Heesen has announced that the 56.7-metre Santosha (previously known as Project Akira) has completed her sea trials in the North Sea. She is expected to be delivered to her owners in September 2024.
The owners chose the Sanskrit name Santosha for their vessel and the lotus as a logo, to remind them to "remain happy under any circumstances or be contented with what we can achieve". The superyacht was first revealed at the 2019 Monaco Yacht Show and is the first in a new class of high-speed aluminium builds by the Dutch shipyard.
Construction began in 2022 and the superyacht was sold in 2023, with Wes Sanford of Northrop & Johnson and James Corts of MarineMax acting on behalf of the buyer.
Her Omega Architects exterior features a "shapely silhouette" with an elongated profile and a scoop-shaped stern. Extensive structural and decorative glass is a key focus of the exterior design and helps to enhance the indoor and outdoor connection throughout her four decks and 780GT interior.
Frank Laupman of Omega Architects said that the studio "added a touch of aggression by way of sharp angles" and compares the overall look to "a leaping animal". Like many of Heesen's fast-cruising deliveries, the new model features an ultra-efficient and lightweight Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF).
Accommodation is for a total of 12 guests and comprises a 63-square-metre owner’s stateroom, a bridge deck VIP suite and a further four guest cabins. All decks can be accessed by a stainless steel and glass elevator, while crew quarters allow for a staff of 13.
"The clients were very closely involved in developing the interior from when it was pre-purchase," said Marine Construction Management's Peter Wilson, acting as the owner's representative. "Now it closely reflects their design inspiration and preferences in terms of layout, materials and finishes.”
Imagery is undisclosed but Santosha is said to feature "relaxed, elegant" interiors by British studio Harrison Eidsgaard, including a master bathroom centered around the Garden of Eden, complete with a bas-relief snake by DKT Studio. Recycled wood, performance leather and "art silk" carpets are also incorporated throughout.
"Our collaboration with Heesen has yielded an excellent result," said owner's representative Peter Wilson. "Collectively, we have been working as a cohesive team, with each party doing their utmost to achieve a world-class superyacht – one that is distinct from her peers. This was our second project with Heesen, and we look forward to many more in the future."
Santosha is powered by a pair of IMO III-compliant MTU 16V 4000 M65L engines for a top speed of 22 knots and a range of 4,400 nautical miles at 12 knots.
According to BOATPro, Santosha is one of 10 models currently on order or under construction at the Dutch shipyard.
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