In the world of luxury yachts, few names evoke the blend of tradition and innovation as Heesen Yachts. With the recent christening of the MY ALP, Heesen has once again demonstrated their commitment to excellence in yacht building. This 50-meter semi-displacement vessel is not only a testament to the shipyard's storied legacy but also a beacon of modern maritime engineering.
The christening of the MY ALP took place in Hellevoetsluis, South Holland, a ceremony marked by tradition and celebration. This event symbolizes the deep connection between the vessel, the shipyard, the crew, and the sea. Mark Cavendish, Heesen’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the importance of this tradition, stating, "This time-honoured maritime tradition not only forges a bond between the vessel, the shipyard, the crew, and the sea but also invokes a sense of pride and anticipation for ALP’s future journeys."
Design and Engineering Excellence
The MY ALP is part of Heesen’s successful 50-meter semi-displacement series. Her exterior, designed by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects, combines speed and sportiness with an elegant appeal. The yacht boasts a top speed of 23 knots, offering a unique combination of fast cruising, comfort, and luxury. This is achieved through intelligent engineering, precise aluminium construction, and meticulous weight calculation.
Heesen is one of the few shipyards globally that constructs aluminium hulls in-house with the finest tolerances. The aluminium welding process is a rigorous discipline requiring a blend of education, technical skills, focus, and stamina. This dedication ensures that the weight control meets strict requirements without compromising luxury.
The interior design of the MY ALP is the work of Cristiano Gatto Design, known for creating spaces that are both contemporary and comfortable. The interior spans nearly 380 square meters, providing a luxurious haven for relaxation after an active day at sea. Heesen Interiors, the shipyard's cabinet-making company based in Winterswijk, played a crucial role in accommodating last-minute requests to personalize the interior furniture to the owner's taste.
The MY ALP can accommodate 12 guests in five staterooms and nine crew members in five cabins, ensuring a high level of service and comfort for all on board.
The MY ALP features generous outdoor spaces ideal for entertaining guests. The expansive sundeck, partially protected by a hardtop, includes a whirlpool surrounded by sun pads aft, a fully equipped bar, a dining area, and a seating area forward. The wheelhouse deck aft terrace is perfect for al fresco dining, seamlessly connected to the sky lounge by flush sliding doors, creating a vast outdoor-indoor area.
The main deck aft features raised sun pads serviced by an adjacent bar, offering privacy when docked stern-to in a marina. This design also allows for a full-height beach club just below. When the transom door is open, it connects seamlessly with the beach club, creating a desirable space by the sea, destined to be the center of entertainment on board.
Perfect for the Bahamas and Mediterranean
Thanks to her shallow draft of just 2.1 meters, the MY ALP is ideally suited for exploring the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas. Her length of 50 meters makes her perfect for entering charming Mediterranean ports such as Portofino and Saint Tropez. This versatility makes the MY ALP a perfect vessel for both seasoned yacht enthusiasts and newcomers to the yachting world.
A Collaborative Effort
The creation of the MY ALP was a collaborative effort, with significant contributions from Jim Evans and his team at Superyachts Monaco. Cavendish expressed gratitude for their exceptional collaboration on this project, highlighting the importance of teamwork in bringing such a remarkable vessel to life.
The MY ALP is a stunning addition to Heesen’s fleet, embodying the shipyard’s dedication to blending tradition with cutting-edge technology. As she embarks on her maiden voyage to the Mediterranean, the MY ALP is poised to offer her owners and guests unparalleled experiences on the high seas. Heesen Yachts continues to set the standard in luxury yacht building, ensuring that each vessel is a masterpiece of engineering, design, and craftsmanship.
