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World’s largest and fastest all-aluminium luxury yacht: GALACTICA by Heesen on her maiden voyage

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Written by Rachael Steele

Dutch shipyard Heesen has officially launched the 80m/262.8ft luxury yacht PROJECT COSMOS on 17th December 2021 and was Christened superyacht GALACTICA . She began her maiden voyage in ideal weather conditions, passing through the tight lock-in Macharen on Saturday. With only 15 cm of clearance on each side, she had to wait for a calm day with no wind.

GALACTICA superyacht by Heesen passing under a bridge and heading out for sea trials © Heesen Yachts

Locks are not the only gateways Galactica had to go through. Her voyage includes passing under numerous bridges, where clearance is particularly tight, as soon on the photos. Before she headed out, physical measurements have been undertaken to ensure her smooth passage.

close up of the yacht’s bow section while moving out for sea trials © Heesen Yachts

The measurements have been taken at the Hedelse Spoorbrug near ‘s-Hertogenbosch and in Heusden at the Heusdensebrug. To perform these precise measurements, the yacht gets gently pulled under the bridge to the exact point where the measurements are taken. A measuring device is then installed at the front of the sundeck, with the same height or dimensions of the highest point of the yacht. Following, a real-time tolerance is determined with a laser beam to the bridge, to ensure she can pass underneath in the right amount of time.

“We are used to taking our boats to the North Sea via canals and rivers – we’ve been doing so for the past 40+ years. These operations are normal procedures when dealing with inland cruising with luxury yachts of this size. Waiting for the tide to fall is nothing but business as usual.” explains Sara Gioanola, PR & Press Office Manager at Heesen.

80m motor yacht GALACTICA heading out for her maiden voyage © Heesen Yachts

M/Y GALACTICA is constructed with an aluminium hull and superstructure and at the time of launch became the world’s longest aluminium yacht, surpassing her predecessor GALACTICA SUPER NOVA by 10m/32.9ft. She is also the world’s fastest aluminium yacht, capable of speeds up to 30 knots and a cruising speed above 20 knots. This has been achieved using a Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) in combination with a propulsion system designed by the renowned Van Oossanen Naval Architects alongside Rolls-Royce Marine.

The exterior styling is from another well-known name in the yachting industry: The multi-award-winning Winch Design . The British design studio created a modern appearance using a monochrome palette of white and black, with silvery grey accents in the balustrades and top section of the superstructure. Bevelled sides add subtle characterisation combined with a sweeping bow.

80m motor yacht GALACTICA heading out for her maiden voyage passing through tight lockin © Heesen Yachts

The sophisticated and contemporary interiors come from Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design and feature a pale golden cream colour scheme accented by cool silver in the fixtures and fittings and blue-grey or rosy tones. The large windows flowing uninterrupted along the sides of M/Y GALACTICA are sure to provide an abundance of natural lighting and exceptional views wherever she drops anchor.

The accommodation is designed to sleep up to 12 guests in 6 en-suite cabins: 1 Master suite on the main deck, 1 VIP stateroom on the bridge deck, and 4 more guest cabins on the lower deck.

Superyacht GALACTICA is now undergoing sea trials in the North Sea ahead of delivery at the beginning of April 2022.

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "World's largest and fastest all-aluminium luxury yacht: GALACTICA by Heesen on her maiden voyage".

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By SuperyachtNews 23 Nov 2021

Heesen launch Galactica, their largest yacht to date

Heesen claim this to be the biggest and fastest all-aluminium yacht ever built….

At 80 metres, with a gross tonnage of 1,700GT and a top speed of almost 30 knots, Heesen claim that this is the biggest and fastest all-aluminium yacht ever built. This is achieved thanks to the lightweight and low-drag hull design, coutesy of Heesen’s naval architects, an iteration of the Fast Displacement Hull Form devised by van Oossanen, and assembled by Heesen’s welders. Ensuring sufficient longitudinal strength was one of the biggest technological challenges facing Heesen’s engineering team, who designed and patented the Backbone - an intricate, full-length structural reinforcement system. The power comes from diesel propulsion - four engines, two gearboxes, variable-pitch propellers and ultra-innovative Promas rudders.

The superyacht will be able to house 12 guests in six state rooms where they will be able to enjoy a glass bottomed pool with waterfall, glass elevator, and a fully-rated helideck transforms into an open-air cinema.

“Today, we are celebrating the launch of a unique yacht,” said Heesen CEO Arthur Brouwer. “Unique not only for our shipyard, as she is the largest we have ever taken on and represents the pinnacle of our achievements to date. Cosmos is also unique in the industry - the largest and fastest aluminium yacht in her class ever built.”

Cosmos’s exterior comes from the renowned British studio of Winch Design.  “The Winch vision for Cosmos was to retain Heesen’s sporty DNA but blend it with an innovative, futuristic spin. Curved glass forms smooth, sculpted shapes, creating a feeling of slick, contemporary charm,” said Jim Dixon, director of Yachts and Aviation at the British design house. “The brief stressed that she had to have a strong and unique signature whilst retaining the Heesen DNA that we all know and love. The emphasis was on creating a fast looking yacht that sits elegantly on the water, a feat that has been cleverly achieved through the use of sculptural, curved forms and perfectly balanced proportions.” Said James Russell, Associate, Yacht Exteriors.

Sinot Yacht Design and Architecture was responsible for the light and soothing interior design. While the overall palette is neutral, splashes of a range of blue hues are infused into the design throughout. The backlit onyx bar with centrally positioned seating is the focal point of the ample and airy space close to the water. Sinot collaborated closely with Heesen’s in-house engineers to ensure that their stringent weight calculations were always met.

Following her launch, Project Cosmos will remain at Heesen for commissioning before undergoing intense sea trials in the North Sea commencing in February. She will be delivered to her owners in April 2022.

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Heesen Launches Largest Superyacht to Date: 80m Project Cosmos

By George Bains

Huge news has broken out from the Netherlands as Heesen Yachts announced the launch of its largest superyacht to date, 80-metre Project Cosmos.

Project Cosmos, now renamed Galactica, is the largest and fastest all-aluminium superyacht in the world, and becomes the current flagship of renowned builder Heesen Yachts. The 80m superyacht has a gross tonnage of 1,700GT and a mighty top speed of almost 30 knots.

The complex build of this record-setting precision aluminium superyacht is a testament to the in-house expertise and craftsmanship at Heesen Yachts. The construction of the shipyard’s largest ever superyacht at 80-metres is a signal of intent to take on more daring project and rise to the challenges of owners.

The challenge is one which has been executed masterfully by the engineers and craftspeople at Heesen, with tireless work throughout the pandemic from Heesen’s own in-house teams and loyal subcontractors to ensure this yacht was launched on schedule.

The size of this new Heesen flagship makes her top speed of 30 knots all the more impressive. The result was achieved through the design of a lightweight and low-drag hull, honed to perfection by Heesen’s naval architects on an iteration of the Fast Displacement Hull Form devised by van Oossanen.

One of the greatest challenges in the build was to ensure the yacht had sufficient longitudinal strength. Heesen’s engineers designed and patented the Backbone – an intricate, full-length structural reinforcement system – to make this possible.

Galactica is powered by a traditional yet highly refined diesel propulsion, with four engines, two gearboxes, variable-pitch propellers and ultra-innovative Promas rudders.

“Today, we are celebrating the launch of a unique yacht,” said Heesen CEO Arthur Brouwer. “Unique not only for our shipyard, as she is the largest we have ever taken on and represents the pinnacle of our achievements to date. Cosmos is also unique in the industry - the largest and fastest aluminium yacht in her class ever built.”

Iconic British studio Winch Design was selected to craft the elegant exterior of Galactica, which features clean lines, a sporty silhouette and an extensive use of glass to create a timeless, dynamic profile.

“The Winch vision for Cosmos was to retain Heesen’s sporty DNA but blend it with an innovative, futuristic spin,” explains Jim Dixon, Director of Yachts and Aviation at Winch Design. “Curved glass forms smooth, sculpted shapes, creating a feeling of slick, contemporary charm.”

James Russell, Yacht Exteriors Associate at Winch, added that “the brief stressed that she had to have a strong and unique signature whilst retaining the Heesen DNA that we all know and love. The emphasis was on creating a fast looking yacht that sits elegantly on the water, a feat that has been cleverly achieved through the use of sculptural, curved forms and perfectly balanced proportions.”

The calming and elegant interior design was penned by Sinot Yacht Design and Architecture, with a neutral palette featuring splashes of a range of blue hues to create a welcoming environment.

The expansive beach club is the main attraction and relaxation area onboard Galactica, with side and stern platforms, and the backlit onyx bar is the focal point of the beach club.

Following the celebration of her launch, Galactica will remain at Heesen for commissioning before undergoing intense sea trials in the North Sea in February. The 80m superyacht will be delivered to her owners in April 2022.

"Cosmos is also unique in the industry - the largest and fastest aluminium yacht in her class ever built." Arthur Brouwer, CEO Heesen

"Cosmos is also unique in the industry - the largest and fastest aluminium yacht in her class ever built."

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Heesen Yachts ‘Lusine’ Reviewed

• By Phil Draper
• May 19, 2023

The Armenian word lusine translates to “moon” in English. That’s why, aboard the 198-foot Heesen Lusine , lunar and celestial themes are everywhere, from wall features to the teak decking. A crescent moon, for instance, is in the middle of the helipad. Even the font of the yacht’s name runs from thin to thick, reflecting the moon’s four waxing and waning phases.

Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design in the Netherlands created the opulent, almost art deco interior, which Heesen says is by far the most complicated and expensive it has ever produced. Initially, the yacht’s owner was inspired by Heesen’s then-Project Ceres (which launched as Galactica ), but he ended up developing a fully custom vessel. At 1,079 gross tons, and based on a Fast Displacement Hull Form by Dutch naval architecture firm Van Oossanen, Lusine is Heesen’s longest and biggest-volume steel-hull yacht to date. The overall design process was led by Frank Laupman’s team at the Dutch firm Omega Architects.

Lusine’s profile fuses contemporary and modern styling to stunning effect. While the bow is conventionally pointed, the superstructure is more angular and extends a little farther forward than usual. The high foredeck terrace is vast and capable of hosting quite a party. The bridge-deck wing stations are exaggerated to create much wider side decks, and there is a hint of a bird’s wing amidships in the superstructure relief that cleverly integrates all the upper three decks without actually breaking the horizontal sweeps of glass along the main and upper decks.

Not only is the craftsmanship throughout Lusine exceptional, but the level of detailed design goes way beyond the norm as well. For instance, almost every piece of furniture is custom-size, and the breathtaking parquet soles, rich joinery and intricate marquetry are made from rare woods, special stones, and unusual leathers and skins, such as stingrays and puffer fish. One of the biggest design statements is the yacht’s circular staircase and glass elevator connecting all four decks, with a contoured leather mural depicting sea, land, air and then star themes as guests rise from the yacht’s lower deck to the top deck.

Lusine’s main-deck gathering spaces are conventional enough. Entering from the cockpit seating and dining space, the main-deck salon has lounge and dining areas aft, with an amidships galley and pantry to port. A companionway to starboard leads to the formal, double-glass-door entrance and to a side-boarding ladder beyond. The double-pedestal, cornice-topped dining table has radial Macassar veneers inlaid with gold leaf, blue agate and sycamore. The custom chandelier above is from Preciosa.

Accommodations are for 16 guests in eight en suite staterooms: three with double berths on the upper deck and five with twin berths on the lower deck. The lower-deck staterooms can also be used by personal staff.

The 540-square-foot owners’ stateroom is aft on the upper deck, where many other yachts have a sky lounge. Views from here are fabulous, with a 180-degree panorama to the sides and across the upper deck’s aft lounges, dining area and hot tub. The whole space can be secured for owner privacy.

Forward on the main deck is the L-shaped VIP stateroom, conceived for close family. It has an en suite double-berth stateroom and an adjacent en suite twin-berth stateroom. Both open onto a starboard-side private sitting room, which connects to the yacht’s main lobby.

The crew complement is 15. A captain’s cabin is to port abaft the modern, paperless bridge, with the remainder of the crew cabins forward on the lower deck.

Lusine has room for three Boston Whaler tenders: a 270 Vantage, a 210 Dauntless and a 180 Dauntless. The smallest and largest are housed with various toys in a forward garage, which has hinge-up doors to either side of the bow. The 210 is kept in the stern garage with more toys.

For air arrivals, a touch-and-go helipad is on the after end of the top deck. Interestingly, the area around the mast base and at the top of the central staircase is enclosed to create an alternative foyer for guests arriving this way. The space includes a pilot’s cabin.

Propulsion is twin 2,575 hp MTU 12V 4000 M65L diesels, which reportedly deliver a top speed around 18 knots and an ocean-straddling 4,200-nautical-mile range at 13 knots. Twin Naiad fins provide stabilization, and onboard power comes primarily from twin 315 kW Zenoro generators. The yacht’s air conditioning is built to high-tropical specification.

Lusine embodies all the knowledge and experience that Heesen has amassed by delivering more than 80 metal motoryachts with an average length of 155 feet in the past 20 years. The yard consistently delivers around four big yachts annually—not tied to the four phases of the moon but stellar nonetheless.

A coffee table in the main salon contains a small slice of lunar meteorite. A few of these rare rocks have been found on Earth and matched forensically with samples brought back from NASA’s Apollo missions. Scientists believe that the rocks arrived in debris showers following crater-creating events. A meteorite with proven provenance is the closest thing to a moon rock that money can buy; the real ones are owned by U.S. government agencies. 

Now for Sale

Sadly, Lusine’s owner died right around the time the yacht was delivered. It’s now listed for sale “as new” with Burgess and is lying in the West Mediterranean. The asking price at press time was $82 million.

Ever Larger

Lusine is Heesen’s largest steel-hull motoryacht to date, but the yard’s largest project so far is the semi-displacement, all-aluminum, 263-foot, 1,700-gross-ton Galactica , which departed the Oss, Netherlands, yard in early 2022. Galactica is also reportedly the world’s largest and fastest motoryacht with a conventional shaft-line propulsion. Heesen says the vessel is capable of 29 knots, with four MTU 20V 4000 series engines.

Busy Builder

Heesen mostly builds semi-custom projects on common platforms. In recent years, most have been fast-displacement or semi-displacement hulls in steel/aluminum or all aluminum, but, occasionally, there’s a full-displacement steel/aluminum or all-aluminum project in the mix. Lusine is a good example of its steel-hull yachts.

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Heesen deliver 80m superyacht GENESIS to her new owner

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By Katie Scott   4 September 2023

Dutch shipyard Heesen has successfully delivered the stunning 80m (262ft) superyacht GENESIS to her new owner, setting a new benchmark for the yard as the biggest yacht they have built to date.

Surpassing the previous record holders of Galactica Super Nova at 70m (229.6ft) and charter yacht ILLUSION at 65m (213ft), the new flagship is a custom-built motor yacht with design collaborations from Van Oossanen Naval Architects, Winch Design, and Sinot Yacht Architecture and Design. Embodying the classic, sporty DNA of the Heesen fleet, GENESIS is undeniably a true Heesen superyacht but with a contemporary and almost futuristic twist on previous builds.

Sporting a six-cabin layout, superyacht GENESIS hosts an army of indulgent features and amenities including a fully certified touch-and-go helipad that can also transform into an outdoor cinema, a glass-bottomed swimming pool, abundant exterior deck space for socializing and relaxing in the Mediterranean sun, plus an on-deck Jacuzzi and WiFi connectivity.

Enabling the owner and their guests seamless access to the sea, motor yacht GENESIS has a generous beach club environment with a wet bar, in addition to plenty of storage for adrenaline-fuelled water toys.

Currently, it is not expected that M/Y GENESIS will be made available for charter. However, if you’re interested in chartering a yacht of a similar caliber, you can view and compare all  Heesen superyachts for charter .

For more details on booking a luxury yacht charter , speak to your preferred  yacht charter broker  today.

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The World’s Best Superyacht Shipyards

We highlight the top yards crafting the most spectacular yachts on the planet., geri ward's most recent stories.

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From Germany to the Netherlands, Italy, and the United States, the superyacht industry employs highly skilled craftsmen and women at shipyards around the globe. The handcrafted vessels can be seen in bodies of water from the Mediterranean to the Bahamas, providing enjoyment—and jobs—for those on board. Here we highlight the top 20 superyacht shipyards in the world.

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Lürssen

The German name tops the list, having built 11 out of 20 of the world’s largest superyachts in the last two decades. The 145-year-old family shipyard’s largest yacht, Azzam , spans 592 feet, 6 inches. Imagine six football fields laid end to end, with dozens of staterooms and saloons filled with beautiful woodwork, custom furniture, and art, all inside a high-tech hull. That 2013 launch was followed by others like 512-foot Dilbar and this year’s 364-foot Project Tis .

Lürssen Dilbar, designed by Espen Øino.  Photo: Josep Baresic

Still owned and managed by the Lürssen family, the company’s ability to consistently produce so many floating masterpieces is directly proportional to its skilled workforce and vast facilities. After recent acquisitions, including the famed Blohm & Voss yard, Lürssen owns eight shipyards across Germany. Its staff, some of the most experienced of any superyacht builder, include 400 designers, 600 engineers, 1,600 skilled workers, and 200 apprentices.

Lürssen’s Bremen shipyard.  Courtesy of Lürssen

After launching the company in 1875, Friedrich Lürssen declared: “My firm shall be known as a leader in both quality and performance.”

With his name attached to the world’s largest yachts , Friedrich’s words have taken on a greater significance than he could ever have imagined.

Abeking & Rasmussen’s Elandess at the shipyard.  Photo: Courtesy Abeking & Rasmussen

Abeking & Rasmussen

Located across the river from Lürssen’s Lemwerder yard, Abeking & Rasmussen has created advanced running surfaces, like its Swath hull that skips over turbulent ocean waves rather than pounding across. The name is known for commercial and military vessels as well as custom yachts.

Abeking & Rasmussen’s Cloudbreak.  Christopher Scholey

Its award winners include the 237-foot Cloudbreak , which set new design standards for expedition yachts, and the 244-foot Elandess , featuring its “Nemo Lounge” with a window below the waterline. Abeking’s flagship, the 321-foot Aviva , is unique among yachts its size with an unmatched interior volume that includes a regulation-sized paddle-tennis court .

Aviva’s paddle-tennis court.  Photo: Abeking & Rasmussen

The 112-year-old yard is typically ahead of the latest trends. It is developing a hybrid fuel cell powered by methanol that emits only clean steam. The system could well be the first hydrocarbon-emissions-free propulsion in the yachting world.

Feadship Amsterdam Yard.  Photo: Courtesy of Feadship

Formed as a group in 1949, Feadship is probably the most famous name among the Dutch builders. Feadship is comprised of the De Vries and Van Lent family yards, with locations in Aalsmeer, Makkum, Kaag, and Amsterdam. The group also includes De Voogt Naval Architects .

Feadship’s 312-foot Faith.  Photo: Courtesy of Feadship

Feadship, credited with dozens of custom launches over the last seven decades, has grown into Holland’s superyacht powerhouse. In the 2015, it launched 333-foot Symphony , the first Feadship to cross the 100-meter mark. Faith , a stunning 312-footer launched two years later, has a streamlined profile and helicopter pad with hangar on the foredeck and swimming pool with glass floor (forming the ceiling of the beach club below) on the aft deck.

Feadship Hasna.  Photo: Courtesy of Feadship

Last year, Feadship launched a half-dozen other yachts, including 241-foot Sherpa . Its expedition-yacht exterior, including two industrial-looking exhaust stacks on the aft cockpit, shows Feadship’s design capabilities. Its Project 814, with its vertical bow and long, lean forefoot, will be an example of an entirely new look, when launched later this year.

Nobiskrug Sailing Yacht A.  Photo: Courtesy of Nobiskrug

Specializing in made-to-measure, custom-built superyachts, award-winning builder Nobiskrug produces its vessels out of three different facilities in northern Germany: Rendsburg, Kiel-Gaarden, and Kiel-Friedrichsort. The yard was established in Rendsburg in 1905, shortly after the Kiel Canal opened in 1895. Today Nobiskrug employs more than 1,000 highly skilled craftsmen and women across the three shipyards. In-house production includes hull construction, steel cutting, mechanical work, fitting, pipe fitting, paint, electrical, and carpentry, with these workshops organized under one roof.

Shown above is the brand’s Best of the Best winner A , designed by Philippe Starck and built by Nobiskrug, the yacht is a 470-foot sail-assisted motor yacht that was delivered in 2017.

Nobiskrug Mogambo.  Photo: Courtesy of Nobiskrug

Nobiskrug’s 241-foot Mogambo won Robb Report ‘s Best of the Best award in 2013. Featuring both interiors and exteriors by UK-based Reymond Langton Design, Mogambo is a great example of Nobiskrug’s past projects.

Nobiskrug’s hybrid superyacht Artefact.  Photo: Courtesy of Nobiskrug

Representing the future of the company, Nobiskrug’s hybrid superyacht Artefact (ex-project 790) was revealed last fall in Monaco and is scheduled for a 2019 delivery. With an exterior by Canada’s Gregory Marshall Studio and interior by Reymond Langton Design, the yacht features numerous eco-friendly characteristics, such as lower emissions and a quieter ride. It also utilizes a Dynamic Positioning System to hold its position for longer, delaying the need for sea-bed-damaging anchors.

Amels Shipyard.  Photo: Courtesy of Amels

Amels celebrated its centennial in 2018, but the superyacht builder has modern facilities and one of the industry’s smartest business plans. It was acquired by the Damen Group in 1991, which gave it the financial resources and vision to become one of the most respected custom yacht builders. Ten years ago, it launched a Limited Editions range. Built on proven hull platforms from 180 to 272 feet, owners have a choice of customizing both the interior and exteriors. Close to 40 yachts have been delivered since, proving that the disruptive concept has a place in yacht-building.

Amels Limited Editions 242.  Photo: Schöningh Wulffraat

The Amels’ yard in Vlissingen has two climate-controlled bays, one 475 feet and the other 670 feet, for multiple new builds or refits. Its second yard in Vlissingen East has a climate-controlled bay, measuring 705 feet.

Amels Volpini 2.  Photo: Courtesy of Amels

Used for military and commercial vessels, it has the facilities and skilled workers to handle the world’s largest custom, steel-hulled yachts. Noteworthy launches last year include 243-foot Universe , 205-foot Sea & US , and 189-foot Volpini 2 .

Oceanco launches 110-meter Jubilee.  Photo: Francisco Martinez Photography

Oceanco is a relative newcomer, but it has created some of the world’s most beautiful custom superyachts. Names like the recently launched 295-foot DAR are great examples, but the yard has also built technically advanced vessels like the 350-foot sailing superyacht, Black Pearl , with some of the most advanced sails ever designed. Its other award winners like Jubilee , Aquijo , and Infinity , retain their own unique DNA. The yard has worked with the most sought-after yacht designers, including Terence Disdale , Nuvolari-Lenard , Espen Øino , Sam Sorgiovanni , Igor Lobanov , Tim Heywood , and Andrew Winch .

Oceanco Bravo launch.  Photo: Francisco Jose Martinez Mendez

The Alblasserdam yard is working on 357-foot Project Bravo , the first Oceanco with its proprietary LIFE design (lengthened, innovative, fuel-efficient, and eco-friendly). Bravo will combine hybrid propulsion, weight savings, and extra interior space in a package that could be a game-changer for yachting. “Our approach with Bravo was to maintain a stunningly sleek profile without sacrificing interior space,” says designer Dan Lenard. “The new exterior style concept is bound to create a new design stream.”

The superstructure is lowered over the hull of Project Triton.  Photo: Dick Holthuis

Among the Dutch builders, Heesen has seen the greatest expansion of its model line, which is available in aluminum and steel. Its recent launches range from the 164-foot futuristic hybrid, Home , to more conventional designs like the 180-foot Laurentia . The yard really started its upward trajectory in 2011 with the simultaneous launches of Quinta Essentia and Satori, two very different yachts that captivated the superyacht world.

Heesen Home.  Photo: Courtesy Dick Holthuis Photography

Two years later, Galactica Star , the first fast-displacement yacht, showed that Heesen lived in a world where design and technology intersect. Its largest-ever build, 230-foot Galactica Super Nova , was a sign that Heesen can move into larger categories. The yard has drawings of an ultra-modern 83-meter custom Maximus concept, complete with an entirely open cockpit and swimming pool with waterfall, waiting for the right owner.

A Delfino 95 emerges from the shed at Benetti’s Viareggio yard.  Photo: Courtesy of Benetti

Benetti is not only the world’s largest superyacht builder, it is also one of the oldest. Started in 1875, the Italian builder always has a parade of custom and semicustom builds. The Azimut Benetti Group now has 97 yachts under build over 78 feet. In the last year, Benetti has launched a range of yachts, including Ironman , its sixth Fast 140, 207-foot custom Metis and 226-foot Spectre .

Benetti Spectre.  Courtesy of Benetti

Benetti also recently launched its largest-ever build, 351-foot FB277, one of three gigayachts currently being built in its Livorno yard. The other two are due to launch this year. The world’s largest superyacht builder continues to push the boundaries in design and technology, as it moves into gigayacht territory that the yards in Northern Europe have dominated for years.

CRN’s superyacht yard.  Photo: Courtesy of CRN

The 262-foot Chopi Chopi was a landmark yacht for CRN when it launched in 2013, showing that the Italian yard could go toe-to-toe with the yards in Northern Europe. Chopi Chopi is still CRN’s largest build to date, but the Ancona facility has launched a succession of custom yachts that have established CRN’s place as the crown jewel of the Ferretti Group. The military exterior of 180-foot Atlante , sleek hull of 239-foot Yalla , or stunning, high-tech interior of its most recent launch, Cloud 9 , show the range of the custom builder.

CRN’s Cloud 9 superyacht.  Photo: Maurizio Paradisi

CRN’s current builds include a 260-foot tri-deck motor yacht, a pair of 203-footers with low superstructures and vertical bows, and a 164-foot Superconero , a modern version of the 1970s SuperConero that defined CRN. Ferretti has invested about $10 million to upgrade the Ancona yard, with plans to invest another $15 million.

Baglietto Shipyard.  Photo: Emilio Bianchi

Baglietto is one of Italy’s most revered yacht names, having started in 1840 when Pieto Baglietto built small wooden fishing boats in his backyard. The company built boats for kings and popes, and put the first combustion engine into an 80-foot yacht in 1906. After being rescued from bankruptcy by the Gavio Group, a multinational corporation owned by a yacht-loving family, Baglietto has experienced a renaissance. Both its production facility, which gained a $25 million facelift, and model line, ranging from 43 to 230 feet, are now state of the art.

Baglietto’s Silver Fox.  Photo: Federico Ferretti

Francesco Paszkowski, Italy’s most revered yacht designer, does the lion’s share of design for Baglietto, but the builder recently unveiled other concepts by Milan-based Hot Lab and Santa Maria Magnolfi for its midrange superyachts. Baglietto is offering these very different designs on five proven hull platforms. Its 230-foot flagship is from Mulder Design in the Netherlands.

Rossinavi Aurora.  Photo: Courtesy of Rossinavi

Rossinavi ’s recent launches are some of the most inspired designs in the superyacht world. The 2017 launches, 160-foot  Endeavour II and 161-foot  Aurora , are as different in design as chalk and cheese. The yard worked with Achille Salvagn i on both interiors. Salvagni, known for his stylized residential interiors and whimsical decor, brought a fresh sensibility to both yachts that gave them very distinct personalities.

Rossinavi’s Custom Utopia IV.  Photo: Courtesy of Rossinavi

Last year, the yard launched two more inimitable yachts, 206-foot  Utopia IV and 161-foot  Flying Dagger . Utopia IV is unique among superyachts because of its top end of 33 knots, with transatlantic range. Always on the lookout for new ideas, Rossinavi has unveiled concepts with Pininfarina, designer of many Ferrari models, and the Phantom 62, a sleek, futuristic design by Enrico Gobbi.

Sanlorenzo’s superyacht yard.  Photo: Silvano Pupella

With headquarters in Ameglia and other yards in Viareggio, Massa, and La Spezia, Sanlorenzo is ranked among the top three builders of yachts over 80 feet. In the last two years it has introduced a 118-foot planing yacht, a 210-foot 64Steel (due out this year), the 171-foot custom Seven Sins —not to mention the flagship of its explorer line, the 164-foot 500EXP Ocean Dreamwalker III , which it launched at the last Monaco Yacht Show . The light-blue steel hull shows the style that Sanlorenzo gives to each new launch.

Sanlorenzo SL102 Asymmetric Yacht.  Photo: Courtesy of Sanlorenzo

The recently introduced SL102 employs an asymmetric exterior design , with an outer walkway on just one side of the boat to increase interior volume.

The hull of the 56-meter motor yacht in the Perini Navi Voyager line, designed in partnership Philippe Briand, arrives in La Spezia from the Yildiz shipyard in Istanbul.  Photo: Courtesy of Perini Navi

Perini Navi

The Perini name extends across a succession of groundbreaking yachts from 289-foot  Maltese Falcon , which had a DynaRig sail plan that was designed from a theory, to the ultimate blue-water cruiser, the 229-foot  Sybaris , through to the flagship of Monaco’s 2017 show, the 1 97-foot  Seven .

Perini Navi Seven.  Photo: Courtesy Perini Navi

Since a management restructuring in 2017, Perini Navi has introduced multiple new lines , including its E-volution sailing yacht series and three styles of motor yachts—Argonaut, Heritage, and Voyager. With two yards in Italy and a third in Turkey, Perini now has three sailing yachts under construction, including two 138-foot E-volutions. Its three motor achts under build include two Philippe Briand–designed 53 and 56 Voyagers, as well as its 82-foot hybrid-powered Eco-tender. The brand’s new energy promises a bright future.

Sunseeker’s shed.  Photo: Courtesy of Sunseeker

When John and Robert Braithwaite started their fledgling boat business in 1969, the two brothers had no idea it would become one of the UK’s most important shipyards. Sunseeker is different from most yards on this list because it builds only in composites up to 155 feet.

The Sunseeker 161 being built by Icon Yachts.  Photo: Courtesy of Sunseeker/Icon

Prompted by owner demand, Sunseeker is now venturing into aluminum with its new 161 Yacht. Easily recognized by Sunseeker’s exterior design cues, the 161 will be built by Icon Yachts in Holland. “We are combining the metal build expertise of ICON with our design DNA, technical expertise, and market know-how,” says Sean Robertson, president of Sunseeker USA, adding the new yacht will “absolutely” be a Sunseeker. The 161 will be launched in 2021.

Princess Yachts shipyard.  Photo: Courtesy of Princess Yachts

Princess Yachts

Princess Yachts is the other British builder that continues to evolve in interesting, new ways. Established in Plymouth in 1965, Princess has grown into multiple modern production sites measuring more than 1.1 million square feet. Situated in a port with maritime ties that date back centuries, Princess’s South Yard, where the M Class superyachts are built, is a former 17th-century naval yard.

Princess Yachts Imperial Princess.  Photographer: Marc Paris

The Princess flagship, the 131-foot 40M Imperial Princess, seems like a larger superyacht, with large interior volume and unusual natural light. The yard also makes a 30M (98 foot LOA) and 35M (115 foot LOA).

Princess Yachts R35.  Photo: Courtesy of Princess

Its most exciting launch was the R35, a 35-footer designed by Pininfarina, with a foil system that reduces drag by 30 percent. Princess plans to add the foil design to its larger yachts, an innovation that could revolutionize yachting.

Royal Huisman Ngoni.  Photo: Courtesy Royal Huisman/Breed Media

Royal Huisman

Established in 1884, Royal Huisman is one of the oldest shipyards in Holland but one of its most modern. Its waterside facility in Vollenhove totals about 350,000 square feet, with four heated bays to accommodate yachts up to 266 feet. It has another facility in Amsterdam and a third in Emden, with facilities for yachts up to 394 feet. Its fleet of famous sailing superyachts include Gliss, Antares, Hyperiod, Hanuman, Elfie, and Arcadia . Its recent launches include the 190-foot  Ngoni , which has one of the most eclectic interiors ever, and the more classic 184-foot  Aquarius . Though best known for custom sailboats, the yard is currently working on Project Phi, a 180-foot motor yacht designed by Van Ooosannen Naval Architects.

Nautor’s Swan Pietarsaari shipyard.  Photo: Courtesy of Nautor's Swan

Nautor’s Swan

Finnish builder Nautor’s Swan , founded in 1966 by Pekka Koskenkyla, has always had its sights on building high-performance sailing yachts with beautiful wood interiors. Koskenkyla enlisted Sparkman & Stephens, designer for many winning America’s Cup yachts, to create its first fiberglass boat. The new boats saw instant racing success.

Swan 115 sailing yacht.  Photo: Eva-Stina Kjellman

The builder eventually partnered with German Frers Design. The Frers team, working with 30 Swan designers, is responsible for many innovative designs, including the first Swan 115 S introduced in 2015 at the Monaco show. The 115 was the flagship of the its Maxi division, which includes the Swan 98 , and eventually became the Swan 120.

The 98’s multipurpose deck makes for a great hangout and sunning area, while at the same time has optimal space for sail handling.  Photo: Courtesy Nautor's Swan

Nautor’s Swan expanded beyond its historical plant in Kallby in 2002, when it opened a new high-tech facility in Pietarsaari for yachts from 60 to 115 feet. Its Kronoby facility produces its famous wood interiors. The most noteworthy yard in Finland has produced 2,000 Swans since it launched operations.

Westport’s shipyard in Port Angeles, Washington.  Photo: Courtesy of Westport

Westport Yachts

Westport Yachts has been North America’s most prolific superyacht builder since it began building boats in 1969. Its facilities in Westport and Port Angeles, Washington, include enclosed spaces of 170,000 and 100,00 square feet, respectively, with a separate 80,000-square-foot cabinet shop and 4,100-square-foot upholstery shop. Westport has launched more than 140 yachts.

A recently launched 130-foot/40-meter Westport superyacht.  Photo: Courtesy of Westport

Westport’s success lies in its disciplined approach to yacht building, which involves a production mentality that keeps each build on time and on budget. The builder uses leading-edge machinery, proven coring materials, and components like MTU and Caterpillar engines, Northern Lights generators, and Furuno electronics that bring quality and consistency to the build process.

The saloon of Westport’s recent 130-foot superyacht.  Photo: Courtesy of Westport

Its line of the W112, W125, W130 and W164 are contemporary but not ostentatious, with high levels of fit and finish across the yacht. That type of production mentality, which allows for a certain degree of customization, means the yachts are built to the same high standards.

Westport clients appreciate that level of reliability, not to mention resale value, when it comes to yacht ownership.

Delta Marine shipyard.  Photo: Jeff Brown

Delta Marine

Delta Marine is not given much to self-promotion, but the Seattle yard shares the same type of pedigree as many of the top European builders.

Delta Marine Invictus.  Photo: Jeff Brown

Its production quality, skilled labor, and proven ability to turn intricate, complex designs into beautiful, custom superyachts has earned it a place among the world’s top builders. The yard comprises a 25-acre complex in Seattle, with 300,000 square feet of manufacturing space in its state-of-the-art facility. With Boeing headquarters just down the road, and Seattle being a leading tech center, the trickle-down influence on the shipyard is noteworthy. Its collection of custom yachts includes 216-foot  Invictus , 164-foot  Arianna , and 240-foot  Laurel . Recently, an unnamed 204-foot launch was seen on sea trials near the yard.

Mangusta El Leon launch.  Photo: Emilio Bianchi

The Overmarine Group’s Mangusta brand has been known for speed during its 34-year-history. The Balducci family defined their niche, though the range has expanded to maxi open yachts and long-range yachts. The line extends from 94 to 215 feet LOA, with 300 yachts produced over the years. Its Mangusta Maxi Open series, ranging from 94 to 215 feet, offers speed as well as quietness and stability, in a stylish package. Its 50M (164-footer) is considered an industry icon. The Mangusta Oceano are long-range yachts with ranges up to 5,000 miles.

Mangusta Oceano 46 Q95.  Photo: Courtesy of Mangusta

The Mangusta GranSports are a combination of the two lines, fast-displacement yachts capable of covering long distances. The group has 10 production facilities in Tuscany and Viareggio, Massa, and Pisa that total around two million square feet of indoor and exterior space. It has two wharfs in Viareggio where it does the final work on its yachts. Overmarine is vertically integrated, from the initial design to making the molds, to installing the electronics. The company celebrated a milestone in December: Its Gransport El Leon  (shown above) crossed the Atlantic, the first Mangusta to ever accomplish that feat.

Southern Wind Kiboko Tres.  Photo: Courtesy of Southern Wind

Southern Wind

This 25-year-old builder has design offices in Italy and a modern yard in Johannesburg, South Africa, where it builds advanced composite sailing yachts from 82 to 115 feet in length. Over the years, it has worked with renowned sailing yacht designers, Farr Yacht, Reichel/Pugh, and Nauta Design. Most launches are semi-custom projects built on proven running surfaces, giving the owner the choice to customize interior and exterior. Southern Wind ’s most  recent launch is SW105 Kiboko Tres , the second of its performance cruiser series. Designed for offshore sailing but with the comforts of a superyacht, Kiboko Tres passed the ultimate sea trial: 7,000 miles from Johannesburg to Italy, on its way from the shipyard to the offices in Italy.

Christensen Chasseur.  Photo: Jeff Brown

Christensen

Rare among superyacht builders, Christensen Yachts does virtually all of its work in house. The Vancouver, Washington–based yard has its own metal department for completing stainless handrails, stairways, anchor pockets, and other custom pieces, as well as a stone shop for marble, onyx, quartz, granite, and limestone used in the inlaid floors, countertops, and panels; and shops for woodworking, painting, and upholstery. Vertical integration allows the yard to deliver exceptional details for its yachts, which run up to 164 feet. Christensen’s Chasseur won top award in its category in the 2017 International Superyacht Society, in part for the intricate interior.

Christensen’s Vancouver shipyard. 

Located on a seven-acre marina, the shipyard has a dozen bays enclosed in 180,000 square feet of climate-controlled space.

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• Heesen movies

The Heesen Heritage

1978 - founded.

Entrepeneur Frans Heesen Took over an existing shipyard in Oss harbour and started producing aluminium Striker boats.

1979 - First Yacht

One year after the purchase, the 20-metre Amigo was launched. It was the very first yacht to bear the Heesen name. Heesen Shipyards was born.

1988 - Octopussy

With a top speed of over 50 knots, 38-metre Octopussy became the fastest luxury yacht in the world. This impressive demonstration was Heesen's worldwide breakthrough in the superyacht industry.

1992 - Achiever

Primarily known for its fast luxury yachts and sport fishing boats, Heesen took on an exciting new challenge: the construction of a luxury yacht specifically designed for long voyages.The 50-metre Achiever was the first of many steel displacement yachts to follow.

1996 - Obsessions

When Heesen introduced its first sport fisherman it immediately was the largest and most powerful in the world.

2008 - Shipyard expansion

Building on its recent successes, Heesen decided to expand. New construction facilities significantly increased production capacity and allowed the company to produce up to eight Yachts per year.

2011 - Satori

At that time the largest and most powerful sports yacht ever built in The Netherlands, Satori is Heesen's multiple-global-award-winning custom yacht

2011 - Aurelia

Heesen delivers its 10th yacht in the successful 37-metre class. Aurelia’s racing car inspired design is matched with impressive performance and a top speed of 30 knots.

2013 - Galactica Star

Heesen's first fast displacement yacht: 65-metre Galactica Star, a truly innovative design, decorated with nine awards, including the Neptune Trophy at the World Superyacht Awards.

2014 - Alive

The first yacht in the world to harness kinetic energy using Hull Vane. Requiring 35 per cent less fuel to reach its top speed of 15.9 knots and accommodating an impressive 12 guests in 6 spacious suites, Alive is where advanced engineering meets smart design.

2016 - Galactica Super Nova

Heesen again demonstrates its passion for innovation with this award-winning yacht. At 70 metres and with 357 square metres of deck space to enjoy, she's the largest Heesen yacht so far.

2016 - New 85-metre dry dock

This new 85-metre dry dock is our investment in the future and our response to the market request for bigger Yachts.

2017 - Home

The continous drive to innovate resulted in the introduction of the cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient hybridu solution.

2018 - Project Cosmos

Heesen celebrates its 40th anniversary in style with the announcement of a new record-breaking yacht. At 80 metres Cosmos is not only the largest yacht to date, with a top speed of 30 knots she's also the fastest full aluminium yacht in her class.

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Mike Lynch net worth: How the billionaire made his money

Mike lynch was frequently described as the bill gates of britain for founding autonomy – one of the biggest software firms on the planet, article bookmarked.

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British tech tycoon Mike Lynch was among seven people who died after the luxury superyacht Bayesian sank off the coast of Sicily early on Monday morning

The 59-year-old is known for founding Invoke Capital and Autonomy Corporation and had been in the headlines after he was cleared of charges in a high-profile fraud case.

He was on the boat, named Bayesian, which sank in bad weather in the early hours of Monday near the Sicilian capital Palermo .

Once dubbed the “British Bill Gates”, Mr Lynch and his wife Angela Bacares were valued at £852m in 2023 by the Sunday Times Rich List.

Born in Ilford, east London to his Irish mother a nurse from County Tipperary and his father a firefighter from County Cork, he won a scholarship to the independent Bancroft’s school in Woodford Green at the age of 11.

He then went to Cambridge University and started his first business while studying for a PhD in signal processing and communications research.

The company, Lynett Systems, produced audio products for the music industry including electronic synthesisers and samplers.

His doctoral thesis, meanwhile, is reportedly one of the most widely-read research pieces in the Cambridge University Library.

In 1991, he started his second business, Cambridge Neurodynamics, which specialised in fingerprint recognition and reportedly sold its machines to South Yorkshire Police, among others.

Autonomy grew out of that company – but its success vastly overshadowed what came before.

The firm was a pioneer of business data analysis, using machine learning and what Mr Lynch called “adaptive pattern recognition”.

It used a statistical method called “Bayesian inference” at the heart of its software, devised by the 18th-century mathematician Thomas Bayes.

Autonomy was an immediate success. It floated in Brussels in 1998, and rode the technology boom around the turn of the millennium. In 2000, it gained listings on both the US Nasdaq exchange and later the London Stock Exchange.

When the tech bubble burst, Autonomy struggled, dropping out of the FTSE 100. But the company was already profitable, unlike many other tech firms at the time, and rode it out.

Over the next decade, it continued to grow and served vast swathes of the businesses world, with clients reportedly including Shell, BMW, the UK Parliament and several US government departments.

Mr Lynch was made an OBE for services to enterprise in 2006. That same year, he was appointed to the board of the BBC, and was later elected to then-prime minister Lord David Cameron’s council for science and technology in 2011.

He advised Lord Cameron on subjects including “the opportunities and risks of the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and the government’s role in the regulation of these technologies”.

But Autonomy wasn’t his only business success. After selling the software firm in a £8.64 billion deal in 2011, he became a founding investor in world-leading cyber AI Darktrace, the FTSE 100 cyber security company.

In 2012, Mike Lynch founded Invoke Capital to create, invest in and support world-leading fundamental technology businesses within Europe. His portfolio included Featurespace, the most advanced platform for fraud and financial crime management, Luminance, a leading artificial intelligence platform and most recently Hearable, an AI-driven mobile application for people with hearing loss.

But for most of his last 13 years Mr Lynch was fighting to clear his name, fiercely denying he had used accounting tricks to artificially inflate the value of Autonomy before its sale to Hewlett-Packard in 2011.

In 2023 he was even extradited to the US, where he was reportedly kept under 24-hour armed guard to ensure he did not leave the country.

He later told the Times: “I’d had to say goodbye to everything and everyone, because I didn’t know if I’d ever be coming back.”

The acquittal vindicated the 59-year-old, who left the court a free man on June 6. He boarded the yacht where he was last seen alive just two months later.

The yacht’s name, Bayesian, harks to the same model that was at the heart of Autonomy’s – and Mr Lynch’s – success.

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