Nautical Oasis: My Petra Makes a Splash

As the sixth in Heesen Yachts’ semi-displacement, all-aluminum 4400 class, the 144-foot superyacht My Petra serves as one of the Dutch company’s most popular designs to date. Heesen launched the first 4400 series yacht in 2007, and has since created seven more beauties that have earned a plethora of accolades, including My Petra, which resulted from the company’s collaboration with Frank Laupman of Omega Architects and made its debut in 2009.

The exterior and interior styling created by Laupman gloriously showcases sleek and elegant lines along the 144-foot ship, and the über-luxurious interiors suit the stylish and fast motor yacht, which can reach a maximum speed of 25 knots thanks to its twin MTU 16BV 4000 M90 diesels, each delivering up to 2,720 kW.

Frans Heesen originally founded Heesen Yachts in the Netherlands in 1978, creating the first Dutch shipyard able to use and control aluminum alloy to build yacht hulls. The yard continued to push the envelope, and as a result, became a world-class leader in the modeling, engineering, and assembly of quality performance motor yachts made entirely of aluminum.

Heesen Yachts expanded its business in 1992 to add the fabrication of traditional displacement, long-range steel-hulled yachts. Now, the company is known for its ability to deliver glorious private yachts ranging from 121 feet to 213 feet in length. By 2012, Heesen Yachts will have delivered 14 yachts to delighted owners—yachts whose combined length totals close to 2,132 feet.

Following a ceremony at the shipyard in Oss Harbour, the Netherlands, on June 14, 2009, the revered naval brand transported its masterpiece, My Petra, which was originally built in Croatia, to her owners in Malta. She was later transported and displayed at the Festival de la Plaisance in Cannes.