photo: Dick Holthuis
The familiar saying “The sky’s the limit” has a lot in common with custom-yacht construction, in that they both invoke endless possibilities. Perhaps that was the inspiration behind Sky, the newest all-aluminum launch from Heesen Yachts. While some aspects of her design are familiar, other features embrace the freedom of starting from a clean slate.
The profile, from Heesen’s in-house naval architecture team and Omega Architects, is certainly familiar, bearing the sleekness that characterizes many models from the Dutch yard. The dark-painted – dare we say stormy-color? – hull lends a little extra personality to her 49.8-meter (163-foot) length.
While the octagonal shape of the Jacuzzi forward on the sundeck also lends personality, Sky stands apart from the crowd throughout her interior. The owner hired Mojo Stumer Associates, a New York-based architecture and interior-design firm focused primarily on high-end residential and smaller scale commercial work. Regardless of building type, Mojo Stumer emphasizes contemporary design. In an interview exclusive to Megayacht News, Michael Spitaleri, part of the Mojo Stumer project team, explains that the firm had worked with the client on several architecture projects previously. The owner wanted the yacht to feature “a very contemporary design vocabulary,” he explains, “to compliment the sleek lines of the exterior.” The firm had never designed a yacht before, so “it was a great and enjoyable learning experience for us,” Spitaleri adds. “We are proud to say that we formed a professional and personal relationship with all persons involved in this thrilling project.”
Sky’s interior is not yet completed, so the skylounge image above and saloon image below are 3D renderings. However, they give a good idea of how Macassar ebony wood is complemented by materials like carbon fiber and stainless steel, and how linear design is emphasized. Even with the dark tone of the wood, and with both it and the metallic elements running overhead in a few rooms, it doesn’t appear to make the yacht feel constrained. (Good thing, too, as the beam is plenty comfortable: 9 meters, or 29½ feet.) Mark Stumer, a principal of Mojo Stumer, also points out how “mundane elements of everyday life,” ranging from TVs to galley gadgets, are concealed wherever possible. Given the reality of how people live these days, however, televisions do adorn the walls of the main-deck master suite and four guest cabins (two twins, two VIPs), as well as the skylounge.
Hopefully the owner and guests will enjoy the outdoor spaces more while cruising. Sky is still undergoing sea trials, but after handover next month, the owner should expect the yacht to hit a 23-knot top speed.
Leave a Reply