Ahead of the tests in the rough waters of the North Sea, the Heesen 50-meter Project Alba was renamed to Van Tom during a private ceremony at the yard’s Norwegian premises in Oss, in the presence of the boat’s owners.

In the following weeks, the semi-displacement aluminum yacht will undergo testing in the winter-rough waters of the North Sea before her delivery due for 2018. The yacht is expected to deliver a top speed of 23 knots thanks to her two powerful MTU 2,880kW engines, whilst having a range of 3.100 nautical miles at 11 knots.

Van Tom started on speculation as Project Alba back in 2015. Omega Architects created a distinctive profile with flowing lines and continuous sheets of triple laminated glazing that are bonded to the superstructure to create a seamless wall of windows. Six months after, the in-build was sold, with Arne Ploch from Camper and Nicholsons introducing the client.
Since then, the owner and his wife worked closely with Francesco Paszkowski and Margherita Casprini on the yacht’s interior styling, reflecting their taste for understated elegance and the Dutch shipyard’s heritage. As a result, the boat features the largest volume possible for a yacht of her size, being able to accommodate up to 12 guests in 6 cabins. The classic interior layout comprises the master stateroom on the main deck forward and 5 guest suites on the lower deck. Heesen fine wood carpenters crafted custom furniture to the highest construction standards.
Van Tom is set up to be delivered in January 2018 and will be for private use only.