“We wanted to take the breath away, without being aesthetically intimidating.” Dickie Bannenberg says this was his studio’s approach to the 180-foot (55-meter) Moskito. “That fine line between approachability and comfort. Something cool and interesting, but subtle.” What started as the spec yacht Project Pollux became a sale where the owner was essentially in lock step with the original design. In turn, Moskito is a yacht where guests can feel equally at ease in jeans or a dinner jacket.
Although Heesen has sold numerous spec yachts where the original designers remained onboard, typically we—and they—expect the buyers to change a variety of things. This Heesen 55M Steel series yacht proved different. Bannenberg says the owner liked everything the designers initially conceived. Additionally, and even more surprisingly, the owner requested they add artwork and books of their own choosing. “We don’t always get to remain design control freaks like this!” he points out.
“Our guiding philosophy was that the owner should be as happy hosting a black-tie dinner as lounging in their shorts,” Bannenberg continues. It certainly shows in the open-plan saloon and dining area (top), for example. While the design does have some wow factor, none of the artwork—from British creatives—or soft goods screams for attention. Smoked oak, in chevron patterns, lies underfoot, with marbles in white, grey, and ivory. Warm bronze accents augment these.
These materials appear throughout Moskito, as does eucalyptus paneling, for a unified look and feel. Of course, some areas have their own personality, too, like the master suite (above). Spanning about 883 square feet (82 square meters), it’s a relaxing haven from the activity of the day. The same is true for the four guest suites below decks, two twins and two doubles.
Moskito is on display at this week’s Monaco Yacht Show, available for visits. Preview her “cool and interesting, but subtle” spaces in our photo gallery above. On a related note, Heesen has other 55M Steel yachts available on spec. It’s the only shipyard in Northern Europe to offer this size that way, too.
Bannenberg & Rowell bannenbergandrowell.com
Heesen Yachts heesenyachts.com
Monaco Yacht Show monacoyachtshow.com
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