Sparta wins at the 2024 World Superyacht Awards

Winch Design is delighted to announce that 67m Sparta has won a judges' commendation in the 'Displacement Motor Yachts, 1,000GT to 1,499GT' category at the 2024 BOAT International World Superyacht Awards. Sparta features both an exterior and interior by Winch Design and is the largest steel-hull displacement yacht ever built at Heesen. This award is a testament to the skill, knowledge and capability of everyone involved and our thanks go to the judges and BOAT International for recognising her award-winning qualities.

Sparta has an unmistakable silhouette with an exterior that distils the sporty DNA familiar to every Heesen yacht. A curvaceous reverse bow tapers into a torpedo-sleek hull. Ice white livery is sharpened by red racing lines which widen into the reverse bow, augmenting her apparent length and accentuating her speedy look. A standout feature of the exterior is the raised pilothouse, which allowed a full owners’ deck to be created within the signature Heesen profile, propelling the timeless Heesen look into the roaring twenties. The prominent sheer line of the hull is a central part of the silhouette, creating a sinuous tension between the bow and stern. By night the hull is underlit by powerful marine lights, which makes Sparta look like she is floating through space.

The broad decks of Sparta offer a huge capacity for entertainment. The sun deck is spacious with a custom-built bar, Jacuzzi and lounging area that are sheltered by the bridge inside the raised pilothouse. The deck’s height promises panoramic views from both sides and aft. A sliding canvas awning is cleverly engineered inside the fixed sun deck canopy. It can be deployed at the touch of a button, either shading the entire area or opening the deck fully to the sun or stars. Sparta is a uniquely dynamic boat that can be privatised or opened depending on the flow of guests. The flexible ethos is central to the private owners’ foredeck. This area is all about 360° views and exterior living spaces for lounging and dining. Privacy gates can allow an owner to remain self-contained for an entire day. The sun deck, accessed by stairs from the owners’ deck, can be included in this private space. The large owners’ aft deck features further loungers plus a formal dining area, conjuring a feeling of unlimited space that can also be privatised exclusively for the owner.

A driving design factor was an absolute synchronicity between interiors and exteriors. The decks were custom designed to create one coherent living space for an energetic family. The main deck sums up that synergy - it’s essentially one massive indoor/outdoor space from the dining salon to the ocean, with full length windows leading to the open terrace aft deck. The main deck feels utterly unconstrained. There are no thresholds between interior and exterior and the main deck is a super social space with big sliding doors and a dining table so it feels neither inside or out. The main deck climaxes with a 6.5m infinity pool, enveloped by loungers and a bar. Embossed with a Spartan helmet, the pool is a centrepiece of the bespoke yacht. Twin stairs form an amphitheatre around the swimming pool. These steps lead to a broad beach zone — sited just centimetres above the sea, from where a submerged staircase descends into the open water.

The interior style brief for this fully custom yacht was totally unique. Sparta was to be serene and sophisticated, with elegant, yet practical interiors. Calm, yet tough. Open, yet rigid enough to withstand the rigours of a global cruising itinerary. Each zone was to be themed in rising elements of earth, water and air. The design required cohesion across all guest areas from the aft beach terrace up to the sun deck bar.

Nowhere is the custom design more evident than in the main deck salon. An 11.5m beam promises space and grace. The fine dining area channels the private dining room of The Connaught in London. The earth theme includes dining chairs upholstered in palm leaves. Plus a centre stage coffee table crafted from an ancient oak trunk.

The marine-themed VIP cabins on the main deck feature a tramazite installation above the beds. These twinkling aqua blue stones recall sunken sapphires or a watery moon. Such artworks encourage imaginative play. The cabins’ wave-like carpet fires the imagination. It features an island woven into its centre and the VIP cabins are separated by a panel wall that can be opened for playtime. Or left up overnight to create one huge bedroom for a pirate-themed sleepover. As with every interior item on Sparta, this dividing wall is a work of art. The panel is emblazoned with a tapestry of goatskin vellum in deepening waves of blue. Each vellum layer was naturally tinted in ever darker hues, from cyan to turquoise to celadon. The artistic effect is like freediving to the bottom of the ocean.

The lower deck Japanese-inspired spa is a central hub of the yacht. Natural materials showcase the water element. Cool ceramics pervade the Turkish bath. A palm leaf inspired fully custom artwork insets the wellness area’s circular walls and natural light casts an aura of organic zen over the 65 square metre space.

The air element breezes through the upper deck. The master suite aft is shaded sky blue with mother-of-pearl inlays reflecting the sunlight. At 56 square metres, with a generous bathroom and shower, the space is more like an apartment than a suite. The private owners’ deck aft is accessed by sliding doors. By contrast, the upper deck forward owners’ suite is even more spacious and exuberant. An actual representation of the solar system is inlaid into the metallic headboard, allowing guests to run their fingers over the cosmos. Full length windows filter sunlight around the 62 square metre space.

Just outside, on the private owners’ deck, both generations can stargaze while relaxing on a vast Ottoman recliner. Alternatively, a film of choice can be streamed on the outdoor cinema screen on the foredeck.

Perhaps the greatest unifying element of all is the oak staircase. The staircase is carved in three different ways to tie the earth, water and air elements into one rather than letting them be seen in isolation. The staircase curves upwards to invite guests between three decks, while vertical lighting brings it to life. Like all the best art, its unique beauty makes travellers want to reach out and touch it. A glass elevator also speeds between the lower deck, main deck and owners’ deck. The entire space is enveloped with milled oakwood panels.

The largest steel yacht ever built by Heesen is an engineering marvel. She bears a uniquely wide body above her main deck. All of which guarantees huge interior and exterior spaces for a 1,200 gross ton boat. Winch Design and Heesen have achieved a unique harmony between interior, exterior, engineering and decks with this decade-defining yacht.