Heesen Reveals “Santosha” Details

Previously known as Project Akira, this 187-footer is the first hull in a new class of high-speed aluminum builds.
Heesen Santosha
Santosha, formerly known as Project Akira, is a 187-foot Heesen superyacht built with sustainable materials such as recycled wood and performance leather. Courtesy Heesen Yachts

Heesen Yachts in the Netherlands is revealing details about Santosha, a 187-footer that is the first hull in a new class of high-speed aluminum builds from the Dutch shipyard.

Previously known as Project Akira, this yacht’s design was first revealed at the 2019 Monaco Yacht Show. Heesen’s team then began construction of the yacht on spec, with delivery expected this autumn.

Heesen Santosha
Power is twin MTU 16V 4000 M65L engines, Santosha will reportedly have a 3,900-nautical-mile range at a cruising speed of 13 knots. Top speed: 22 knots. Ruben Griffioen

The owners who purchased the build took the interior design in a direction different from what Heesen originally planned. The yard worked with interior designer Harrison Eidsgaard to include sustainable materials—including recycled wood, performance leather and “art silk” carpets—along with what Heesen calls “a carefully curated art display” on board.

Peter Wilson, who is acting as the owners’ representative, stated in a press release: “Our collaboration with Heesen on this project has yielded an excellent result. Collectively, we have been working as a cohesive team, with each party doing their utmost to achieve a world-class superyacht—one that is distinct from her peers. This was our second project with Heesen, and we look forward to many more in the future. Once delivered, I have no doubt that the clients will enjoy Santosha to her fullest.”

Heesen Santosha
The aluminum build has a relatively shallow draft of 7.5 feet, making regions like the Bahamas easily accessible. Ruben Griffioen

Some additional details about Santosha that Heesen just revealed include accommodations for 12 guests in six staterooms, a glass elevator, a 375-square-foot beach club, and a master bathroom inspired by the Garden of Eden, including a bas-relief snake. Heesen describes the master suite as an “owners’ apartment” that’s 750 square feet in size with a study.

Exterior design on this yacht is by Omega Architects. Heesen is projecting a 22-knot top speed. Range is expected to be 3,900 nautical miles at 13 knots. Gross tonnage is 780. The power package is twin MTU 16V 4000 M65L engines.

To allow for shallow-water cruising in regions including the Bahamas, draft on Santosha is about 7½ feet.

Heesen Santosha
Santosha‘s exterior is highlighted by a 375-square-foot beach club. Courtesy Heesen Yachts

Santosha is a yacht designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life, combining elegance with practicality and meticulous attention to detail with a relaxed ambience,” Heesen’s chief commercial officer, Mark Cavendish, stated in a press release:. “It stands as a true testament to Heesen Yachts’ commitment to excellence and innovation in yacht building.”

What does Santosha mean? The yacht’s name is Sanskrit and serves as a reminder to “remain happy under any circumstances or be contented with what we can achieve,” according to the shipyard. A lotus will be the yacht’s logo.

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