Heesen is delighted to announce that YN 18350 ‘Project Maia’ underwent a technical launch and was christened Omaha on 20 April 2018 at the shipyard in Oss. At 50 metres, Omaha is the first in the new 50 metre steel class. Heesen introduced this new model to the market in March 2016 in the presence of a selected group of top brokers and international press, following the successful joining of Omaha’s hull and superstructure.

The project was then sold in December 2017 by Chris Collins of Ocean Independence, in close collaboration with Thom Conboy from Heesen USA.

The 50 metre steel model is a brand new design pitched just below the 500GT threshold. This replaces the highly successful and award-winning 47 metre steel class, arguably the most successful steel yacht series in the industry with no less than 13 sister ships built and launched since 2001.

Renowned international designer, Clifford Denn was chosen to create the bold exterior lines, taking inspiration from classic car design. Combining the Heesen DNA with his own bold and innovative design elements; car enthusiasts will no doubt recognise some of the exquisite design traits, such as the “Fiskers Whiskers” grille of the aft fashion plates and the navigation lights.

The functional wheelhouse is protected from the elements with forward slanted windows that give the yacht a muscular appearance. Incorporating a large roof overhang, it also has the added benefit of extending the length of the sun deck above. The Owners worked closely with Reymond Langton and Heesen’s in-house engineers to tailor Omaha’s interior design to suit their family lifestyle. Best described as contemporary and calm, Omaha’s interiors feature light-bleached oak and with stained walnut, with a combination of clean lines and textured materials. Reymond Langton have created a warm and inviting interior that blends high-level luxury with relaxed, easy sophistication.

At 50 metres, Omaha is a spectacular and powerful combination of engineering expertise and ground-breaking design by Heesen’s in-house team. Designed with a traditional full-displacement steel hull that gives her fantastic stability, she is powered by twin MTU 8V4000 M63 engines and is expected to reach a top speed of 15 knots, with a cruising range of 3,800 nautical miles at 12 knots. These figures will be confirmed during the extensive sea trials due to take place on the bracing North Sea in the upcoming weeks.
Omaha will be delivered to her proud new owners at the end of June. A sister ship is currently under construction under the project name Triton (YN 18850) and is available for delivery in 2020.

Esthec commercial director Marcel van der Spek was unanimously appointed as the new chair of the board of the HISWA Holland Yachting Group during the annual members meeting on 18 April. He will be joined by two new board members: Marsha van Buitenen, sales director at Feadship, and Michiel Haverkorn van Rijsewijk, CEO of Van Berge Henegouwen.

Van der Spek takes over the position of chair from Bas Nederpelt, whose three years at the helm have coincided with a growth of the Dutch superyacht market share from 17% to 21%. “The position of the Netherlands as a superyacht country has been further improved during this period,” Nederpelt says. “I am very confident that Marcel will be able to fulfil his new role in our association with distinction.’’

“I am honoured to be the new chair of the HISWA Holland Yachting Group and fully committed to this exciting new challenge,” Van der Spek adds. “I look forward to making a positive contribution to the growth strategy together with the enthusiastic group of association board members.”

Marcel van der Spek started his career in the professional automotive industry. After setting up a European network of nine branches from scratch, he joined Rientz W. Bol as co-founder of Esthec and has since helped the company become a worldwide success. Esthec is a patented, composite decking material that is produced and processed in an ecologically sound manner. In addition to sales and organisation, Van der Spek enjoys operating on an international scale.

“We are very pleased with Marcel’s appointment,” adds Jeroen Sirag, export director of the HISWA Holland Yachting Group. “He has broad experience in the superyacht industry and a clear strategic vision for his new role as chair of our association.”   

Promoting the Dutch superyacht industry
The HISWA Holland Yachting Group’s primary objective is to promote the Dutch superyacht industry at home and abroad. The group profiles itself as a premium quality label, and maintains an international presence as a proactive and effective association that embodies craftsmanship, innovation and creativity. Based on a collective strategic plan, the HISWA Holland Yachting Group makes a genuine contribution to the global export position of the Netherlands.