We are thrilled to announce that YN19055 Project Castor, the latest in the 55m FDHF Steel class, is sold. This 55 metre was started on speculation and is due for delivery in May 2020. The construction of yachts on spec in the 50-55 metre range is a key part of the successful commercial strategy of Heesen. In a world where instant gratification has become an integral part of our lifestyle, the opportunity to shorten the delivery time – while still maintaining the uniqueness of the project – is definitely becoming one of the most appreciated qualities when purchasing a superyacht.

Rupert Connor from Luxury Yacht Group introduced the client and worked closely both with Thom Conboy from Heesen US office and with the team at the shipyard in Oss to close the deal. Our US operation has been responsible for the sale of six of the last 10 yachts – a remarkable statistic that confirms the importance of the US market for Heesen, as well as the key role played by the Fort Lauderdale-based team.

The client, one of the most experienced American superyacht owners, admires the unparalleled quality this Dutch shipyard delivers as well as the large volume offered by the 55m FDHF Steel class. At 760GT, Project Castor is the most voluminous 55m currently offered by a Northern European shipyard. YN 19055 will be powered by two MTU 8V 4000 M63 diesel engines. She will reach a top speed of 15.5 knots and will boast a range of 4,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 13 knots. This outstanding performance is possible thanks to the proven design and engineering platform that sports the progressive FDHF (fast displacement hull form) hull devised by Van Oossanen. The Heesen 55m FDHF Steel offers exceptional seakeeping qualities coupled with more frugal fuel consumption compared to any other yacht in her class.

Bannenberg & Rowell have designed a smart and approachable interior décor. Layered neutral tones combine with powerful accents of colour to create an environment that has wide appeal. Smoked Oak Chevron parquet flooring, Calacatta and Pietra Grey marbles are utilized throughout. Fine materials complement comfort with smart design and aesthetic appeal.
“We are excited to hear that Project Castor has new and very experienced owners,” say Dickie Bannenberg and Simon Rowell of Bannenberg & Rowell. “The combination of carefully considered interior and exterior spaces, large windows, and a Bannenberg & Rowell interior with sinuous lines and some clever spatial manipulation seems to have proven irresistible to owners with high standards and great familiarity with yachts of this size. We look forward to working with everyone to deliver a great boat.”

Twelve guests are accommodated in six staterooms, with the owner’s 82-square-meter apartment located forward on the main deck. The full-beam, atmospheric sky lounge is undoubtedly the pièce de resistance. Designed with chic versatility, this is the perfect place to enjoy drinks at the stylish bar, to sink into the comfortable sofa to watch a movie, and to enjoy the connection with the outdoor areas. The retracting glass doors coupled with the floor-to-ceiling windows create an exceptional inside-outside feel. The large fixed swim platform and multifunctional beach club are yet another area where guests can enjoy the indoor-outdoor connection. This space epitomises the best of the yachting lifestyle as it combines easy access to the ocean with gym and wellness facilities.

Project Castor will be delivered to her new Owner after rigorous sea trials in the North Sea in May 2020. For those whose appetites have been whetted, Project Castor’s sistership – YN 19255 Project Pollux – is in build and available for delivery in Fall 2020.

With a record 25 AMELS and DAMEN projects underway, business is booming for the Dutch luxury yacht builder. This spring, the two brands representing the yachting division of the Damen Shipyards Group had no less than 16 yachting projects in The Netherlands and nine additional hulls under construction.

The current project numbers further establish AMELS and DAMEN as the largest luxury yacht builder and refit provider in the Netherlands and a true centre of excellence.

With a full house at its main yard in Vlissingen, the yacht builder is expanding at its second facility, Vlissingen East, a few kilometres away. Part of the Damen Shipyards Group, the Vlissingen East yard now includes a dedicated 200-metre building hall for Yachting as well as the largest covered dry dock in the Netherlands. At 215 metres in length, the dock can easily accommodate the largest yacht in the world.

On time and on budget
Spring deliveries completed so far at the builder’s two facilities in Vlissingen include refit projects DYTAN and VENTUM MARIS, as well as new build AMELS 180 PAPA, all on time and on budget. Since departing the yard on 10 May, PAPA journeyed to the Mediterranean to welcome her owner on board for the first time.

“AMELS have performed outstandingly,” says PAPA Build Captain Paul Bessant. “We’re on time and on budget. In fact four weeks ahead of schedule and not only that but in my opinion beyond expectations.”

During the next few weeks, AMELS and DAMEN will deliver five more new builds and three more refit projects.

“We’ve never been so busy,” explains Marketing Manager, Victor Caminada. “The superyacht-shaped inner harbour in front of the main yard plays testament to that. We recently had six superyachts lining the quayside with five more inside and another two refit projects at our Vlissingen East yard. That is almost 1,000 metres of superyacht and it doesn’t include the three yacht projects under construction at Damen Shipyards elsewhere in the Netherlands.”

The Dutch centre of yacht building excellence
At the superyacht hub of Holland, having a full house of yachts and close to 1,500 people (employees, co-makers and crew) on site is becoming the daily norm. However, AMELS and DAMEN remains focussed on controlled growth so that every yacht benefits from the very best facilities, standard of workmanship and specific required skill sets.

Rose Damen, Managing Director of Yachting and third generation family shareholder: “In times like this, we realise how lucky we are to have the incredible pool of talent at AMELS and DAMEN and our hard-working co-makers in the region. With all the unique superyacht knowhow on our doorstep, there really is no better place in the world to build and refit your superyacht. As we have grown, and continue to do so, we remain dedicated to our clients, past, present and future, in upholding our reputation for absolute top quality. Most of all, we want our clients to have a smooth and fun experience when they choose us.”

Before PAPA’s departure, Captain Bessant hosted a celebration. “At the delivery party I had the opportunity to thank not only AMELS but everybody who contributed to the yacht’s build and the delivery – from the painting team, to the teak, the metalwork, the interior teams. On the side of the building here it says The Art of Yacht Building, and I think from the experience here for both myself and my crew, they should make room for The Art of Teamwork and for The Art of Friendship, because I really believe they’ve mastered both.