After we traced the sun-drenched contours of the French Riviera aboard the delightful Warda in October, a magnificent vessel defined by quiet power and fluid elegance, we can vouch that the new owner of Frida, Warda’s sistership, is in for the voyage of a lifetime. With each commission, Heesen Yachts refines its language of engineering and elegance and in Frida, that dialogue reaches a new, assured clarity. Her new owner is lucky indeed.
The 55-metre steel motor yacht, known as Project Frida (YN 21055), has been acquired by a discerning client drawn to the yard’s Dutch pedigree and the rare advantage of immediacy. In a world where time is the ultimate luxury, the ability to step aboard without the prolonged wait of a full custom build is a privilege in itself. Yet this is no compromise. Beneath her composed exterior lies an Ultra Efficient Steel Hull, a platform engineered for long-range cruising with remarkable poise and efficiency, offering both performance and reassurance across open water.
Her exterior, sculpted by Omega Architects, carries a quiet confidence with clean lines, balanced proportions, and a presence that feels as natural in Monaco as it does anchored off a secluded cove. At approximately 760 gross tonnes, she offers the volume expected of a world-class yacht, while retaining the agility to slip into the more intimate ports of the Mediterranean and those hidden harbours nestled into the Riviera.
Inside, the narrative shifts to one of contrast and texture. Conceived by Luca Dini Design & Architecture, the interiors are being tailored with a distinctly personal sensibility. Dark woods meet luminous surfaces in a composition that feels both grounded and contemporary, a modern interpretation of maritime heritage rather than a replication of it. Spaces have been thoughtfully imagined not only for living, but for collecting, discreet galleries where contemporary artworks will sit against the backdrop of the sea.
Accommodation is arranged for 12 guests across six staterooms, each designed to offer both privacy and continuity with the wider aesthetic. There is a sense throughout that every element has been considered not in isolation, but as part of a larger, fluid experience, one that moves seamlessly between interior and exterior, between stillness and motion.
“Welcoming new owners to the Heesen family is always a significant milestone,” says Jeroen van der Meer, Heesen CEO. “Project Frida represents a successful combination of Dutch engineering and a sophisticated aesthetic.”
Sara Gioanola, Press Manager for Project Frida, adds “This sale underlines the sustained demand for yachts in this size bracket, particularly where immediate availability is matched with proven Northern European build quality.”
In the final stages, Frida will undergo rigorous sea trials in the North Sea, where every system is tested against Heesen’s exacting standards. Only once she has proven herself in these demanding conditions will she make her way south, arriving in time for the summer season, where she will be revealed in all her glory.
Project Frida signals a confident opening to the year for Heesen, and a continuation of its enduring dialogue between craftsmanship and exploration.
