55m steel Heesen superyacht Solemates on sea trials

The 55-metre Heesen superyacht Solemates is undergoing trials in the North Sea ahead of her delivery, anticipated for this month. This stage follows her launch and christening ceremony in January – at which point she officially shed her build name, Project Venus.

The yacht was sold in June 2024 to a "distinguished yacht connoisseur" and repeat Heesen client, represented by Rupert Connor from Luxury Yachts. There have been many yachts to bear the Solemates name, including a 60-metre Lürssen, a 52-metre Feadship and, most recently, a 36-metre Mulder.

"Heesen’s exceptional quality standards and unwavering commitment to exceeding expectations ensured that Solemates would be another extraordinary build," Connor said. "The construction process was, once again, a pleasure, as their project team enthusiastically embraced our requests."

Solemates is characterised by its slender steel hull, which was built by Dutch shipyard Talsma as an iteration of Van Oossanen Naval Architects' ultra-efficient Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF). Steel hull construction takes place at a separate location to Heesen's Oss facility to "prevent cross-contamination" with its aluminium builds.

Meanwhile, Silvia Margutti of Luca Dini Design and Architecture spearheaded the yacht's custom 760GT interiors, with vibrant colour schemes made up of lime greens, teal and baby aqua blue. BOAT International was offered a sneak preview of the original interior design proposals in April 2024.

One of the yacht’s defining features is the redesigned main staircase, adorned with acrylic panels embedded with gold flakes and crystals. Other highlights include an 82-square-metre owner's apartment, a sundeck with a Jacuzzi and a beach club with a sauna, a bar and direct access to the water. Solemates is also a suitable size to navigate all Mediterranean ports.

"The launch of Solemates illustrates our commitment to delivering exceptional quality and innovative design," said Heesen CEO Niels Vaessen. "We take pride in creating yachts that not only meet but exceed the aspirations of our clients."

Due for delivery in Q2 2025, Solemates will make her official debut at the upcoming Monaco Yacht Show 2025, followed by an appearance at the Palm Beach International Boat Show 2026.

According to BOATPro, Heesen has 11 yachts currently on order or under construction, the largest of which is the 57-metre Project Setteesettanta.