SOLEMATES DELIVERED: EXPERIENCED OWNER CHOOSES HEESEN AGAIN FOR BESPOKE 55-METRE STEEL SUPERYACHT
Heesen Yachts is delighted to announce the delivery of the 55-metre steel superyacht YN 20655, christened Solemates. Handed over on April 30, 2025, this event marks a significant milestone: the second Heesen yacht for this experienced client.
The owner, a seasoned yachtsman with considerable experience, opted for Heesen once again, demonstrating strong confidence in the shipyard’s engineering, build quality, and the strategic advantages of its speculative build programme. Selecting a yacht already under construction on a proven platform significantly reduced delivery time while allowing ample opportunities for personalisation.
Built on Heesen’s successful 55m Steel platform, featuring the Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) by Van Oossanen Naval Architects and exterior styling by Omega Architects, Solemates benefitted from a solid foundation. An experienced client understands the inherent reliability, comfort, and performance of an established design. This allowed the owner to focus the creative energy on tailoring the interior spaces and onboard amenities to perfectly align with their specific lifestyle and family-oriented approach to yachting.
Rupert Connor of Luxury Yacht Group commented, “The latest Solemates reflects an evolution of an already great product. 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, comments: “Working closely with the owner’s knowledgeable team was exceptional. Their significant experience in yachting meant they understood the nuances of the build process. 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. This seamless teamwork also allowed us to create unique features; the atrium, for instance, is a real work of art and provides a stunning ‘wow factor’ that truly differentiates Solemates within her series.”
Working closely with Silvia Margutti of Luca Dini Design and Architecture and Heesen’s skilled in-house team, the owner’s vision for Solemates was brought to life. This collaborative process transformed the interior, resulting in a yacht that, while based on a proven platform, feels uniquely bespoke. From the vibrant colour scheme incorporating fresh and bright accent colours, to specific features like the redesigned main staircase with acrylic panels embedded with gold flakes and crystals, and the enlarged sundeck jacuzzi area ideal for socialising, every detail was considered to enhance the owner’s experience.
Solemates, with her substantial 760 GT volume and efficient steel hull, is designed for comfortable and extended cruising. Her delivery follows successful sea trials in the North Sea, where she performed flawlessly, showcasing the reliability expected from a Northern European build.
Solemates is poised to be available for charter to select clients through Luxury Yacht Group, offering the opportunity to experience this highly customised superyacht. Her official public debut is scheduled at the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2025, where she will be a key highlight of Heesen’s display.
Niels Vaessen, CEO of Heesen, commented, “The delivery of Solemates to a valued repeat client is a moment of pride for everyone at Heesen. 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. The success of this project exemplifies the advantages our approach offers to experienced owners seeking both efficiency and personalisation. We are confident Solemates will provide countless memorable experiences for her owner and future charter guests.”
