The Superyachts, Volume 29, 2016 by Omega Architects

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THIS STREAMLINED NEW HEESEN LOOKS

FA M I L I A R B U T B R I N G S N E W I D E A S T O A P R O V E N P L AT F O R M Words by Maria Roberta Morso

Photographs by David Churchill, Giles Martin-Raget and Emilio Bianchi

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The latest in the full displacement 47-metre series, Asya is clearly a Heesen but strengthens

the yard’s reputation for innovation. Continuous windows enhance her trademark “pelican” bow

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A S W E A P P R OAC H A S YA , A N C H O R E D O U T S I D E N A P L E S ’

M E R G E L L I N A P O R T,

T H E YAC H T, W I T H H E R M U S C U L A R A N D S T R E A M L I N E D E L E G A N C E ,

S TA N D S O U T F R O M T H E R E S T O F T H E B OAT S

S W E E T LY P I T C H I N G

The silhouette of Capri in the background adds drama to the view. The yacht immediately recalls Heesen’s renowned and successful style offered in different sizes and configurations. The yard and Frank Laupman of Omega Architects, the brand’s designer of reference for years, came up with exterior designs that, by general consent, catch the right combination of innovation and continuity. Asya is no exception. Despite not being a “one of a kind” yacht – she belongs to the successful full-displacement 47-metre series – she features a custom layout and interior design and is only the second unit of the series to have been meticulously modified to comply with the latest LY3 rules and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). Her crew accommodation is larger and more comfortable than in the previous yachts of the series and equipped with as many amenities as possible. In profile, her Heesen hallmark “pelican” bow is enhanced by continuous, well-shaped glass windows. A mature design, the 47-metre features vertical wheelhouse windows that provide shade and rain protection while allowing the designers to maximise interior space. “Asya is the expression of Heesen Yachts’ ability to create unique vessels with naval architecture and engineering based on a proven platform,” says Mark Cavendish, sales and marketing director. “Working to a proven design platform allows us to deliver a yacht in less than 24 months with cuttingedge quality and performance specifications.” Originally called Project He, the steel-hulled yacht was already under construction when her owner purchased her. Heesen starts construction of a limited number of yachts on speculation every year to provide an opportunity for potential clients to minimise delivery time while maintaining an appropriate level of productivity for the yard. Asya was handed over in March 2015 and sailed on her maiden voyage soon afterward. The owner and his family will use her extensively on both short and long cruises. She is not offered for charter. She is the sixth yacht London-based Bannenberg & Rowell has designed for Heesen, following Elandess 2 (now Raasta) in 2008, the 37-metre all-aluminium Aurelia in 2011, the 47-metre My Secret and Lady Petra, both launched in 2012, and the biggest Heesen yet, the 65-metre Galactica Star, launched in 2013. The studio’s seventh and eighth interior projects for the yard are already in the pipeline. “Each 47 is different and Heesen’s flexible approach has its advantages,” says Simon Rowell. “Each yacht can be highly personalised, with Heesen even willing to make changes to the engineering units. Many yacht builders will refuse to move a vent or re-route cabling [for reasons of interior design], whereas Heesen will at least see what can be changed.”

I N T H E S H I N Y,

CHOPPY SEA.

Much of the activity aboard this personalised family yacht is concentrated on her outdoor spaces, so the aft upper deck, with its alfresco

dining table, and the large bathing/boarding platform at the stern are popular spots. The design supports both short and long cruises

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Dickie Bannenberg adds: “We were working on an Asian-inspired interior design for Project He, as agreed with the yard, when the owner stepped in. He liked it overall but asked for changes, which turned her into a truly custom project with a fresh, graceful style.” Spaciousness and relaxation are the key themes both inside and out. The interior concept was inspired and underpinned by the stripped-back aesthetic of Dieter Rams, Frank Lloyd Wright and Tadao Ando, say the designers. A further reference, which was used as a creative “lens” by the studio, was Wright’s observation that to get the most enjoyable result, form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union. “Armed with these guiding principles, we added a top layer based on the lean aesthetic of minimalist Far Eastern resorts to produce a restful and discreet environment,” says Bannenberg. Throughout the yacht, a delicate palette spanning all the nuances from white through light beige to brown is enhanced by mid-gloss white lacquered surfaces and bronze details, while contrast is provided by dark Makassar ebony with highly polished stainless-steel detailing. The silver-grey oiled oak used on all the decks provides a warm and soft feeling. “ T H E PA L E T T E R E S P E C T S T H E D E S I G N P H I L O S O P H Y A N D C O N C E N T R AT E S

O N T E X T U R E S A N D W E L L - D E F I N E D C H R O M AT I C C O N T R A S T S .

COLOUR , WHEN IT APPEARS,

I S I N T E N S E A N D V I V I D,”

Another aspect is the tactile experience provided by the decoration. Simple in their geometric shapes, white textured leather panels decorate the main staircase wall. Headboards and bulkheads such as the one in the dining area are made of handhewn wood. Despite their simplicity, the panels create an art-gallery effect without overwhelming the pure and low-key decor. The rough, uneven surfaces invite touch. The design philosophy extends to all areas, including the guest en suites, where striped marbles in neutral tones are coupled with lacquered surfaces, silver-grey oak and Makassar ebony. A tour of the decks leaves one impressed by the cleanliness and cohesiveness of the style and the attention to detail for which both designers and builder are renowned. Stepping aboard from the 6.8-metre Dariel custom tender, I’m immediately struck by the overall feeling of quality. Although the interior layout is quite traditional, its interpretation is innovative and refreshing. “At the forward end of the main deck, the owner’s quarters provide a secluded haven of comfort and luxury with an expansive and low-level bed, set out in the traditions of the East,” says Bannenberg. “Using soft radii and geometry, details such as the Makassar rail at the divan edge gently roll their way into the surface of the [bedside cabinets]. The detail is repeated on the stateroom’s outboard dressing table and the writing table in the owner’s study.” The main saloon features three subtly divided living areas. Entering through the aft door, a library-like space is framed by book niches, some of which are protected by coloured-glass doors and underlined by polished stainless-steel details. The library leads to the seating area, which is furnished with two Maxalto Simplex sofas by B&B Italia. Guests can also relax on comfortable Aster X armchairs by Poltrona Frau or lounge on a pair of padded chaises longues by bespoke

B A N N E N B E RG E X P L A I N S .

Asya’s sundeck spa pool – an essential component of fun and leisure – has the added benefit of panoramic

views. Also at this level are a fully equipped bar, ample sunbeds and a huge C-shaped sofa

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The popular upper saloon (below) introduces a circular motif to the design as it follows the curve of the superstructure. Glass

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furniture in the luxurious master suite (above) and is found highly polished in the top of the dining table in the main saloon (below)

The design applies new thinking to the use of Makassar ebony in detailing around the yacht. The wood complements the bed and

doors connect to the aft deck, a round games table is available, and the room becomes a cinema when the large television is turned on

The yachtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Far Eastern, restful interior features tactile surfaces â&#x20AC;&#x201C; seen here in woven and pleated

leather wall panels on the main staircase, silver-grey oiled oak, and contrasting Makassar ebony

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Italian manufacturer Meridiani. In the original concept there was a partition between the seating and dining areas of the multi-function saloon, but the owner chose to change to an airy, open-plan environment. At the forward end of the saloon, the imposing dining table with its shiny Makassar ebony top can seat up to 12. Daily life on the yacht takes place mostly outside or in the panoramic bridge-deck saloon, an informal and extremely comfortable room whose layout breaks the orthogonal geometry we have seen up to now. Following the superstructure curve, the interior design enhances the saloon’s spaciousness. A large circular ceiling detail unifies the design and the layout of the furniture. A round games table, two C-shaped sofas, a circular rug and coffee tables respect the geometry of the room, which turns into a cinema for the family when the large television is switched on. Concealed behind a door to starboard is a bar and wine room. The lower deck houses four guest cabins amidships – two doubles and two large twins – which are arranged along a cosy lobby and present the same decor and style featured above. Silver-grey oak joinery provides a warm atmosphere, while cabinetry and bedside cabinets feature ebony tops and bases sandwiching a cool off-white lacquer. Asya’s family-friendly character extends outdoors to areas such as the main aft deck, which offers a large lounging area, and the upper deck terrace, which is equipped with an alfresco dining space. Higher still, the sundeck provides sufficient space and amenities to enjoy life at sea en plein air. With its panoramic spa pool forward, and a fully equipped bar, sunbeds and C-shaped sofa abaft, this deck is the right spot to relax under the sun or stars. Stairs are protected by steel and glass barriers and gates for the safety of the owner’s children. As we descend to the technical area, accessible from both the garage and side corridor on the main deck, I can’t help but think that the engine room is an outstanding example of the yard’s abilities and approach to quality. While engine-room spaciousness is not a Heesen hallmark – it prefers to give more space to guest areas – all the machinery is properly positioned and easily reachable for routine use and maintenance. A fully equipped laundry is accessed through the control room. A displacement, round-bilge motor yacht with bulbous bow, Asya has twin MTU 8V 4000 M63 engines that provide a top speed of 15 knots at half load. On several occasions the yacht has exceeded the contractual maximum speed and offers a range of 4,000 nautical miles at 12 knots. The yacht is equipped with Heesen’s standard machinery and navigation and communication instruments as the owner didn’t feel any changes were necessary to the specified package. Asked about her performance, her new captain answers without hesitation that Asya performs extremely well. “On our way to the Med, passing the Bay of Biscay, W E FAC E D V E RY R O U G H S E A S F O R

T W O DAY S I N A R O W A N D A S YA P R O V E D T O

B E T H E S T R O N G A N D S E AW O R T H Y

V E S S E L W E E X P E C T E D .”

The midships guest accommodation on the lower deck includes two double cabins and two large twins, while on the

next level up, the well-lit main saloon’s seating area (below) is brightly furnished with sofas, armchairs and chaises longues

ASYA

Technical Specifications

Sun deck

Upper deck

Main deck

Lower deck

20m

The captain’s cabin is immediately behind the bridge for quick access

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10m

The sundeck includes a wellstocked bar and abundant lounging space

The wellappointed crew area includes a cosy mess and four two-berth cabins

LOA: 46.7m (153' 2") Generators: 2 x 99kW Kilo-Pak

LWL: 40m (131' 2") Beam: 8.83m (29') The openplan main saloon has three sections – dining, seating and a library

Draught: 3.07m (10' 1") Displacement (half load): 400 tonnes

Freshwater capacity: 20,000 litres (5,283 US gals) Owner and guests: 12 Crew: 10

Gross tonnage: 499

Tender: 6.8m Dariel

Engines: 2 x MTU 8V 4000 M63

Construction: Steel & aluminium

Speed (max/cruise): 15/12 knots Fuel capacity: 60,000 litres (15,850 US gals) Range at 12 knots: 4,000nm

A large television in the upper saloon is used for family film nights

Classification: Lloyd’s @100 A1 SSC Yacht @LMC UMS Naval architecture: Heesen Yachts Exterior styling: Omega Architects

Thrusters: 90kW ZF Marin, hydraulically driven

Interior design: Bannenberg & Rowell Design

Stabilisers: Naiad Dynamics 621 zero speed

Builder/year: Heesen Yachts, Oss, the Netherlands/2015