Heesen Yachts has announced the successful delivery of the 55-metre steel superyacht YN 20655, christened Solemates. The handover, completed on April 30, 2025, marks a significant moment for the Dutch shipyard, representing the second Heesen yacht commissioned by this particular owner.
The client, a highly experienced yachtsman, returned to Heesen, citing confidence in the shipyard’s established reputation for engineering excellence, build quality, and the strategic advantages offered by its speculative build programme. By selecting a yacht already under construction on a proven platform, the owner significantly expedited the delivery timeline while retaining substantial scope for bespoke personalisation.
Built upon Heesen's well-regarded 55m Steel platform, Solemates benefits from the Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) developed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects. The exterior lines are the work of Omega Architects. This established foundation provides inherent reliability, superior comfort, and efficient performance, attributes highly valued by seasoned yacht owners. This allowed the client to concentrate creative efforts on tailoring the interior spaces and specific onboard amenities to perfectly suit their lifestyle and focus on family enjoyment.
Rupert Connor of Luxury Yacht Group, who represented the owner, commented on the project's evolution. "The latest Solemates reflects an evolution of an already great product," he stated. "Whilst most changes from the previous model are minor the cumulative effect across the entire platform have resulted in a significantly better yacht. The team at Heesen should be complimented on their willingness to constantly improve their product with every single iteration of their designs."
Ralf Oortman, Project Manager for YN 20655 at Heesen Yachts, highlighted the collaborative nature of the build. "Working closely with the owner’s knowledgeable team was exceptional. Their significant experience in yachting meant they understood the nuances of the build process," Oortman said. "Crucially, their deep understanding and knowledge of the client's specific lifestyle and preferences were key to the project's success. This allowed for highly productive discussions that streamlined decision-making and ensured the highest standards were met, resulting in a yacht that perfectly fits the owner."
Heesen's approach, combining a proven platform with significant customisation potential, proved ideal for this experienced client. The ability to engage deeply in the design process allowed for a truly bespoke result, even within the structure of a pre-engineered platform.
A Bespoke Interior Vision
The interior of Solemates was brought to life through close collaboration between Silvia Margutti of Luca Dini Design and Architecture, Heesen's skilled in-house team, and the owner. This partnership ensured that while the yacht is based on a proven design, it possesses a distinct, personal feel.
The owner's vision introduced a vibrant colour scheme featuring fresh and bright accent colours throughout the yacht's living spaces. This palette contributes to a lively and inviting atmosphere onboard.
Significant custom features were integrated to enhance the owner's experience. A notable example is the redesigned main staircase, which now features acrylic panels embedded with gold flakes and crystals, creating a unique artistic focal point within the yacht.
Another area of focus for customisation was the sundeck. The jacuzzi area was enlarged specifically to accommodate socialising, reflecting the owner's family-oriented approach to yachting and desire for comfortable, communal spaces.
Other bespoke elements ensure the yacht is perfectly aligned with the owner's specific requirements and preferences, transforming the proven platform into a highly individual luxury vessel.
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Performance and Capabilities
With a substantial volume of 760 Gross Tonnage (GT), Solemates offers ample interior space and a feeling of spaciousness throughout. Her steel hull provides robust construction and stability, making her well-suited for comfortable and extended cruising across various sea conditions.
The yacht's performance capabilities were validated during successful sea trials conducted in the demanding environment of the North Sea. Solemates reportedly performed flawlessly during these trials, demonstrating the reliability and seaworthiness expected from a yacht built to the high standards of Northern European shipbuilding.
The Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) is a significant technical feature. Unlike traditional displacement hulls, the FDHF reduces resistance across the entire speed range, particularly at cruising speeds, leading to improved fuel efficiency and a smoother ride.
Market Presence and Future Plans
Following her delivery, Solemates is set to become available for select charter opportunities through Luxury Yacht Group. This availability will allow a wider audience to experience the unique blend of proven Heesen quality and bespoke customisation embodied by the yacht.
The official public debut for Solemates is scheduled for September 2025 at the Monaco Yacht Show, one of the most prestigious events in the superyacht calendar. She is expected to be a key highlight of Heesen’s display, offering potential clients and industry professionals an opportunity to explore her features firsthand.
Niels Vaessen, CEO of Heesen, expressed pride in the project's outcome. "The delivery of Solemates to a valued repeat client is a moment of pride for everyone at Heesen," Vaessen stated. "It underscores the enduring appeal of our yachts and the deep trust clients place in our ability to deliver complex, high-quality projects that blend Dutch craftsmanship with bespoke luxury."
Vaessen further highlighted the advantages of Heesen's approach. "The success of this project exemplifies the advantages our approach offers to experienced owners seeking both efficiency and personalisation," he added. "We are confident Solemates will provide countless memorable experiences for her owner and future charter guests."
The delivery of Solemates reinforces Heesen's position as a leading builder of high-quality superyachts and demonstrates the success of its strategy in offering proven platforms that can be significantly tailored to individual client desires. The repeat business from an experienced owner is a strong testament to the shipyard's reputation and the enduring value of its yachts.
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Stay tuned to NAVIS for more updates on this evolving story and comprehensive coverage of Solemates following her debut.
