INSIDE HEESEN’S FRIDA
INSIDE HEESEN’S FRIDA
The latest 55m on-spec Heesen awaiting an owner’s personal touch
Designing a yacht on speculation is always a balancing act - creating a vessel with enough personality to stand out, yet flexible enough to appeal to a broad range of buyers. This is the challenge Heesen’s 55-metre Steel Fast Displacement Hull Form series embraces, and with recent launches like Serena, Iris Blue and Reliance, the Dutch shipyard is proving its formula works. But when it comes to the interior, each model is given its own personality by Silvia Margutti of Italian studio Luca Dini Design & Architecture. BOAT sits down with Margutti to discover more about Frida, one of the next in line for delivery…
A traditional yacht design with a modern twist
For Frida, Margutti sought to fuse the traditional elements of classic yachts with a fresh, modern aesthetic. “The aim was to create the atmosphere of a traditional maritime interior, recalling the archetypes we associate with classic boats,” she explains. “But at the same time, it’s for an experienced owner who appreciates a modern twist on tradition.”
This vision is most evident in Frida’s striking colour scheme. Rich mahogany veneers with reddish tones contrast against bright white elements, a hallmark of traditional yachting design. “These two contrasting colours really complement each other,” Margutti says. “The dark lines on the walls and floors frame the space, making it feel effortless and welcoming. The light coming in through the yacht’s huge windows bounces off the white surfaces, giving the interior an incredible brightness.”
Frida's attention to detail also makes her unique. From sand-finished handles that merge modern and traditional aesthetics to the use of natural wenge wood, every material has been carefully chosen. Sycamore accents also feature subtly in furniture and door details. “It’s a blend between modern urbanism and tradition,” Margutti says.
Designed for every occasion
The series follows a tried-and-tested layout, catering to both relaxation and entertainment, with exteriors by Omega Architects and naval architecture by Van Oossanen Naval Architects. The main saloon features a spacious lounge area and a formal dining space for up to 12 guests, which connects to the aft deck through large sliding doors. Upstairs, the skylounge offers a cosier setting, with the bridge deck aft providing an ideal spot for al fresco dining and social gatherings.
The foredeck is a more secluded space for those seeking privacy, while the sundeck is made for pure leisure - complete with a Jacuzzi, sunpads, loungers and a sit-up bar. Down below, the beach club is a standout feature, boasting a sauna and a spacious swim platform for waterside relaxation.
Accommodation is spread across six cabins, comfortably hosting 12 guests. The full-beam owner’s suite on the main deck is a sanctuary in itself, featuring a private balcony, office, lounge area and his-and-hers en suite bathrooms and wardrobes. Meanwhile, there are separate crew quarters forward on the lower deck, with two additional cabins on the bridge deck.
While the main deck and owner’s suite are undeniably stunning, Margutti has a particular soft spot for the lower deck. “Often, this space doesn’t get the attention it deserves, but on Frida, we’ve elevated it,” she says. “With its lighter materials, it recalls the feeling of traditional maritime living - almost like stepping into a J-Class yacht.” Unlike the main deck, which is defined by expansive glass surfaces, the lower deck is all about intimacy and warmth.
Ready for an owner's personal touch
A common concern with spec-built yachts is whether an owner will have enough flexibility to make the design their own. Margutti reassures that while Frida has a strong design foundation, there is plenty of scope for customisation.
“Even in the later stages of the build, there’s always room for personal touches,” she explains. “Free-standing furniture, decorative lamps, fabrics, towels, china, cutlery, vases and artwork - these elements can completely transform the final look and feel.”
The interior has been intentionally designed as a neutral canvas, allowing an owner to introduce their own colour scheme. While the current design incorporates pops of blue for a traditional maritime feel, Margutti says this can easily be swapped for "warmer tones like terracotta" or a "sleek black, silver and taupe palette" for a more aggressive aesthetic.
The beauty of a semi-custom production yacht like Frida is that it combines the reliability of a proven design with the ability to personalise. “It’s about having something ready for you in a very short time - without waiting three or four years for a full custom build,” Margutti adds.
Margutti envisions Frida as a yacht for a true sea lover - someone who doesn’t just use their yacht as a floating hotel but embraces the full experience of life on the water. “It’s for someone who loves sailing, who enjoys discovering destinations with the comforts of the boat,” she says. “It’s about family, colour and fun.”
With her launch just around the corner, Frida is waiting for an owner to make her their own. To learn more, contact the team at Heesen today.
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