Heesen Announces Sale of YN 20457 Project Akira

Heesen’s Project Akira sold during construction by Wes Sanford of Northrop & Johnson and James Corts of MarineMax bringing the buyer.

First revealed at the 2019 Monaco Yacht Show, Heesen’s Project Akira has been sold during construction by Wes Sanford of Northrop & Johnson and James Corts of MarineMax bringing the buyer.

Image credit: Heesen Yachts

First in Class

Project Akira represents the first in the Dutch shipyard’s 57m (187ft) all aluminum series of fast yachts with an enclosed volume of approximately 780 GT and a lightweight, ultra-efficient Fast Displacement Hull Form.

Heesen YN 20457 Project Akira
Image credit: Heesen Yachts – Heesen YN 20457 Project Akira

After a successful unveiling at the 2019 Monaco Yacht Show, construction began on the yacht in February 2022 as a speculative venture. The team shared, “the official keel-laying was witnessed by the American Bureau of Shipping surveyor. To mark the occasion, four Heesen employees celebrating their 25th work anniversary carried out the first welds.”

On the new launch of this new series of yachts, Heesen CCO, Mark Cavendish commented, “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. 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.”

Project Akira features two IMO Tier III-compliant MTU 16V 4000 M65L engines which, in concert with the super-efficient hull design, will give the yacht a maximum speed of 22 knots.

Heesen YN 20457 Project Akira
Image credit: Heesen Yachts – Heesen YN 20457 Project Akira

Team Effort

Brokers Wes and James shared after the sale, “We couldn’t be happier to have matched this family with such an excellent Dutch shipyard. 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!”

Yacht Styling 

With an exterior yacht design completed by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects, and interior yacht design to be completed by Harrison Eidsgaard, working closely with Omega Architects and Heesen’s in-house engineers. Her distinctive profile stands out with sweeping lines and near-vertical bow. The team will work closely with the new owners to ensure the yacht is completed to their tastes and styling.

Heesen YN 20457 Project Akira
Image credit: Heesen Yachts – Heesen YN 20457 Project Akira

The yacht can accommodate up to 12 guests in six staterooms, with an impressive 63 sqm owner’s apartment located forward on the main deck. Above on the bridge, you’ll find a VIP suite, with the remaining four guest cabins on the lower deck. Another unique feature is the glass and stainless-steel elevator that is built to service all three decks.

Project Akira remains on schedule and will be delivered to her new owners in time to enjoy the 2024 Med season.

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