The first of the new 50 metre aluminium semi-displacement series from Heesen, Satori is the ultimate combination of performance and efficiency. A precisely calculated Heesen hull means that less power is required to achieve a given speed – and less power means less fuel used. This makes Satori not only the fastest yacht of her size and style, but also the most efficient.
Satori is not just about speed, she is also about space, both inside and on deck. The vast 70·square metre sundeck gives the impression of a private beach club. A forward custom-built Jacuzzi is entirely surrounded by sunpads and sun loungers. Aft, a huge double-depth sunpad measures almost the entire width of the yacht. And for those who prefer the shade? A central dining, bar and barbecue area is covered by the radar arch. Three additional deck spaces include dining on the main and upper decks and a foredeck with seating and a quadruple sunpad.
The upper deck flows from a huge dining terrace through to the sky lounge. The design of this area represents an enormously demanding concept, a central coffee table bordered by rotating white leather sofas with curved ebony privacy screens effortlessly and silently sliding across 270 degrees of full-height windows. Heesen worked with the finest interior craftsmen from Sinnex and Oortgiese to ensure that every aspect of the build met the incredibly exacting standards of the Owner, Rémi Tessier Design and, of course, Heesen.
Reflective palladium leaf panels with inset lighting complement the low furniture to emphasise the ceiling height. An intricate onyx bar back-lit by colour changing LEDs and a 'magic mirror' television convert the area from sky lounge into lounge bar.
As well as – indeed despite – her impressive speed, Satori has the maximum volume under 500GT. The Owner and designer unusually decided to position the main deck dining area aft of the saloon. With a table that can rise and lower effortlessly, the fully-glazed circular space is extremely flexible: formal dining, or casual drinks from the onyx bar.
Forward of the dining area is a massive 32,5 square metre saloon. Completely custom-built minimalist interiors use bleached wenge and spruce offset by detailed textures and finishes such as white leather furniture, hand-woven suede carpets, Mongolian horsehair and stainless steel curtains, hand-chiselled curved glass and huge panels of high gloss Okavango. Heesen's reputation for precision and attention to detail means designers never need worry about using even the most delicate materials.
In the main deck master suite, low furniture and contrasting materials increase the sense of overall space. Edged in polished steel, palladium and mirror panelling reflects sunlight in three dimensions. Difficult to build, the result looks effortless. In a highly contemporary style, the entire suite is open-plan. To create privacy the room can be subdivided via concealed sliding doors to separate the study, walk-in wardrobe and bathroom. A 46 inch television rises to partially fill the opening between the bedroom and bathroom.
Single blocks of white composite stone have been used for the bath and vanity units. Heesen has unparalleled expertise in weight reduction so that, even on board an aluminium semi-displacement yacht such as Satori, designers can create areas of exceptional luxury without adding unacceptable levels of weight and impacting upon the performance.
On the lower deck, guest cabins include the unusual combination of two full-beam double suites either side of two twin cabins. Like the master suite, these cabins use low furniture, white leather and panelling in mirror and palladium leaf to reflect natural light and emphasise volume. Entertainment is totally integrated: mirror televisions spring to life at the touch of a button and iPod docks are built into ebony side tables.
Heesen has always felt that the quality and finish of technical and crew areas directly affects the operational performance of the yacht. The bridge has a carbon-fibre control panel, chocolate leather seating and subtle under-panel lighting. Spacious crew cabins and a large crew mess create an atmosphere that encourages everyone to work at their best.