and very competitive design. We believe in this proven design platform and have worked with Omega and Luca Dini on creating a yacht that meets the refined tastes of clients who appreciate Dutch quality with a shortened delivery time. Iris Blue is a wonderful addition to our fleet."
Heesen, a yachting business that emphasises the significance of each model and focuses on on-spec projects, understands the importance of updating even its best-selling yacht models and ensuring that they correspond to the current trends and tastes. In other words, Iris Blue exemplifies Heesen's commitment to aesthetic refinement and practical enhancements. Its successful delivery confirms Heesen's position in the 55-metre yacht market, pushing the boundaries of marine technology.
