First presented at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2019, Project Akira is a 57-metre superyacht with a volume of approximately 780 GT. The buyer for Akira was introduced by Wes Sanford of Northrop & Johnson and James Corts of MarineMax.

“We couldn’t be happier to have matched this family with such an excellent Dutch shipyard,” commented Wes and James. “Everyone involved understands and shares the value of pedigree, quality and detail, which is a great place on which to build a long relationship and a fantastic yacht.

“In Project Akira, Heesen, Harrison Eidsgaard, and Omega Architects have developed an incredible yacht for cruising the world and, even more specifically, exploring The Bahamas. We look forward to completing this stunning yacht for the summer shakedown voyage in the Med. She’ll turn heads in every anchorage!”

The Owners of Project Akira entrusted renowned marine surveyor Peter Wilson of MCM Newport as their representative. "We are very pleased to be representing our client throughout the construction of Heesen project 20457 - a magnificent fast all-aluminium motor yacht," commented Peter Wilson. "We look forward to completing this stunning yacht in time for an early summer 2024 maiden voyage."

The in-house technical teams at Heesen have been behind the yacht’s lightweight and ultra-efficient Fast Displacement Hull Form. The propulsion package, which includes two IMO Tier III-compliant MTU 16V 4000 M65L engines, works in tandem with the efficient hull design to give Akira a maximum speed of 22 knots – a mean feat for a superyacht of this size.

“It is a very exciting time for our shipyard as YN 20457 Project Akira is the first in a new class of yachts, which we have carefully studied and engineered to deliver optimum luxury on water,” reflected Mark Cavendish, Heesen CCO.

“We look forward to working with the Owners and their family to build a yacht that will provide many days of happy sailing and create long-lasting memories.”

Construction on Project Akira began in February 2022, with the official keel-laying marked by the 25th work anniversary celebration of four Heesen employees, who carried out the first welds. The landmark joining of the hull and superstructure was completed in December 2022.

Harrison Eidsgaard and Omega Architects lent their design expertise to the interior and exterior of the superyacht respectively.

Frank Laupman of Omega Architects has penned an exterior profile with a distinctive near-vertical bow and sweeping lines that will give the yacht an eye-catching presence wherever she travels.

Harrison Eidsgaard worked alongside Omega Architects and Heesen’s in-house engineers to craft a seamlessly flowing layout for the ultimate guest experience. The Owners were able to add their own personal touch to the interior design, while there is ample exterior space for guests to enjoy under the sun.

Akira accommodates up to twelve guests across six staterooms, featuring a 63sqm Owner’s apartment forward on the main deck. The remaining staterooms include a VIP suit on the bridge deck above, with the other guest cabins located on the lower deck.

“We are honoured to have the opportunity to build a yacht for this lovely family,” said Arthur Brouwer, Heesen CEO. “The Heesen sales teams and our ingenious engineers worked tirelessly to realise this contract.

“I congratulate everyone at Heesen for their commitment and hard work. I am confident that Akira will be the first of a successful new breed of Heesen yachts ideal for those clients who like to cruise the seven seas, hop from island to island in comfort and style, and drop anchor in the crystal clear, shallow waters of The Bahamas!”

Heesen’s on-speculation model has benefitted the Owner with the opportunity to purchase an innovative and high-quality yacht, while being able to imprint their own personality on the design with a significantly reduced lead time.

VanTom

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