Dutch yacht builder Heesen Yachts operates a daring business model in which the majority of the yachts under construction are built on speculation. So far, this has proven a successful tactic, with the sale of the 67-metre Project Sparta as the latest feat.
First presented at the Monaco Yacht Show 2018 as Project Avanti, it has now been sold as Project Sparta with delivery in 2023. It is the third sale by Heesen in 2019 and the yacht builder currently has thirteen yachts under construction. By building most of these semi-custom, the yacht builder can offer much shorter delivery times.
Project Sparta
The 67-metre, 1200-gross tonnage superyacht (YN 20067) Project Sparta features an efficient steel Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) devised by Van Oossanen. Its top speed will be sixteen knots. The exterior and interior design was created by Winch Design. By incorporating a raised pilothouse, Winch Design has conceived a new-look sporty profile.
The layout is characterised by a full beam salon on the main deck. This feature is unique on a vessel of this size. Four guest suites are located forward on the main deck. Thanks to a sliding partition, the two forward cabins transform into a full beam VIP.
An off-centre spiral staircase with glass elevator services all three decks. The lower deck houses a walk-in wellness area with oval Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and gymnasium, as well as the crew quarters for the fifteen crew members and galley.
The owner has reserved the entire bridge deck for himself. There are two suites: one with its private outdoor lounge area located fore, and the other facing aft with access to the private terrace with outdoor dining and lounging.
Provisioning is made simple thanks to a shell door located on port side, and tenders and toys are conveniently stored in the forward garage with gull wing doors.
Custom Yachts on the Rise
Although the yacht builder states on its website that building on spec, which ensures its
short-delivery programme, is key to its commercial success, the company is registering an increasing interest in full-custom yachts. Latest achievement in this department is the sale of Project Skyfall (YN 19959) at the end of September.
Project Skyfall (by Heesen).
This custom 59-metre all-aluminium FDHF motoryacht will be the fastest FDHF as well as Heesen’s most powerful project to date. 22,000 horsepower will feed four water jets allowing for a speed of no less than 37 knots in light load conditions – an impressive feat for its 900 gross tonnage volume.
Picture (top): Project Avanti, now Project Sparta (by Heesen).
