The 55M Steel FDHF has been a successful semi-custom series for Heesen Yachts so far. In fact, six clients had signed contracts as of this summer. There’s now yet another owner joining the family, signing the dotted line for the Heesen Project Serena. What’s more, the yacht reflects different styling than her predecessors.
The 180-foot (55-meter) series includes recent deliveries like Moskito, Solemates, and Vida. Volume is a generous 760 gross tons, allowing for comfortable accommodations for 10 people, too. Styling-wise, the first six yachts have sharp, muscular, sporty lines, from the design studio Omega Architects, Heesen’s longtime collaborator. Omega is still the designer for Project Serena, though before construction began, the studio and shipyard decided to change things up a bit. For example, the already large windows lining the main deck are bigger panes of glass. Additionally, the shipyard is eliminating the mullions separating them. The same details appear on the upper deck, in the sky lounge. Instead, onlookers will see continuous swaths of tinted glass.
In yet another styling change, the Heesen Project Serena is the first to feature a French balcony off the owners’ suite. The suite is forward on the main deck, though, the same place all the prior buyers have wanted. Elsewhere inside, layout modifications have taken place, too, such as adding stairways for better traffic flow. Omega Architects and Luca Dini Design joined forces for the interior layout changes.
Luca Dini Design is currently working with the owner to tailor the overall design and decor to his liking. Although specific information about stones and woods is not available, the shipyard does say that a more relaxed ambience will characterize alfresco dining areas. Heesen’s chief commercial officer, Friso Visser, notes that the owner has had yachts previously and therefore has good experience.
The owner can look to the previous series deliveries to get a sense of the performance experience he and his guests will enjoy. Featuring the same hull design as those deliveries, Project Serena should see a range of 4,500 nautical miles at 13 knots. Her twin MTU engines should put her to a maximum speed of 15½ knots as well. Naturally, the engines comply with IMO’s Tier III emissions requirements.
The maiden voyage for Project Serena will take place just after delivery in the fall of 2024. She’ll head across the Atlantic for her first winter season in the Caribbean.
Heesen Yachts heesenyachts.com
Luca Dini Design lucadini.com
Omega Architects omega-architects.com
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