"Santosha"57-metre heave marks the start of a new aluminium series

Sören Gehlhaus

 · 12.08.2024

Heesen welded aluminium hull and superstructure in Oss, the Netherlands
Photo: Ruben Griffioen / Heesen Yachts
With "Santosha", Heesen launched the first unit of a new aluminium generation. In future, the Dutch shipyard will build the 57 metre long model as one of the series models that can also be launched without an owner

Heesen unveils the first unit of the new 57-metre series, which will be included in the series portfolio as the "series model" 57m Aluminium FDHF. The aluminium model is based on an almost displacement hull, shaped by Frank Laupman from Omega Architects. An almost vertical stem and a concave stern characterise the sporty look, which is also reflected in the yacht's performance. Harrison Eidsgaard was engaged for the interior and involved in the project at a very early stage. This allowed the London office to exert a significant influence on the layout, which is strongly orientated towards long-researched movement patterns.

Owner only got on board months after the keel was laid

Project "Akira" was originally built on speculation. When the owners joined, the project was transformed into "Santosha" and Harrison Eidsgaard's design team adapted the 400 square metre interior to the customer's wishes. The 57-metre yacht offers six suites for twelve guests, with a top speed of 22 knots according to the shipyard. At 13 knots, the range is 3900 nautical miles. A draught of just 2.30 metres should make the 57-metre yacht the ideal vessel for the shallow waters of the Bahamas.

The owners chose the Sanskrit name "Santosha" for their ship and the lotus flower as the logo. This is to remind them "to remain happy in all circumstances or to be content with what we can achieve through our abilities. It creates a balance between our outer and inner worlds by controlling the tyranny of the senses. Contentment is a feeling of mental satisfaction."

Heesen builds from series to custom - from 50 metres

Heesen builds yachts from 50 metres in aluminium and steel in three categories. "Series" comprises six fully calculated platforms with unchangeable hulls and superstructures. Their construction is also started without an owner. The shipyard will then make advance payments and look for interested parties who are looking for quick decision-making processes and short delivery times. The customisation options are limited and mostly relate to the interior. Heesen is currently working on four such on-spec projects.

Semi Custom is one customisation level higher. In contrast to other shipyards, Heesen refers to the specification of an already constructed hull. Customers can freely choose superstructures and other elements. The third construction category is called Full Custom and starts with a blank sheet of paper. The result is unique formats such as the 80 metre long and 29 knot fast "Genesis" (ex-"Galactica").


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Sören Gehlhaus

Sören Gehlhaus

Stellvertretender Chefredakteur BOOTE EXCLUSIV

Sören Gehlhaus wurde 1981 in Berlin geboren und besegelte auf Jollen die Unterhavel, in den Ferien den Ratzeburger See und die Ostsee auf „Dickschiffen“. Zeitgleich mit dem Beginn des Studiums in Lübeck trat 2001 das Kitesurfen auf den Plan, und die intensive Ausübung des neuen Sports sorgte für den beruflichen Schwenk zum Journalismus. Nach Volontariat beim b&d Verlag in Hamburg folgten viele Jahre der redaktionellen Arbeit für ein Kitesurf-Magazin und 2018 der Wechsel zu BOOTE EXCLUSIV.

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