Heesen Shows Strength
New Contracts, Brokerage Listings - who says the new-build motoryacht market is in trouble?
August 3, 2010
Bucking the trend of open construction bays that began when the global economy tanked in mid-2008, Holland-based Heesen Yachts has signed two new-build contracts in a single week, for a 164-foot semi-displacement motoryacht and a 154-foot full-displacement motoryacht.
One of Heesen's new build contracts is for this 164-foot semi-displacement motoryacht.
They are the third and fourth contracts that Heesen has inked since the beginning of this year, bringing the builder’s current order book to 14 yachts on schedule for delivery before the end of 2013.
The 154-footer will be the latest in a line of seven existing sisterships, while the 164-footer will be a completely custom design for what Heesen calls “an experienced sailor who desires to be deeply involved in the design and conception process of his new vessel.” The latter owner decided on Heesen as his shipyard in collaboration with Monaco-based brokerage house YCO.
Interestingly, while Heesen has its gaze firmly set on the future, one of its older builds has just come up for sale on the brokerage market. The 112-foot Printemps, a 1987 launch that was most recently refit last year, has been listed for sale through the Monaco office of Fraser Yachts Worldwide at an asking price of €3.95 million.
It’s worth noting that while Printemps is one among nearly 20 Heesen motoryachts currently available in the worldwide brokerage market, none of the listed yachts launched after 2008. Owners tend to buy and keep Heesens for at least a couple of years, a testament to the builder’s reputation for customization and quality.
In terms of value retention, Heesen also fares well. The 2008 builds currently listed for sale are the 164-foot Man of Steel at €34.5 million and the 154-foot Elandess II at €29 million, both through the brokerage offices of Merle Wood and Associates.
Editor's Note: Kim Kavin is an award-winning writer, editor and photographer who specializes in marine travel. She is the author of six books including Dream Cruises: The Insider’s Guide to Private Yacht Vacations, is editor of the online yacht vacation magazine www.CharterWave.com, and writes the blog at www.BrokerageBoss.com.
