In a stunning showcase of luxury, craftsmanship, and advanced engineering, Heesen Yachts has unveiled the first vessel in their new 57-meter series, YN 20457, now christened Santosha. Originally presented to the public as Project Akira, this remarkable yacht has been reimagined to reflect the unique tastes and lifestyle of its new owners. Blending cutting-edge performance with serene aesthetics, Santosha promises to be a new benchmark in the world of superyachts.
A Vision Brought to Life
The name Santosha, a Sanskrit term meaning "contentment," embodies the spirit and philosophy the owners wished to instill in their vessel. Designed to provide an atmosphere of tranquility and satisfaction, Santosha serves as a floating haven where the external world and inner peace meet. The lotus flower, chosen as the yacht’s emblem, symbolizes purity and spiritual awakening, resonating with the owners' vision for a balanced life on the water.
Peter Wilson, the Owner’s Representative, lauded the seamless collaboration with Heesen Yachts. "Our collective effort has yielded an exceptional yacht that is distinct in both design and performance. We are eager to see Santosha in her element and confident she will surpass the owners' expectations."
Design Excellence: Exterior by Omega Architects
Heesen’s 57-meter series, first revealed at the 2019 Monaco Yacht Show, represents the epitome of contemporary yacht design. The series is characterized by its shapely silhouette and elongated profile, skillfully crafted by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects. The yacht’s sleek, elongated lines are anchored by a sweeping arch that ties the superstructure together, giving the vessel a stretched optical length. The slightly raked bow and scooped stern add to the yacht’s dynamic stance, ensuring Santosha will turn heads in any marina.
Luxurious Interiors: A Collaboration with Harrison Eidsgaard
The interior design of Santosha is a masterful blend of elegance and functionality, tailored specifically to the owners' tastes by renowned design firm Harrison Eidsgaard. The design philosophy revolves around a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, brought to life through a careful selection of materials and a neutral color palette. Sustainable choices such as recycled wood, performance leather, and 'art silk' carpets reflect the owners’ commitment to both luxury and environmental stewardship.
The heart of Santosha is its nearly 70-square-meter owner’s apartment, a sanctuary that includes a study, a full-beam stateroom, and an expansive bathroom. The master bathroom is particularly noteworthy, inspired by the Garden of Eden and adorned with white-on-white designs crafted in collaboration with DKT Studio in London. The central artwork, featuring a snake—a symbol of transformation and renewal—underscores the owners’ affinity for spiritual themes. The bathroom's design is completed with intricately carved Calacatta Sponda marble and a luxurious vanity desk.
Guest accommodations are equally impressive, with a design that balances elegance with practicality. Light, breezy aesthetics are complemented by curated artwork and contemporary photography, creating an inviting atmosphere. Each stateroom is thoughtfully designed to ensure comfort and style, providing guests with a serene retreat at sea.
High-Performance Engineering
Beyond its aesthetic allure, Santosha is a powerhouse of maritime engineering. The yacht is equipped with a full aluminum hull, an evolution of the ultra-efficient Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) developed by van Oossanen Naval Architects. This design not only enhances performance but also contributes to the yacht's impressive speed and range.
Two MTU 16V 4000 M65L engines propel Santosha to a top speed of 22 knots, with a transatlantic range of 3,900 nautical miles at 13 knots. This blend of speed and efficiency ensures that Santosha is as adept at long-range cruising as she is at swift coastal passages. Her shallow draft of just 2.3 meters makes her perfectly suited for exploring the shallow waters of the Bahamas, allowing access to some of the most secluded and pristine anchorages in the region.
Santosha offers an array of luxurious amenities designed to enhance the onboard experience. A 35-square-meter beach club at the stern provides a seamless connection to the sea, offering a perfect spot for relaxation and water activities. The yacht also features a glass elevator, ensuring easy access between the decks while adding a touch of modern elegance to the interior.
The yacht's interior spaces are vast, with a total internal volume of 780 gross tons and 400 square meters of luxurious living space. This generous volume allows for a free-flowing layout, where each area transitions smoothly into the next, maintaining a cohesive design language throughout the yacht.
Setting a New Standard in Superyachting
With the launch of Santosha, Heesen Yachts has once again demonstrated their prowess in creating vessels that marry form and function, luxury and performance. Santosha is not just a yacht; it is a testament to the possibilities of modern yacht design and engineering, a vessel that is as much a sanctuary as it is a statement of intent.
As Santosha embarks on her maiden voyage later this year, she will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the world of luxury yachting. Her combination of thoughtful design, high performance, and personal touches makes her a standout in any fleet, a true reflection of the owners' vision and Heesen's commitment to excellence.
Photos: Ruben Griffioen - Words: Gabriel Parra
