Many a megayacht owner has viewed his or her yacht as a floating paradise. The owner of the newest Heesen Yachts launch seems to embrace that view, given the name he selected. It’s Satori, which in Zen Buddhism is an experience of enlightenment. Specifically, it’s a sudden flash of understanding, a key concept in the overall goal of reaching Nirvana. (It’s also a derivative of the Japanese term satoru, which means “to know.”)
Measuring 49.8 meters (163 feet), Satori offers a one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, including the captain. That should translate to a well-cared-for experience onboard. Related to that point, Satori’s captain, Mark Lacey, says the owner wanted “an even higher level of excellence” in terms of Heesen’s typical approach to design and performance. Throughout the process, which he oversaw as project manager, Lacey adds, “In the construction of this yacht, there has been emphatically no place for the response ‘this is not possible,’ and we have approached the entire build with this inspiration in mind. Every person of the team has been working extremely hard to create a balanced and beautiful design that I hope will become a classic.”
Specific to performance, Satori should see a top speed of 24 knots (half load), impressive for her LOA. Her semi-displacement hull form was partly based on Heesen’s previous 44- and 47-meter (144- and 154-foot) deliveries. It also resulted from collaboration with Van Oossanen Associates. (Styling is by Omega Architects.) Power comes courtesy of twin MTU 16V4000 M90s, a popular choice for their high output and lower weight. Together, the hull design and power package should also ensure a 3,200-nautical-mile range at 12 knots.
So what will the owner and guests enjoy whether leisurely cruising or at anchor after delivery in April? Multi-function interior and exterior spaces, designed by Rémi Tessier to emphasize low-key elegance, or what the designer calls “the art of providing detail without ostentation.” The saloon, for example, has three areas devoted to relaxing and dining. Seen here, the dining table can further lower for a more casual feel overall throughout the room. Outside, the sundeck has a split-level layout. The party portion contains a bar, while the more serene portion features seating and sunbathing.
Other highlights: a nine-meter (29-foot) beam and four guest staterooms below decks, besides the main-deck master.
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