Heesen Yachts, the esteemed Dutch shipyard, has set the maritime industry abuzz with the delivery of its latest nautical masterpiece, the YN 20255, christened Iris Blue. As the premier yacht launched in 2024, Iris Blue is a testament to Heesen's unwavering commitment to innovation, luxury, and nautical excellence.
Revolutionary Design and Architecture
Omega Architects, with Frank Laupman at the helm, has meticulously reimagined the exterior silhouette of this vessel. The evolution is evident in the sweeping expanse of floor-to-ceiling glass, replacing the traditional vertical windows and eschewing mullions in the main saloon. This design choice not only enhances the vessel's assertive presence on the waves but also elevates its aesthetic, harmonizing the iconic Heesen family appearance with a newfound elegance.
Internally, the creative genius of Luca Dini Design & Architecture has breathed life into Iris Blue's interiors. The owner's suite, a lavish 78 square meters of refined luxury, now boasts an exclusive veranda on the starboard side. This transformative innovation offers an oasis of privacy and an invigorating openness, rarely achieved in maritime design.
Optimized Layout for Unmatched Comfort
The reimagined layout of Iris Blue expands its grandeur across a 760 Gross Tonnage (GT), offering six opulent cabins to accommodate the sea's most discerning travelers. The sun deck has been generously enlarged, featuring a bar encircling a forward whirlpool, inviting guests to indulge in unrivaled relaxation while sailing the seas.
The central atrium on the main deck has undergone a contemporary transformation, presenting a more expansive and elegantly revised main staircase. Additionally, a new companionway from the wheelhouse deck to the sun deck has been introduced, significantly enhancing crew movement and operational fluidity.
Performance and Capabilities
Beyond its striking appearance and sumptuous amenities, Iris Blue delivers on performance with an ultra-efficient Steel Fast Displacement Hull Form. The yacht's maximum speed peaks at 15.5 knots, with a transatlantic range of 4,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 13 knots. During rigorous North Sea trials, Iris Blue gracefully met all specifications, demonstrating remarkable responsiveness and stability, even in the face of 1.7-meter waves and gusts reaching 28 knots.
A Statement from Heesen's Leadership
Niels Vaessen, CEO of Heesen, proudly states, "Heesen's 55-metre Steel series stands as a beacon of unique and competitive maritime design. Our confidence in this proven platform has been further solidified by the collaborative efforts with Omega and Luca Dini, resulting in a yacht that not only embodies Dutch quality but also resonates with the refined tastes of our clients. Iris Blue is a superb addition to our fleet, and we look forward to her voyages across the globe."
As Iris Blue embarks on its maiden voyage, Heesen once again demonstrates its prowess in fusing cutting-edge design with unparalleled nautical engineering. Iris Blue is more than a luxury yacht; it is a moving statement of sophistication, a haven of tranquility, and a symbol of the exceptional craftsmanship that defines Heesen Yachts.
