Project Akira Launched and Transformed into SANTOSHA: An Ode to Contentment at Sea

SANTOSHA bears a shapely silhouette with an elongated profile, featuring exterior lines penned by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects, and interiors by Harrison Eidsgaard. The length of her superstructure is tied together with a sweeping arch, whilst the subtly raked angle of the bow attributes SANTOSHA an extended optical length. Her stern is strikingly scooped-shaped, ensuring that she will be undeniably eye-catching when docked in a marina.

She was initially built on speculation; however, her design completely transformed once her Owners came onboard, who beautifully tailored the vessel to reflect their personal tastes. Hence, YN 20457, or Project, Akira became the stunning SANTOSHA.

Sanskrit for ‘contentment’, her Owners placed a lot of thought into her new name and the use of the lotus as her logo. Both of these will serve as reminders to remain happy and content, whilst creating a balance between external and internal worlds by controlling the senses. 

Peter Wilson, Owner's Representative, commented: ‘Our collaboration with Heesen on this project has yielded an excellent result. Collectively, we have been working as a cohesive team, with each party doing their utmost to achieve a world-class superyacht - one that is distinct from her peers. This was our second project with Heesen, and we look forward to many more in the future. Once delivered, I have no doubt that the clients will enjoy Santosha to her fullest.’

Heesen’s craftspeople masterfully executed her Owners' desires, who wished for an interior that exuded a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. Her design seamlessly blends luxury and functionality, with a free-flowing layout, neutral colour palette, and a rich material selection in which her Owners were heavily involved in. Many sustainable options have been implemented, including recycled wood, ‘performance leather’ and ‘art silk’ carpets. 

Minimalist aesthetics are harmoniously contrasted by meticulously-considered embellishments, for example woven leather accents around the TV in the sky lounge and gleaming curved wallpapers that enhance the natural light. 

A series of curated art pieces adorn the walls of SANTOSHA, adding a playful element to the serene decor. These works stand out against the pale floorings, ensuring that her overall aesthetic remains fresh and elegant.

Her Owners' apartment is one of the highlights of her design, spanning nearly 70 sqm and fitted with a study, full beam stateroom and large bathroom. The inspiration for the master bathroom was the Garden of Eden, realised in the form of lush white-on-white designs inspired by bas-relief techniques.

The guest cabins have been designed with practicality in mind, based off the Owners' wealth of experience living aboard a superyacht. They are characterised by elegant aesthetics with pops of colour, curated artwork and modern photography.

SANTOSHA is not just a masterpiece of design; she is a vessel that delivers exceptionally high performances, featuring an aluminium hull that is an iteration of the ultra-efficient FDHD devised by Van Oossanen Naval architects. 

She can reach impressive speeds of 22 knots and boasts a range of 3,900nm at 13 knots. SANTOSHA also offers guests unparalleled access to the sea, with a shallow draft of just 2.3m that makes her the ideal vessel to explore hidden coves and remote waters. 

Mark Cavendish, CCO at Heesen, commented: ‘Santosha is a yacht designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life, combining elegance with practicality and meticulous attention to detail with a relaxed ambience. It stands as a true testament to Heesen Yachts' commitment to excellence and innovation in yacht building.'