motor yacht reliance west nautical first look

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All images courtesy of West Nautical

First look: Inside Heesen's 55m superyacht Reliance

13 October 2023 • Written by Katia Damborsky and Holly Margerrison

Interior images of the 55-metre Heesen motor yacht Reliance, previously known as Project Gemini, have been revealed. She has joined the charter fleet with West Nautical and will be heading to the Caribbean for her inaugural winter season before returning to the Mediterranean for summer 2024. 

This follows the yacht's delivery in September 2023, with West Nautical overseeing the construction and Heesen stating that the delivery was completed "in co-operation with the Dutch authorities". The yacht began the build process on speculation but was purchased 15 months into construction by a client introduced by Arcon Yachts Monaco.

Her sporty, shark-grey exteriors are the work of long-time Heesen collaborator Omega Architects and interiors are courtesy of Luca Dini. Built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, she forms part of Heesen’s popular 55 Steel series, of which there are a total of five delivered yachts – including the 55-metre Vida and 55-metre Laurentia

Reliance's muscular lines and predatory profile are achieved with a “shark tooth” segment on the superstructure forward.

While the yacht’s exteriors come from an established collaboration, Reliance is the first Heesen yacht with interiors by Luca Dini. The Italian designer and his team worked to adapt the interior to create a refined ambience with fresh cream tones – especially prevalent in the main saloon, which includes a dining table for 12 guests overlooked by warm-toned feature lighting.

The yacht accommodates 12 guests in six spacious cabins, including an 82-square-metre owners' apartment on the main deck forward and the VIP on the bridge deck. The remaining guest cabins – two doubles and two twins – are on the lower deck.

Reliance features a number of customisations, including an opening window in the full-beam owner’s suite. The space is characterised by Tay wood panelling with dark oak framing, creating a calm and relaxed space, while the ensuite is fitted with marble units and features a dressing room, central bath, two showers, twin toilets and his-and-her sinks.

Up top, her impressive sundeck boasts a Jacuzzi, sun loungers and a well-equipped bar with a teppanyaki grill. 

The full-beam sky lounge, located on the upper deck, is also fitted with ample seating and a bar area with floor-to-ceiling windows leading straight out onto the upper aft deck. 

Reliance also features windows in the transom door which allows natural light to pour into the beach club, which is kitted with a large swim platform and wellness centre. Guests can benefit from Technogym exercise equipment, a sauna and hammam.

Perfect for charter guests, a well-stocked toybox includes Seabobs, electric surfboards and Jet Skis. There are also two tenders for excursions ashore and transportation.

Power derives from twin MTU 8V 4000 M63 IMO-Tier III diesel engines for a top speed of 15.5 knots and a transatlantic range of 4,500 miles at 13 knots.

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