Heesen Yachts Showcases Strength at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2024

Heesen Yachts, a Dutch craftsmanship and luxury yacht construction leader, will command the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) from October 30 to November 3, 2024. Following a successful Monaco Yacht Show, Heesen will display three stunning yachts at the Superyacht Village: the 2022 50m semi-displacement Book Ends, the 2021 50m FDHF ELA, and the 2011 55m After You. This impressive lineup showcases Heesen’s unparalleled expertise in building high-performance, custom luxury yachts.

Heesen’s Commitment to the U.S. Market

The United States remains Heesen’s largest market, and their participation at FLIBS underscores their commitment to American yacht enthusiasts. With a growing yachting culture and a robust market of high-net-worth individuals, Heesen sees the U.S. as pivotal in its global strategy. Ruud van der Stroom, Heesen’s Chief Commercial Officer, expressed, “The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is a pivotal event for us to connect with our clients and showcase our yachts to the American market. Heesen’s ability to deliver fast yachts below 500GT with outstanding Dutch quality gives us a competitive edge.”

Yachts on Display: Innovation and Personalization

The three yachts displayed at FLIBS reflect Heesen’s excellence in semi-custom and fully custom yacht construction. The 2022 Book Ends and 2021 ELA highlight the shipyard’s semi-custom range, allowing owners to personalize their yachts to suit their tastes. Book Ends features bespoke loose furniture designed by the owner, while ELA was tailored in collaboration with renowned designer Cristiano Gatto to reflect the owner’s lifestyle.

After You, launched initially as Quinta Essentia, is a testament to Heesen’s custom yacht-building prowess. This 55m yacht displays Heesen’s expertise in aluminum hull construction and demonstrates their designs’ longevity and timeless appeal.

Book Ends – The 50m Aluminium Masterpiece by Heesen Yachts.

Book Ends is an exceptional 50-meter semi-displacement yacht designed for speed, elegance, and environmental consciousness. Crafted by Heesen Yachts, it builds upon the success of the Satori Class, offering a refined design optimized for performance and efficiency. Book Ends epitomizes luxury and innovation with an exterior by Omega Architects and an interior by Cristiano Gatto Design.

Boasting a low-drag hull design, Book Ends has reduced transom depth, which results in 12% efficiency gains. This cutting-edge design and a shallow draft of just 2.15 meters make the yacht ideal for exploring turquoise waters in shallow regions. Her eco-friendly credentials are underscored by the MTU 16V4000M65L engines, equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) units, which significantly reduce NOx emissions, ensuring the yacht’s reduced environmental footprint.

Step aboard and experience true luxury. The yacht accommodates 12 guests in opulent surroundings, including a full-beam master stateroom and four additional guest suites, all finished with the elegance that Cristiano Gatto is renowned for. The interior exudes sophistication, perfectly complementing the yacht’s sleek exterior.

During sea trials in the North Sea, Book Ends demonstrated her exceptional capabilities, achieving a maximum speed of 23 knots and offering a range of 3,100 nautical miles at cruising speed.

Specifications:

• Length: 49.98 meters
• Beam: 9 metres
• Draft: 2.15 metres
• Speed: 23 knots
• Range: 3,100 Nm
• Engines: MTU 16V4000M65L

With unmatched elegance, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to environmental responsibility, Book Ends is the ultimate luxury yacht for those who demand the best.

ELA – The 50m Aluminium FDHF Yacht by Heesen Yachts

ELA, launched in 2021, is a 50m Aluminium Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) yacht crafted by Heesen Yachts. Renowned for cutting-edge naval architecture and precision engineering, ELA sets the standard for performance and comfort. At just under 500GT, she possesses one of her class’s most efficient hull forms. Designed by Van Oossanen and engineered by Heesen’s in-house team, the FDHF hull ensures speed, fuel efficiency, and a smooth ride, even in challenging sea conditions.

ELA’s hull, built from lightweight aluminum, displaces approximately 320 tons, making her agile and efficient. The long waterline and floor-to-ceiling windows characterize her sleek, contemporary profile, while the reversed stem and spray rails add a distinctive look to this superyacht.

Step aboard ELA and experience the tranquil atmosphere created by Cristiano Gatto’s elegant interior design. The yacht features bespoke furniture with organic shapes, blending harmoniously with refined designer pieces. Warm walnut veneers, soft matte finishes, and a custom-designed, hand-tufted carpet by Luxury Pride enhance the luxurious, serene ambiance. ELA accommodates 12 guests in total comfort, offering a full-beam owner’s stateroom, a full-beam VIP suite, two double guest suites, and two twin guest suites.

During sea trials, ELA demonstrated impressive performance, reaching a maximum speed of 19.5 knots. With a range of 3,750 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 12 knots, ELA is designed for long-range adventures without compromising on comfort.

Specifications:

• Length: 49.80 metres
• Beam: 9.10 metres
• Draft: 2.15 metres
• Speed: 19.5 knots
• Range: 3,750Nm
• Engines: 2 x MTU 12V 2000 M72

ELA exemplifies Heesen’s commitment to efficiency, performance, and luxury living, making her the ideal yacht for discerning owners.

Heesen M/Y After You – A 55m Masterpiece of Luxury and Comfort

Initially launched in 2011 as a custom project by Heesen Yachts, the 55m M/Y After You recently underwent a complete refit in 2022, elevating her to a new level of luxury. With immaculate new interiors and exteriors, this yacht is designed to offer maximum comfort, enjoyment, and elegance for those who appreciate the finest in yachting.

The yacht’s creative layout and generous proportions make it ideal for group vacations, providing both intimacy and ample space. M/Y After You features six luxurious cabins, including an expansive Main suite with a private en-suite bathroom and personal balconies, offering unparalleled privacy and tranquility. The full-beam VIP cabin is designed to be flexible, as it can be converted into two smaller doubles, allowing the yacht to sleep up to 12 guests comfortably. Every cabin on board is meticulously designed to ensure the highest standards of luxury and comfort.

M/Y After You is powered by reliable MTU engines, enabling her to cruise smoothly at 17 knots with a top speed of 24 knots, making her perfect for long-distance cruising. Beyond the impressive specifications, she is also equipped with various water toys, enhancing the experience during idyllic days spent at stunning anchorages.

Specifications:

• Length: 55 m / 180 ft
• Beam: 9.40 m / 31 ft
• Draft: 3 m / 10 ft
• Accommodation: 12 guests in 6 staterooms
• Crew: 14
• Cruising speed: 17 knots
• Maximum speed: 24 knots

With her refitted interiors, luxurious cabins, and exceptional performance, M/Y After You is a valid symbol of modern yachting luxury, offering an unforgettable experience for all on board.

Hybrid Technology and Future Yachts

Looking ahead, Heesen continues to push boundaries with its cutting-edge projects. The 50m hybrid Project Orion, slated for delivery in Q1 2025, offers buyers a unique opportunity to own a yacht combining luxury and sustainability. Meanwhile, the Project Sophia, another 50m semi-displacement yacht, will be available for delivery in Q1 2026. These projects highlight Heesen’s focus on innovation, environmental consciousness, and fast delivery times, setting them apart in the competitive luxury yacht market.

Navigating Market Uncertainty

Heesen acknowledges the impact of the current geopolitical landscape and the upcoming U.S. election on purchasing decisions. Thom Conboy, Heesen’s U.S. representative, noted that some American clients have postponed purchases due to uncertainty. However, the timing of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show presents an ideal opportunity to engage with prospective buyers. Conboy stated, “Once the election results are confirmed, we expect confidence to return to the market, making this event critical for reconnecting with clients.”

Heesen Yachts at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Heesen Yachts invites visitors to experience their world-class craftsmanship and innovative designs at SYV12 in the Superyacht Village. With its strong presence and showcase of luxury yachts, Heesen is set to captivate the American market again.