Heesen Yachts has sold Project Akira, YN 20457. It is the first in Heesen’s new 57-metre all-aluminium series of fast yachts, with an enclosed volume of approximately 780 GT and a lightweight, ultra-efficient Fast Displacement Hull Form.
Heesen is one of the few shipyards in the world with the in-house capability to weld such high-performance structures to the required tolerances. Wes Sanford of Northrop & Johnson and James Corts of MarineMax introduced the client.
Mark Cavendish, Heesen CCO: ‘It is a very exciting time for our shipyard as YN 20457 Project Akira is the first in a new class of yachts, which we have carefully studied and engineered to deliver optimum luxury on water. We look forward to working with the owners and their family to build a yacht that will provide many days of happy sailing and create long-lasting memories.’
Also read: Heesen joins hull and superstructure of 57-metre superyacht Project Akira
Built on spec
The shipyard presented the 57-metre series design at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2019, and construction of YN 20457 began in February 2022 as a speculative venture. The official keel-laying was witnessed by the American Bureau of Shipping surveyor. To mark the occasion, four Heesen employees celebrating their 25th work anniversary carried out the first welds.
Also read: Heesen has Eidsgaard design exterior of new 50-metre yacht series
Building milestones
Another milestone was marked on November 18, 2022, when Akira’s two IMO Tier III-compliant MTU 16V 4000 M65L engines were installed. This propulsion package, in concert with the super-efficient hull design, will give the yacht a maximum speed of 22 knots, which the yard says is quite remarkable for a superyacht displacing approximately 490 tonnes at half load.
The joining of the hull and superstructure, another landmark occasion in her construction, took place in December 2022. The project remains on schedule and will be delivered to the new owners in time to enjoy the 2024 summer season.
Frank Laupman of Omega Architects created the exterior design with a near-vertical bow. Harrison Eidsgaard was responsible for the layour. The owners and their team are working with Harrison Eidsgaard and Heesen’s interior engineer to personalise the yacht.
Also read: Heesen to build full-custom 57-metre superyacht
Accommodation
Twelve guests are accommodated in six staterooms, with the 63 m2 owner’s apartment located forward on the main deck. There is a VIP suite on the bridge deck above, while the remaining guest cabins are on the lower deck. A glass and stainless-steel elevator serves all three decks. Heesen Yachts Interiors in Winterswijk is responsible for handcrafting the furniture for Project Akira.
