It’s not easy to impress the crew of Archimedes, a Feadship that’s seen some imposing sights as she has criss-crossed the globe over the past decade, covering 200,000 nautical miles in the process. But the elegant 68-metre Feadship noticeably slowed as she passed the brand-new Feadship facility in Amsterdam on her way out to sea this week, giving all on board the chance to get a good look at the giant construction hall that will open its doors next May.

It also made for a great photo op too and a sign of what the residents of the Dutch capital can expect in the future as the recently launched MY Feadship programme attracts more iconic Feadships to Amsterdam. The new yard will join the other Feadship facilities in Aalsmeer, Kaag and Makkum under the auspices of the new Feadship Refit & Services organisation as well as building new Feadships.

Archimedes has just completed a refit carried out by Feadship in another facility just north of the city, and captain Christopher Walsh is pleased with how things went. “The project was finished on time and on budget. This is exactly what one expects from Feadship but not something captains take for granted when carrying out refits without Feadship’s involvement. It’s been a pleasure to bring Archimedes home to the Netherlands for this work, and the three months we’ve spent here brought back great memories of the original build back in the mid-noughties. The yacht is now in perfect condition for the owner and his guests to embark on another decade of exploring the oceans. Our recent expedition into the High Arctic has certainly whetted everyone’s appetite for more adventures.”

The refit has included replacing and upgrading all AV facilities, fresh teak for the stern platform, new upholstery for furniture and beds, painting the sun deck interior floor and a rebuild of the crew mess. Major maintenance work was carried out on the shaft line, engine supports, gangway, side hull door, tender lift, stern platform door, seawater cooling systems and stabilizers. Various parts of the superstructure were painted and a new antifouling system added, while the generator, heating & air-conditioning, watermaker and fuel oil separator have been upgraded.
 

Heesen is proud to announce the sale of YN 18750, 5000 Aluminium class, in collaboration with Arcon Yachts who introduced the client.
YN 18750 – also known as Project Aster – started on speculation and is currently seven months away from delivery. This is the third contract signed in 2018 for a total of 190 linear meters and, even more impressively, 3,259 Gross Tons!

The short delivery time, the impressive top speed of 23 knots and the renowned Dutch quality attracted Project Aster’s new Owners, who are fine yacht connoisseurs.

Thanks to its 40 years of experience, Heesen is able to build aluminium hulls to enormously demanding tolerances. The in-house team of engineers and skilled welders have created a very slippery semi-displacement hull, that powered with two MTU 16V 4000 engines will deliver not only speed, but also efficiency and a smooth ride in any and all sea conditions. Aster is a true blue-water motor yacht, with a transatlantic range of 3,100 nm at the cruising speed of 11 knots.

At 50 metres and below 500GT, Aster perfectly combines performance, comfort, space and refined luxury. Her exterior lines by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects embody Heesen’s DNA: the pelican beak bow with reverse sheer and the sporty mast give Project Aster a very distinctive look.
Cristiano Gatto created an interior design that celebrates the lineage of her foresisters.

A broad variety of materials and finishes characterise Project Aster’s interior design, complementing her quiet and serene ambience. Although the design shies away from over- embellishment, the richness and the variety of luxurious details are easy to see. In this elegant design, Cristiano has found perfection in simplicity. The versatile layout comprises five lower deck suites and a master stateroom on the main deck forward, with the capacity for twelve guests serviced by nine crew.

Project Aster will be delivered to her new Owners in June 2019 after rigorous sea trials in the North Sea.