A 55-Meter Steel Superyacht Marking the First Major Launch of 2025
Heesen Yachts has officially launched the 2025 yachting season with the delivery of Serena, a 55-meter steel superyacht that seamlessly combines advanced Dutch engineering with refined Italian design. Built under hull number YN 20555 and sold by Arcon Yachts Monaco, Serena is the first delivery of the year and sets a high bar for the superyachts to follow.
Designed for long-range cruising, focusing on comfort and versatility, Serena features an ultra-efficient Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF), offering a transatlantic range of 4,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 13 knots. Powered by twin MTU 8V 4000 M63 engines compliant with IMO Tier III emissions standards, the vessel can reach a top speed of 15.5 knots while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency and seakeeping stability.
Dutch Precision Meets Italian Aesthetics
Serena is the result of a close collaboration between Heesen Yachts, Arcon Yachts Monaco, and Luca Dini Design and Architecture. The owners joined the process early during the build phase, beginning in Spring 2022, which allowed for meaningful input into the yacht’s layout and styling. This early engagement ensured that Serena reflects a personal approach to onboard living, emphasizing homeliness and functionality throughout.
Rick van de Wetering, Chief Operations Officer at Heesen Yachts, shared his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “We are delighted with the delivery of the first yacht in 2025, another successful project with Arcon Yachts Monaco. Their expertise ensured a smooth process from start to finish. Serena stands out as a unique blend of superyacht excellence and personal customization, built on a proven platform for reliability.”
Tailored Interiors Focused on Comfort
Interior spaces on board Serena are designed with extended stays in mind. The owners requested seating arrangements that encourage relaxation, with a palette of practical and luxurious materials. The main saloon is organized into three distinct areas, including a fully equipped bar that acts as a fluid transition between interior and exterior spaces.
The Sky Lounge offers a comfortable social environment, featuring a custom games table and generous seating areas. Forward on the bridge deck is a gym space that can be converted into an additional cabin, underlining the vessel’s versatility.
Guest accommodations include five staterooms for up to 12 guests. The owner’s suite on the main deck features a lounge, a private office, and a full-beam cabin with direct access to a private veranda. The four guest cabins below deck each include bespoke marble finishes in their en-suite bathrooms, creating a balance between individuality and cohesion.
Elevated Outdoor Living
Serena’s 110-square-meter sun deck is designed to offer multiple lifestyle zones. Flexible furniture arrangements, a forward-facing seating area, and panoramic views create an inviting space for relaxation and entertainment. One of the standout features is the beach club, which has been refined to include glass portholes that invite natural light into the area, transforming it into a tranquil retreat by the water.
A sauna finished in fine wood sits within the beach club, adding a wellness component to the onboard experience. Richard Kaye of Arcon Yachts Monaco explained, “We have fine-tuned the yacht with the owner, enhancing an already fantastic design. By incorporating windows into the beach club to create a serene sauna and relaxation zone, and making subtle changes throughout the vessel, we have tailored it to the owner's wishes. The result is a stylish and practical design that everyone should be proud of.”
Built for Range and Handling
Despite her steel hull and substantial internal volume of 760 gross tons, Serena is noted for her responsive handling. According to shipyard captain Bob van Zundert, “She is a big 55m, but when handling, she is responsive and listens to commands very well. She has the comfort and stability of a steel vessel but the maneuverability of her aluminium sisters. Our 55m series gives captains confidence and assurance to sail comfortably at sea.”
This statement underscores the technical proficiency of Heesen’s engineering, particularly in how the FDHF platform enables long-range cruising capabilities and agile maneuvering. Designed by Omega Architects, the yacht’s exterior styling complements the interior elegance, with clean lines and generous glazing that enhance aesthetics and onboard visibility.
A Promising Start to the Year
Serena’s delivery represents more than just another addition to Heesen’s fleet. It signifies a forward-looking approach to superyacht building, where custom design meets proven performance. It also sets a strong precedent for what is expected to be a dynamic year for Heesen, with additional deliveries anticipated throughout 2025.
By focusing on owner collaboration, sustainable performance, and refined luxury, Serena illustrates the evolving priorities in modern yacht ownership. She offers more than impressive numbers or striking lines—Serena delivers a complete lifestyle platform for those seeking adventure, comfort, and elegance on the open seas.
