Happy Sailing, Vida!

We are delighted to announce that YN 18455 Vida (formerly known as Project Antares) left Dutch waters for her maiden voyage to the Mediterranean where she will meet her new owners.

Vida underwent rigorous sea trials earlier in March. During four days of tests she exceeded her contracted top speed, reaching 16.4 knots with noise and vibration levels that remained in line with specifications. Thanks to her progressive 55-metre FDHF hull and two MTU 8V4000 M63 diesel engines, Vida offers frugal fuel consumption coupled with an efficient underwater profile that enables a remarkable 4,500 nautical mile range at her cruising speed of 13 knots. She combines magnificent comfort in all sea conditions with optimised efficiency across the entire speed spectrum. With a volume of 740 gross tons, this 55 metre steel motor yacht couples space, speed and fuel consumption like no other yacht in her class.

This is also the first yacht in Heesen’s fleet to comply with the latest emissions regulations thanks to a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system that reduces NOx in exhaust emissions in line with the stringent IMO Tier III regulations. In addition, Vida is built to Lloyds 100A1 ✠ SSC YACHT G6 [✠] LMC LARGE COMMERCIAL YACHT LY3.

Heesen USA’s Thom Conboy introduced the client, who is an experienced American yachtsman and talented sport fisherman. The owner worked closely with the shipyard’s engineers to customise his new yacht and make her the mothership of his sport fishing fleet – indeed, Vida is able to refuel and recharge the owner’s Bayliss 60 and Bayliss 68 sportfish yachts, allowing him and his guests the opportunity to enjoy life at sea autonomously for several days.

Vida’s interior is truly stunning. The owner appointed B Design to create a décor that reflects his lifestyle and taste. In particular, impressive backlit ivory onyx arch frames at the aft entrance to the main saloon, serving as a display wine cellar for 21 bottles per side and creating a glorious – and promising – welcome for Vida’s guests with the bottles pointing inward to the stunning saloon like myriad signposts. More backlit ivory onyx is found in abundance in the statement staircase, which features floating steps. Alternating strips of fumé mirror and lacquered wood form the basis of an incredibly intricate design that recalls the geometry one can create with Meccano pieces. Complex, detailed and technically challenging to complete, this masterpiece clearly shows that there is no such thing as mission impossible at Heesen – if the designers can think of it, our craftsmen can build it.

Heesen is, in fact, one of the few shipyards to retain in-house construction of fine interiors. With a team of 80 dedicated fine cabinetmakers, Heesen can build even the most complicated designs to the highest Dutch quality standards.

Twelve guests are accommodated in five spacious staterooms on the lower deck, while the 80-square-metre owner’s apartment is located forward on the main deck. The outdoor areas are equally stunning and offer Vida’s guests plenty of entertainment space. A prime example is Vida’s sundeck – measuring 100 square metres – which provides the perfect place for enjoying life at sea both during the day and at night.

For the daylight hours, this is the ideal place for lounging around, invitingly enhanced by the pool that features a mesmerising waterfall. At night, this space becomes the perfect party area complete with a starred ceiling, a large and fully equipped bar, and a colourful ambience created by the pool’s LED lights.

Guests can also enjoy life close to the water in the generous 80-square-metre beach club, in which Vida’s owner has specified a fully equipped gymnasium. A large fixed aft swim platform makes the access to the water extremely easy and comfortable.