Heesen Delivers 55m Project Castor, Named Solemates

Solemates features an exterior profile penned by renowned designed studio Omega Architects, while her impressive interiors have come from the creative minds at Bannenberg & Rowell. The muscular and formidable exterior lines of this Steel class superyacht are given a great degree of elegance on the water by the selection of a medium-grey colour scheme, making Solemates a standout sculpture on the water.

Her expansive interior spaces are spread out across three decks, with six sumptuous staterooms accommodating up to 12 guests. An 82m2 master suite comes complete with a study, full width bathroom, separate his-and-hers walk-in wardrobes, and spacious ensuite with shower and bathtub. The suite is flooded with natural light thanks to floor to ceiling windows, which also provide panoramic views of the sea.

The other staterooms consist of a secluded VIP suite located on the bride deck, along with fur guest staterooms on the lower deck, which can easily convert to either singles or doubles. The owner hired a stylist to work with Bannenberg & Rowell in order to personalise the interior décor, including a bespoke selection of new veneers and fabrics which reflect the taste and lifestyle of the client.

Solemates offers plenty of entertainment for her guests, with a spacious beach club and wellness area in the stern which opens onto a fixed swimming platform. A key component of the design has been to connect guests to the outdoor life, with luxury amenities on each deck allowing guests to embrace their surroundings. On the sundeck, guests will enjoy a Jacuzzi, sun pads and a bar while there is perfect al fresco dining available on the aft terrace.

Dutch hydrodynamicists van Oossanen Naval Architects worked with Heesen’s in-house architects and engineers to develop an ultra-efficient fast displacement hull form. The low-drag hull and modest MTU engines of 1000kW each make Heesen’s 55m Steel class among the most efficient yachts of their size.

Heesen’s Chief Operating Officer, Rick van de Wetering, explained how the shipyard has remained productive in face of challenging circumstances. “We adopted drastic measures early on, following the Dutch government guidelines, both in our production processes and in the offices,” said van de Wetering. “So we managed to introduce the necessary social distancing and were able to carry on our work with as little disruption as possible.”

While Solemates will move onto the charter market in the Eastern Mediterranean, Heesen’s work continues with a sister ship, YN 19255 Project Pollux, nearing her launch later this year.