Peach Fuzz, Pantone Color of the Year

Pantone, creator of the famous colour standard, has recently selected a new Colour of the Year for 2024: ‘Peach Fuzz’. Color is an important attribute for fashion and lifestyle brands, in graphic and multimedia design. But Mark van Heffen, Heesen’s Marketing Director, proclaims that superyacht brands should also be less afraid to show their true colour. 

Almost every yacht is white. Why is that?

“There are several benefits to a white yacht. First of all, white yachts are more heat resistant, an important factor considering the fact that most yachts frequent destinations close the equator. A cooler interior reduces the energy consumption of the HVAC systems, so it’s more sustainable. At the same time there is less visible salt deposit on the hull. And from a commercial perspective, white yachts, in contrast to what they used to say about white cars, are easier to sell.”

What makes painting a yacht so complex?

“The paint process of a yacht is one of the most challenging processes in the build, because it’s extremely labour intensive and it requires perfect climate conditions. At the shipyard in Oss we have a very advanced climate control system that maintains exactly the right temperature and humidity. A team of around 30 painters plaster and paint the complete hull with a comprehensive paint scheme, consisting of multiple coats and topcoats. Depending on the size and colour scheme of the yacht, the paint process takes around 12 months to complete.”

It shouldn’t always be white though; Heesen is well known for creating exceptional paint schemes for its clients.

“That’s right. In 2011 we delivered Aurelia, a 37-metre sportster painted in the famous Gulf colours. We’ve built Irisha, with a striking petrol blue paint scheme. Ann G, a 50-meter custom by Clifford Denn, was painted in a very sophisticated dark blue. For one of our latest custom yachts, Ultra G, we created a very unique and distinctive colour scheme in Desert Tan, with sporty red accents. And our latest 50m Steel, Project Oslo24, features a very nice light grey.”

Recently, Heesen introduced the color purple to its brand. What’s the idea behind it?

“Colour is an essential part of a brand, giving it a recognizable and distinctive touch. Take the colour blue of KLM, for example, or the Heineken green. Obviously those are very big brands, but for Heesen it’s important as well. So recently we decided to introduce purple to the brand. The colour purple gives the brand a slightly younger, more dynamic feel. And it adds a feminine touch, contributing to the diversity and differentiating power of the brand.”