2 May 2012

Heesen Yachts launches 47m 'Lady Petra' for founder Frans Heesen

By Lulu Trask

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On Saturday 28 April 2012 Frans Heesen, founder and owner of Heesen Yachts, witnessed the launch of his very own superyacht. Heesen, who founded Heesen Yachts in 1978 in Oss, the Netherlands, signed the contract for what was previously known as ‘YN 15747’ in 2010, and two years later, motoryacht Lady Petra was launched.

Bannenberg and Rowell Design were appointed by Heesen and his wife to design the interior of the 47m Lady Petra, and Dickie Bannenberg of Bannenberg and Rowell Design welcomed both the challenge and rare opportunity of working with a shipyard owner. “Designing a yacht for someone who has built his shipyard into an industry-leading force is an honour and, at the same time, a great responsibility.

“But, we have had a wonderful couple of years working closely with the Heesen team and are very proud to set Frans, Petra and their family on their way in their new yacht.”

The décor has a somewhat industrial theme, inspired by diverse sources including 20th Century industrial Dutch design, optical geometric studies, and shapes which themselves have been inspired by industrial components such as formers and frames.



Frank Laupman of Omega architects has worked extensively on the Heesen fleet, and commented: “We are proud to have the opportunity to be part of the Heesen world by creating the lines for their yachts for some twenty years. Today we are even more proud because this new 47m has been conceived for Frans Heesen, the founder of this beautiful shipyard.”

Omega Architects has created the general arrangement of the superyacht, which features the owner’s suite on the upper deck, away from the guest cabins on the lower deck, with the aim of offering the owners more privacy and calm, especially during periods when the yacht will be visited by their many grandchildren. The result of visits from younger members of the family is a media and games room, also to be found on the lower deck.

The launch of Lady Petra saw Heesen announce his retirement from official functions at Heesen Yachts. “It is time for me to enjoy life with my family and friends. I am going to be the Brand Ambassador of this wonderful company that I founded some thirty-five years ago. I will always be there to support the brand and to promote it until the end of my days.”

Related Links

Heesen Yachts Profile | Heesen Yachts Website

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