First look inside 55m Heesen yacht Laurentia with Radyca

A 55 metre yacht that was overhauled in just four months, 55 metre Laurentia is a testament to the skill and efficiency of both her Dutch build yard Heesen Yachts and her Miami-based designers Radyca. We get the inside story of how she was transformed...

As with many Heesen new-builds, the project began on speculation under the name Alida, with exterior lines by Omega Architects and a Banneberg & Rowell interior. A buyer was found, only to pull out weeks before the scheduled launching, leaving an opportunity for her eventual owner to swoop in and take delivery of a brand new Heesen within months of signing the contract.

Radyca, who had previously worked with the client on both domestic and yachting projects, was given a brief for a sophisticated, yet welcoming interior design that balanced the comforts of home with a touch of glamour.

Stepping on board Laurentia, the saloon sets the tone with a convivial layout and Minotti furniture that encourages relaxation and conversation. Radyca and Heesen totally revamped the look and feel of this space with all-new wenge woodwork and light suede ceilings that create a dramatic sense of contrast.

Several changes were incorporated into the final look of Laurentia’s skylounge, which originally featured a full-service bar area. In response to the owner’s request, this was changed for a more multi-purpose area, suitable for light meals or card games.

This change of tone is best encapsulated in the central coffee table, which doubles as an Ottoman so guests can put their feet up and truly unwind.

Another area that was reimagined by Radyca, Laurentia’s sun deck was given a completely new layout with the superyacht spa pool rotated to allow for a sunbathing area in the bow. The bar stools and removable Multiplex awning are particularly notable, with their exposed carbon fibre detailing. Radyca adds that the awning was designed to be used even when Laurentia is cruising along at her 16-knot top speed.

Designed with charter in mind, Laurentia features many al fresco relaxation spots, including an outdoor cinema on the main deck aft and a vast dining table on the upper deck aft with a built-in lazy susan. But it is the beach club that arguably makes the biggest impression. Upon the owner’s request, tender and water toy storage was relocated to the foredeck, leaving the transom free for a fully-fledged superyacht beach club, complete with adjacent gym.

Laurentia can accommodate up to ten guests in five cabins, including a palatial main-deck master suite (pictured above). Radyca’s decor is mirrored throughout the yacht, with indirect lighting picking out the fine details, such as the suede wall coverings and leather accents. This consistent approach to quality across all the cabins should be particularly popular on the charter market, where Laurentia is managed by Burgess.