Commercial success: YN 19055 Project Castor is sold!

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.