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.

The ship itself is truly revolutionary, both in design and performance. Once on board the accommodating and modern aft deck, My Petra’s guests are greeted by an intimate and charming semi-circular area that is sure to be the perfect spot for a good time among friends and family while soaring through the deep seas. Leading forward, the yacht’s formal saloon includes three comfy couches and two leather armchairs that are carefully positioned around a rectangular coffee table, resulting in a classy and modern ambiance. Dividing the saloon from the dining area ahead is a low cabinet that is perfect for storage. The superyacht’s kitchen is located portside and connects directly with the dining area through a sliding door. The owner’s office is located on the starboard side and leads into the owner’s suite, which features an expansive, fully furnished bedroom and a convenient his-and-hers bathroom that includes a bathtub and shower.

The superyacht’s four spacious cabins located on the ship’s lower deck can accommodate up to eight guests, with two master suite cabins and two slightly smaller twin cabins, all of which contain a bathroom and shower.

My Petra was conceptualized with a “making the most out of outdoor living” theme. Putting this theme into practice, guests can mingle in four prescribed areas including the aft cockpit on the vessel’s main deck, and the intimate forward cockpit that was designed specifically to guarantee privacy when firmly docked in the harbor. The cozy aft cockpit that is located on the upper deck and connects to the sky lounge is an area ideal for optimal relaxation. Above the sky lounge, look for a vast area with a dining table that comfortably seats up to 10 guests next to a fly bridge with a circular spa pool, as it is an area that is nothing short of perfect for letting all your worries sail away.

Though Heesen Yachts’ aim was to create an extraordinary ship for sailing the ocean blue, they exceeded their own expectations, producing a craft that is truly a force to be reckoned with. My Petra is not only a super fast superyacht, a source for a swanky cocktail party, or the ultimate escape; it is in itself, an experience of its own.