28-03-2025
Superyacht Video Tour: Here's What The Inside Of A Superyacht Is Really Like
Heesen Yachts ELA underway
David Churchill/Heesen Yachts
When it comes to pure luxury, few objects are as expensive, or exclusive, or attract more attention than a superyacht. But since many superyacht owners also put a premium on the privacy a yacht makes possible, many custom-made-one-of-a-kind yacht interiors are rarely seen by the media.
However, there are exceptions. And as you'll see in this video we shot at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show last October, the interior of this 164-foot-long ELA, built by Heesen Yachts and is available for charter this summer, is pretty special.
With a lightweight, aluminum fast-displacement hull, ELA was the second in Heesen's sub-500GT Nova Plus class when she was launched in 2021. This is a design that emphasizes performance and efficiency that makes a maximum speed of just under 20 knots possible while also combining high fuel efficiency, and a shallow-friendly draft of approximately seven feet.
ELA also stands out for her striking vertical bow and bold spray rails and her Cristiano Gatto-designed interior.
'Together with the client, we revisited all the loose furniture, inside and out, selecting new materials for all the upholstery and the key items from Paola Lenti, B&B Italia, Poltrona Frau, and Promemoria,' Gatto says. 'But more importantly, we designed bespoke pieces, such as tables, sofas, and lamps, all beautifully crafted by Italian ateliers, who delivered them in record time.'
Meanwhile ELA has six staterooms, with the owners' suite on the main deck forward and the remaining five cabins – a full beam VIP, two doubles and two twins – on the lower deck.
Besides the beauty of her design, ELA is also the first Heesen to sport a peak-shaving battery system. 'This, in my opinion, makes the yacht genuinely efficient and more sustainable,' says Peter van der Zanden, head of Design & Development at the shipyard.
The proportions are perfect onboard ELA
David Churchill/Heesen Yachts
This system is reported to have several advantages including an intelligent power management system to reduce generator use and emissions, while lowering fuel and maintenance costs. The ability to store excess generator power to be used during peak periods when power demand exceeds generator output, without the need for additional generators to come online is another benefit.
'At Heesen, we believe in continuous research and constant innovation,' van der Zanden says. 'We strive to refine our yachts and present the owners with solutions that are at the forefront of technology, to improve efficiency and enhance the on-board experience.'
It's good to be a superyacht owner, right? Well, it's good to charter a yacht like this too.
