Review: Heesen 50-meter "Man of Steel"

Heesen Yachts 50-meter "Man of Steel"​

An Epic Adventure For Mortal Men​

by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy​

This handsome, aerodynamic hunk, this Man of Steel, he is for real! No make-believe comic book superman caroming off our page; though it’s been sideswiped in the past with a few alterations. Now, a traffic-stopping, steel-hulled specimen crowns Heesen’s art of yacht design. One of the most spectacular images in yachting; we are struck by swooping creativity as She springs into the scene. But wait... (She? Man of...?). ​

Okay, this is too easy: Sure, all yachts are called she, but you name your yacht anything you like; and this stalwart specimen is owned by one genuine guy, who happens to be in the steel industry – (oh, darn, where have all the Superheroes gone?). Steel, of course, plays a major leading roll in this entire drama; her hull and everywhere else. Actually, it’s his second mega-yacht. ‘Nuf said. This yacht, named after a comic book legend, must be a figment of your imagination. But quickly, as the tour unfolds, your rhapsodic perception becomes absorbed into its storybook world.

To further clarify her credentials, Man of Steel has also soared, up, up and away out of her class, from the 50-meter – under 500 gross tons – to a larger tonnage of 637 gross tons, which offers Heesen a higher regulation code for future ventures. A tri-deck motoryacht, designed by Omega Architects with an interior plan by Marc Wallace, this giant leap for yacht-kind sets the stage for Heesen’s future ventures into an even larger interior volume, 5000-series. Heesen’s yards at Oss, Netherlands are well set up for this transitional ascension, just as it skyrocketed up from the previous, first Man of Steel, which orbited at 37m – 121’. (That one brazenly flourished a faux Superman Seal, sporting a “Z”)

Even as this latest incarnation boasts 164 feet of charm in her exterior view, she’s as impressive inside: an elegant flair, with dominating creative expression. While the design team leaned towards Art Deco, a definite Pop-Culture flavor is also strongly evident. Black steel is used evocatively throughout; black river-rock flooring is accented by Macassar ebony woods on bulkheads; all displaying her owner’s affection for the outdoors as well as reflecting his family’s many travels. Asian flavors with Zen nuances creep in unexpectedly, appended by silver, crystal, platinum shades; glass encasements, plus a unique treatment of hot rolled steel looming up in surprise locations. All this, a prelude to her full displacement steel hull’s outstanding cruising capabilities: featuring twin MTU 8V 400 series power plants delivering 15 Knots cruise.

Four levels of Superhero adventure await on Man of Steel's multi-tiered aft deck including an oblong pool for eight on the sundeck with an adjoining supersize sunbed; another pool on the owner's aftdeck flanked by a couch and sunlounge; and the casual main deck with seating to observe the frolicking activities of the toys hidden within the stern garage - the Man of Steel's ultimate arsenal!

And oh, yes, there’s the Marquipt Manual Helicopter pad on the foredeck, with a foldable mast. Adding spice to family fun, this area doubles as an outdoor fitness and aerobic area. High style on the rounded bow adds to Man of Steel a softened but almost formidable visage. Raised bulwarks, certain to add a good splash dampening effect running in open ocean head seas. Well tested and appreciated on her maiden voyage from the Netherlands into the Caribbean. This family is dedicated to physical fitness, so outdoor games and expression abound, on the foredeck as well as with her in-water bevy of jet skis, sports equipment and aft-deck tender mounts.

A bow close-up illustrates the family’s dedication to an outdoor life-style, over bleached teak decking. A brace of PWCs nuzzle the bottom of stairs leading forward to the bow. Centered, the deck mast which braces a retractable awning for shade when desired. Note the broad, upholstered couch overlooking the whole scene; plus safety rails all around; sure to come in handy at any time on the world’s oceans.

A super comfortable gathering place on the Fly Bridge features a strapping light oak dining/parlor game table seating up to ten for banquets outdoors. Another set of chairs face the bar, for observation over the bow. The entire area is fully covered by the hardtop arch, however a sliding roof directly over the bar permits the sun's rays to warm the area.

Forward, Man of Steel’s outdoor bar provides a magnificent view of what’s ahead. It’s fully fortified, with seating in wicker-backed, pedestal chairs. An inlaid, decorative wood pattern enlivens the leaning surface. The island features a stainless double sink and prep counter-top. Behind (well, actually forward) a fridge, cook-top and provision storage awaits.

One of two hot tubs stands ready here on the bridge deck for guests to splash into and revel in that A-a-a-a-h-h feeling. Though shaded by the top deck overhang, it’s in the open air. It’s oblong and spacious enough for a big, happy crowd.

On the owner's aft deck, yet another whirlpool awaits to sooth the aches and pains of a hard days work defending the world from doom. A super-size sun lounge is aft, in the open sun. To port, a semi-circular couch is positioned for both sun and shade.

A teak topped, open spine staircase leads down from the sundeck to the owner's deck. Straddling a decorative spire, it’s embellished by strong stainless steel railings and bi-step lighting.

A close-up of the foredeck zeros in on the pair of SeaDoo 215hp PWC's nestled under the main deck combing. Just forward, in the bottom right corner of this picture, a launching crane for hoisting the heavies. And speaking of lifting heavy objects, a pair of Staalart two-speed capstans stand ready to assist Superman in hoisting a pair of HHP Pool 360 kg hooks.

Close in on the foredeck, we see the hydraulically operated clam shell amphitheater with its super-comfortable seating arrangement, plus a trio of wickedly-warped, wicker sunning couches and optional shade umbrellas.

Astern, Man of Steel's massive garage door folds down to double as a launch ramp using an overhead Hydro-Mar Passerelle. The tender garage houses two tender tracks, sheltering a 4.8m Rescue boat with 75hp Yamaha outboard; plus another pair Sea-Doo RXT-X 255. Because the owner's family is active in watersports, the garage features a dayhead and shower to rinse off the days activities before heading atop.

Man of Steel’s well equipped wheelhouse accommodates double leather Stidd helm chairs facing a half dozen superbly lit screens, behind forward slanted windshields. State of the Art Nav systems include Furuno FAR 21375 radar, Furuno Auto-Pilot, Anchutz Nauto Pilot Gyrocompass, Magnetic Compass. Add Depth Sounders, Chart systems, Wind/Speed indicators, Radios, SATcoms, WiFi phones – with a remote station in the crew mess – plus GCM ShipsCom Computer and an Officejet. This voluble lady can talk all she wants, to anyone in the world.

Her Master Study is outfitted with a comfortable desk and office equipment as well as world wide communications gear, including a 32” DVD – Direct Satellite receiver w/remote control, to keep the businessman up to date, well informed, no matter where this Superman leaps off to.

Elegantly designed, sporting a warm, modern aspect, the Owner’s Master suite is a full size apartment, glass enclosed, with a bed that rotates, offering views that survey 240 degrees. Its balcony contains a private spa and its own sundeck. The stateroom focuses on its king-size berth, which faces a 46” Direct Satellite TV; DVD, Kaleidescape player w/ remote control. Glittering curtains shimmy in spacey, light-reflecting folds, illuminating glamorous statuary.

Bathed in soft, recessed light above, the Master berth is encompassed by a large circular theme, echoing lights and darks in striated wood patterns on walls and ottomans. The effect is contemporary, but still exudes warmth.

Her Master Bath is, again, a study in minimalist modernism, flowing with stark whites against inlaid black tile patterns, ultra modern in concept and execution. Here, the huge shower, refracting through clear glass against walls of tile, presents an artistic array of modern design.

Entering the main salon, this long view pictures the elongated, L-shaped bar with its bleached marble, backlit surface and minimalist, wrought-iron leather chairs. Its location just off the main aft deck keeps thru-hull traffic to a minimum and easily becomes an eating/snack venue for informal lunches.