Heesen Just Laid the Keel of Its Epic New 187-Foot Custom Superyacht

Heesen is moving full speed ahead with a game-changing superyacht.

The Dutch yard just laid the keel of a custom 187-footer with a layout unlike any other fleet member. YN 20857, codenamed Project Setteesettanta, was commissioned by a repeat client and will be executed by a marine dream team.

Designed by Frank Laupman and the team at Omega Architects, the all-aluminum exterior is characterized by sleek lines, a fast-displacement hull, and a near-vertical bow. Setteesettanta is the first yacht in the Heesen fleet to have the bridge located on the fourth deck, but she retains a streamlined silhouette thanks to the light unobtrusive mast Laupman designed. Flat Star Link comm panels will also replace the traditional domes to keep the exterior nice and neat.

“A full-custom, 187-foot motor yacht cannot be anything other than perfect, and there isn’t a shipyard in the world with a better knowledge of the techniques and disciplines needed to reach these heights,” Heesen CEO Niels Vaessen said in a statement. “Lightweight aluminum construction requires exacting skills.”

The interiors will be brought to life by Cristiano Gatto. The Italian designer and Heesen have a long history, working on more than 12 projects together. (Gatto will also act as the owner’s advisor this time around.) As Setteesettanta is a custom creation, many onboard elements will be bespoke. In fact, Gatto says he “meticulously avoided” off-the-shelf pieces.

With a generous interior volume of 920 GT, the yacht will offer plenty of space on board, too. Seafarers can easily navigate all four decks via the elegant oval staircase. (There is a separate staircase for the crew.) 

The owners have reserved the entire upper deck to ensure their privacy, naturally. The owner’s stateroom offers 180-degree views and a private terrace of roughly 2,150 square feet that can double as a touch-and-go helipad. As for guest accommodation, one VIP cabin is positioned on the starboard side of the main deck, while two twins and two doubles are located on the lower deck.

Other highlights of Setteesettanta include a fully equipped gym, a luxurious dining area, and a breezy aft terrace. The newcomer will also feature an open transom with a regal double staircase surrounding a striking 13-foot infinity pool.

Setteesettanta will be no slouch, either, with a top speed of 18 knots and a transatlantic range of 3,900 nautical miles at 12 knots.

The keel laying of Setteesettanta took place at the Heesen yard in Oss on December 14. The owners were there to celebrate the milestone and had a traditional good luck coin welded onto their yacht. If all goes accordingly, the vessel will be delivered in 2026. The Dutch yard currently has 14 yachts under construction that range from 164 to 262 feet.