Omega Architects Frank Laupman

What are the main features of the exterior re-style?

We opted for a larger expanse of floorto-ceiling glass, without mullions, in the main saloon and sky lounge. Then we took the opportunity to give a slightly more aggressive look to the profile, replacing the iconic, full-height vertical windows with continuous sheets of tinted glass. The horizontal lines stretch the optical length and balance the air draft.

Why were they necessary?

As much as we loved our original design, we felt it was time to take another evolutionary step – all the 55-metre Steel yachts have been slightly different. With Venus, we wanted to adapt the design to bring the environment inside more. The bulwarks aft were also lowered, with new railings, to improve the view.

How difficult was it to introduce new elements while also retaining the family look of the 55m Steel?

The 55m Steel is a relatively sturdy-looking Heesen. It means business. This essential identity that we originally created for the class was obviously non-negotiable, so it was a question of balance. But the result is beautiful: we retained the family look and feel, and gave it a new elegance.

How much do you learn, both about the yacht and about your designs, when you come back to a one-design like the 55m Steel?

When you work closely with Heesen it becomes clear how the shipyard is driven to build on its heritage and deliver fresh concepts at the same time. We are always receptive to new thinking, and keen to come up with new ideas. On Venus, the French balcony is a perfect example – you might not see it at first, but it completely transforms a major part of the interior.

What does the overall look of the 55m Steel say about its owners?

Venus is the ninth example of her class. If the owners have anything in common, it’s their yachting experience – they are people who understand the relationship between form and function, and appreciate seagoing quality. They know what they want.

Specifications

Venus 55m Steel

General

Yard number: 20655

Hull type: Twin propeller, FDHF

Naval architect: Van Oossanen / Heesen Yachts

Exterior design: Omega Architects

Interior design: Luca Dini Design & Architecture

Classification: Lloyd’s 100A1 SSC YACHT LMC, UMS

Large Commercial Yacht Code REG-YC

Hull: Steel

Superstructure: Aluminium

Dimensions

Length over all: 55.0 metres / 180 feet 5 inches

Beam over all: 9.60 metres / 31 feet 6 inches

Draft (half load): 2.70 metres / 8 feet 10 inches

Displacement (half load): Approx. 600 tons

Tonnage: Approx. 760 GT

Accommodations

Crew: 13

Guests: 12

Suites: Full-beam owner’s stateroom, one VIP suite, two double guest suites and two twin guest suites

Technical Details

Maximum speed (half load): 15.5 knots

Range at 13 knots: 4,500 Nm

Fuel capacity: 100,000 litres / 26,400 US Gallons

Fresh water: 24,000 litres / 6,340 US Gallons

Propulsion Details

Main engines: 2 x MTU 8V4000 M63 (IMO TIER III)

Maximum power: 2 x 1,000kW

Gearbox: 2 x ZF model 5356

Engine control: MTU Blue Vision NG

Propellers: 2 x Five blade fixed pitch

Main generators: 2 x Zenoro, 175kW, 50 Herz

Bowthruster: Electrically driven of 125 kW make ZF-Marine

Stabilisers: Naiad Dynamics, type 720, zero speed

General Arrangement

55m Steel FDHF

Sun deck

Wheelhouse deck

General Arrangement

55m Steel

FDHF

Main deck

Lower deck