Available to charter from €350,000 a week, Heesen’s new 55-metre super yacht Moskito was unveiled at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show. Globetrender editor Jenny Southan stepped aboard to see what it was like on a sailing to Cannes.

Built by leading Dutch shipyard Heesen, Moskito is a 55-meter super yacht that sports shark’s tooth-inspired exteriors by Omega Architects, and polished residential-style interiors by British studio Bannenberg & Rowell.

Arthur Brouwer, CEO of Heesen, says: “The 55-metre is a very popular class and we are the only Northern European shipyard to offer such a yacht on spec. We are proud to be presenting such a fine example of Heesen’s DNA.”

He adds: “Moskito is sporty, sleek, and timelessly elegant in design, while offering the best in performance and efficiency. She has the right balance of indoor and outdoor space – meaning ultimate interior comfort and luxury, with spacious alfresco spaces to enjoy the best of yachting lifestyle.”Moskito super yachtHeesen describes the boat’s “powerful exteriors lines” as “lending an air of calm authority”. And her fast Displacement Hull form, which was designed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, makes Moskito “exceptionally fuel-efficient for long passages and shorter cruising”.

Moskito also has amazing vertical windows that extend from floor to ceiling, meaning there is plenty of natural light inside.M/Y MOSKITOWhen I boarded as part of a press contingent the morning after the Monaco Yacht Show, the boat was being prepared for the owner to come on board later in the day. This meant we weren’t able to have a full tour of all the cabins as crew were getting them ready but we did see some of the social areas and had time on deck during a sailing to Cannes for lunch.

Compared to some of the other yachts at the show, Moskito is extremely elegant and stylish, with classy interiors reminiscent of a tasteful top-end hotel but with homely touches such as collections of books, cabinets of crystalware and Jo Malone handwash in the toilets.M/Y MOSKITO M/Y MOSKITOHeesen describes the interiors as a “blend of natural, noble tones and a tailored spatial arrangement that creates a sense of gravitas”. I felt that to be pretty accurate.

Guests will also find traditionally crafted smoked oak chevron parquet flooring, as well as white Thassos, grey St Laurent and ivory Travertine marble used throughout, with warm bronze accents that “underwrite fine workmanship and furnishings”.

Bannenberg said in a statement: “We wanted to take the breath away, without being aesthetically intimidating. That fine line between approachability and comfort. Something cool and interesting, but subtle.”M/Y MOSKITOIn total there are six guest cabins acommodating up to 12 guests. The yacht also comes with 13 crew.M/Y MOSKITO M/Y MOSKITO M/Y MOSKITOOn the main deck is the owner’s apartment, spanning more than 82 sqm. “Our guiding philosophy was that the owner should be as happy hosting a black-tie dinner as lounging in their shorts,” says Bannenberg.

Bespoke furnishings include a desk built by GMS joinery in London, and a spiral staircase leading to four en suite cabins on the lower deck – two doubles and two twins – each with a spacious bathroom, wardrobe and dressing table.M/Y MOSKITOM/Y MOSKITOM/Y MOSKITO Large hull windows give every cabin and every bathroom a beautiful view, and beautiful artwork from Britain includes flowing porcelain forms by Fenella Elms, Rose Vickers’ marquetry mosaics, and intricate paper collages by Hormazd Narielwalla.M/Y MOSKITOFor the majority of the sailing to Cannes, I wandered around Moskito’s three outdoor decks, which have various inviting seating areas and communal spaces for enjoying the fresh air and sea views. In total the boat’s exterior guest spaces add up to 250 sqm.M/Y MOSKITO M/Y MOSKITOMy favourite place was at the top where there is an expansive sundeck complete with a giant whirlpool bath, a bar, 12-seat dining table, sun loungers and comfy couches. I reclined here for a while, sipping a coffee and watching the horizon.M/Y MOSKITOM/Y MOSKITOM/Y MOSKITOBelow, linked to the deck saloon by highly polished automatic sliding doors, Moskito’s aft terrace provides 44 sqm of al fresco space.M/Y MOSKITOThere is also dedicated wellness area complete with a sauna, seating, shower and shade that’s accessible via the “beach club” area, which is level with the water at the back of the boat.

M/Y MOSKITO

Heesen says: “Teak underfoot and textured limestone panels contrast with reeded glass to create a rich, intimate and relaxing environment. Hidden from view, down by the water, it offers every comfort imaginable, with a life-enhancing swim in the sea just a few steps away.”M/Y MOSKITOThese days, everyone on board super yachts wants access to a host of toys. When I sailed on the 72-metre Axioma a few years ago it was a giant inflatable slide that was the star of the show. Not to be outdone, Moskito has everything from paddleboards, inflatable kayaks, Go bikes and wakeboards to jet skis, seabobs, a banana boat and waterskis.

Moskito is available for charter by selected guests via International Yacht Collection, in the Mediterranean in summer and in the Caribbean in winter. The cost of fuel, food, drink and tips for the crew, for example, have to be added on top of the charter price.

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