Heesen hat trick at the 2024 World Superyacht Awards!

The World Superyacht Awards by Boat International, are an annual celebration of excellence, innovation, and artistry in superyacht design and construction.

Widely acknowledged as the ‘Oscars’ of the yachting world, these prestigious awards pay tribute to the most outstanding and groundbreaking superyachts launched throughout the previous year.

2024 is particularly exciting for Heesen, as we have three yachts nominated. This achievement underscores the dedication of both women and men who worked ardently and passionately to deliver high-quality yachts that not only meet but surpass the expectations of their clients.

The first nominee is the 60m full custom Ultra G, a magnificent example of Heesen’s capacity for innovation and expertise in full custom projects. Born from inspiration drawn from Heesen’s sportfishing yachts from the 90s, Obsession and Red Sapphire, Ultra G stands as the pinnacle of over 40 years of shipbuilding experience, crafted to the highest standards of Dutch quality. With no existing blueprints, a team of 300 specialists dedicated four years to bring this vision to life. For example, the yacht would need to pack the most powerful waterjets in existence. Plus, the largest conventional yacht engines on the market to produce more horsepower than any yacht in her class. The vessel would need to be constructed from lightweight aluminium while incorporating game-changing accoutrements from World Superyacht Award-winning designers Omega Architects and Harrison Eidsgaard. In short, the commission called for a yacht–in–a–million that ran like greased lightning.

Ultra G looks like lightning and has 22,000 horsepower to prove it. Yet equally important are the convivial zones for friendship, feasting or fighting monsters of the deep. She combines the curvaceous lines of a sportscar with the comfort of a Monaco suite.

The second nominee is the 67m full custom Sparta, an exquisite yacht designed by the award-winning Winch Design. As a full custom yacht, Sparta is unique in design and functionality, crafted to meet her owner’s specific needs and desires. The vessel’s exterior design is a testament to Winch’s passion for detail and timeless elegance. On the other hand, the interior makes a statement with its sophisticated, modern design, featuring high-quality materials and finishings that create a luxurious environment for relaxation and entertainment. The largest steel yacht ever built by the Dutch yard is a full custom where each feature — from the 6.5m infinity pool to the DNA helix staircase — is extraordinary. Her silhouette is instantly recognisable: a curvaceous reverse bow tapers into a torpedo-sleek hull. A key client request was a connection to the ocean. In just one example, the panoramic main deck saloon climaxes in a 6.5m infinity pool embossed with a Spartan helmet. (The pool’s placement meant losing interior space below, but nothing on Sparta is about compromise.) Twin staircases form an amphitheatre around the swimming pool. These steps lead to a broad beach zone — sited centimetres above the sea — from where a submerged staircase descends into the open water.

Finally, the third nominee is the 55m semi-custom Reliance, resulting from a successful collaboration between Omega Architects and the Luca Dini Design Team. As a semi-custom yacht, Reliance offers a balance between personalised design elements and proven engineering solutions. Bold lines and a striking silhouette characterise her dynamic exterior design, while her interior is defined by elegant simplicity and a harmonious blend of form and function.

These three nominees, each unique and impressive in their own right, reflect Heesen’s dedication to creating exceptional yachts that push the boundaries of design, engineering and craftsmanship. Whether it’s Ultra G’s innovative design, Sparta’s bespoke elegance, or Reliance’s balanced beauty, each vessel is a testament to Heesen’s commitment to excellence.

As we eagerly await the upcoming World Superyacht Awards by Boat International, these nominees from Heesen stand as a reminder of the incredible talent and creativity in the yachting industry today. Regardless of the outcome, Heesen’s commitment to quality, design, and craftsmanship will continue to set them apart in superyacht construction and design.

Written by Sara Gioanola.