55m/180ft luxury yacht VIDA (ex.PROJECT ANTARES) from Dutch shipbuilders Heesen has left the yard on her maiden voyage and arrived in Gibraltar, before she continues to cruise the Mediterranean this summer season.

Heesen Motor Yacht VIDA – on the way to the Mediterranean

Constructed with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, she features the naval architecture of Van Oossanen with Omega Architects providing the exterior styling. The interiors are a collaboration between Francesco Paszkowski, Margherita Casprini and Be Design Associates from Florida, with whom the Owner was already acquainted.

Heesen Yacht VIDA cruising – Photo Dick Holthuis

The interior and exterior materials were selected for their durability in a marine environment and a soft, warm colour palette was selected to create elegant, inviting rooms. One of the first design features visitors will encounter is the backlit onyx archway in the salon, while the Master suite benefits from the choice of large vertical windows for natural lighting.

The accommodation sleeps 12 guests over six spacious en-suite cabins, which include the 80m2/861ft2 Master suite on the main deck forward. The lower deck will host the rest of the guest accommodation, and the engine room to the aft will provide enough power for a top speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of 13 knots, at which luxury yacht VIDA has a transatlantic range of 4,500 nautical miles.

VIDA interior stairwell – Photo Credit David Churchill

One of her unique features is the ability to carry extra fuel and act as the mothership to the Owner’s fleet of sportfisher yachts, topping up their reserves as required.

Launched on January the 4th, M/Y VIDA is the first of five yachts scheduled for launch before the end of the year and she will make her public debut at the Monaco Yacht Show in September.