Yacht Serena Is for Seeking Serenity

Fresh from christening their new project at Heesen Yachts, the owners of the yacht Serena will soon start making memories onboard. They plan to enjoy an ambience of warmth and hominess that suits spending long periods of time cruising together with their family.

It’s been just over two years since construction started on the 180-footer (55-meter), and slightly less than two years since the owners bought the yacht. Several things appealed to them. Firstly, although she’s part of Heesen’s 55M Steel series, the project shows off new styling. For example, the already large windows lining the main deck are bigger panes of glass. Additionally, the shipyard has eliminated the mullions separating them. The same details appear on the upper deck, in the sky lounge. Instead, continuous swaths of tinted glass flow fore to aft. In yet another styling change, the yacht Serena is the first to feature a French balcony off the owners’ suite. Heesen’s longtime styling collaborator, Omega Architects, created these new design elements.

Yet another reason the owners chose this particular Heesen: the ability to work closely on interior design. The shipyard had tapped Luca Dini Design to propose décor highlights and room arrangements with high appeal. Interestingly, the studio’s initial idea of using soft, subtle colors and colorful accents resonated with the owners. Light-tone woods set the scene, with smoked eucalyptus, bronze, fabrics, and leathers adding to the welcoming atmosphere. Further visual interest comes from chevron patterns for vertical wood panels in the atrium and lobbies. Amazonite marble inlays add interest, too, lending color and sophistication.

The owners of the yacht Serena had several specific requests as well. For instance, seating heights were quite important, as were comfortable couches. Materials needed to be durable while maintaining beauty. Additionally, bars on the main and upper decks needed to be more than just drinks areas. In the main saloon, the bronze-finished bar is a sort of indoor-outdoor feature. It’s near the sliding doors to the aft deck, conveniently serving the family’s alfresco dining plans. In the skylounge, meanwhile, another bronze-finished bar—with hammered detailing—complements the room’s purpose as the interior social center. A games table, movie-watching/book-reading area, and general relaxation and conversation area fill out the lounge.

the yacht Serena at Heese — PHOTO: Ruben Griffoen

Notably, the owners drew much inspiration from the Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto. Nearly a century ago, Aalto declared, “Beauty is the harmony of purpose and form,” helping launch what’s called Scandinavian modern design. He believed that design should enrich people’s quality of life through both function and aesthetics.

There’s a great example of this in the three-level atrium aboard Serena. Not only is it the central hub for accessing each deck, but also it’s a showpiece. Light fixtures of blown glass and metal from designer, artist, and glassblower John Pomp command attention from the party of 12 who can stay aboard. Speaking of which, each of the four guest staterooms below decks has its own marble colors, for looking special. (The bridge-deck gym can convert to a fifth cabin if the owners’ family grows.) Finally, another showpiece is the beach club, a true living room on the sea and with two glass ports. A sauna accompanies it.

the yacht Serena at Heesen — PHOTO: Ruben Griffoen

Eric Molegraaf, the shipyard-assigned project manager, credits the owners with being decisive based on their years of cruising and their clear goals. “Serena is one of the most serene yachts we have ever built,” he adds.

Heesen Yachts heesenyachts.com

Luca Dini Design lucadini.com

Omega Architects omega-architects.com