Heesen Yachts reveals first design under new ownership: 72-metre Project Ananda

EDITORIAL TEAM
July 7, 2026
Marine

Heesen Yachts has revealed Project Ananda, a 72-metre Smart Custom superyacht developed in collaboration with Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. Scheduled for delivery in 2030, the project reflects a new direction for the shipyard, combining its engineering expertise with an increased focus on lifestyle, wellbeing and personalisation at sea.

As the first new design revealed under owner Laurens Last, who acquired the Dutch shipyard last year, Project Ananda reflects the evolving priorities of today’s yacht owners, where privacy, flexibility and wellness shape the onboard experience. Its name, derived from the Sanskrit word for “inner joy”, informs the overall concept, with each space intended to support both relaxation and social living.

The yacht’s exterior maintains Heesen’s recognisable profile, interpreted through softer, more fluid lines. This is paired with a carefully considered general arrangement across five decks, allowing for a natural sense of flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.

At the heart of the design is a flexible Owner’s Deck, available in two distinct configurations. Owners can choose between a forward-facing private deck or a layout that opens towards the aft, creating a more social, open-plan environment. Both options have been conceived as adaptable living spaces, allowing for fully customised interiors tailored to individual routines and preferences.

Accommodation has been designed with versatility in mind. Alongside the primary suite on the Owner’s Deck, a second full-beam master suite on the Bridge Deck offers comparable space and comfort, removing traditional hierarchies and making it ideal for multi-generational travel or charter.

Arrival on board has been designed as a seamless and private experience. Amidships, a shell door opens onto a dedicated docking platform, leading directly to a central glass elevator. This discreet access point means guests can move through the yacht without passing through social areas, reinforcing a sense of exclusivity from the moment of embarkation.

Project Ananda places a strong emphasis on indoor-outdoor living. A pool deck finished in travertine connects directly to the main lounge via fully openable glass panels, creating a continuous living space that can transition effortlessly from daytime relaxation to evening entertaining. The deck itself is designed to remain uncluttered, with mooring equipment concealed to preserve a clean and open environment.

Wellbeing is a key element of the onboard experience. A dedicated spa and beach club spans approximately 100 square metres and includes a sauna, steam room, ice bath, snow shower, treatment room and hyperbaric chamber. Developed in collaboration with Heesen’s human health engineering specialists, the space has been created to meet the growing demand for integrated wellness at sea.

Interiors will be crafted entirely in-house by Heesen Interiors in Winterswijk, ensuring consistency in quality and finish throughout. The yacht’s Smart Custom platform will allow owners to tailor materials, layouts and detailing to their individual preferences, supported by close collaboration between the shipyard and design teams.

Built on a steel hull and equipped with hybrid propulsion, Project Ananda combines long-range cruising capability with the option of reduced-noise operation while underway. Naval architecture and tank testing have already been completed, with construction scheduled to begin in November 2026.

Main Characteristics

Project Name: YN 21872 Project Ananda
Length / Gross Tonnage: 72.3 metres / Approx. 1,750 GT
Hull: Ultra-fuel-efficient steel hull
Decks: Five (Lower, Main, Owner’s, Bridge, and Sun Deck)
Hybrid Propulsion: Twin MTU 12V4000 M65L IMO Tier III engines (2 x 1,920 kW) with PTI/PTO gearboxes, enabling silent cruising for up to four hours
Customisation: Built on speculation as a Smart Custom platform offering extensive personalisation
Interior Construction: Crafted in-house by Heesen Interiors
Interior & Exterior Design: Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design
Delivery: 2030 (Keel laying scheduled for November 2026)