New-Build Project Triton: Demigod of the Seas

When 164-foot Project Triton sold in October 2020, she cemented Denison Yachting’s reputation as a new-build player. This is how it happened.

Triton, son of Greek sea god, Poseidon, is a merman or demigod of the sea. Literally translated, it means “a being that has power over nature or human fortunes.” There couldn’t be a more apt name for the largest new construction project ever sold by Denison Yachting. Nor a more fitting new build for her owners.

Project Triton, now named ARKADIA, is the second hull in Heesen Yachts’ 50-meter Steel Class. This means the full-displacement yacht benefits from the Dutch shipyard’s proven technical platform. Of equal importance for ARKADIA’s owners was Heesen’s speculative-build business model. According to Thom Conboy, Heesen’s exclusive sales representative in North America, Mexico, the Bahamas and the Caribbean, being able to bypass the standard three- to four-year wait period for a new build yacht is highly appealing to owners around the world who demand immediate gratification.

“We’re seeing owners step in about a year prior to the build completing,” he says. “One year seems to be the sweet spot where they can really personalize the boat and achieve the closest thing to a custom build. Couple that with a platform that is proven both technically and performance-wise, built at a Northern European yard recognized for quality and innovation, and you have a winning formula.”

In the case of ARKADIA, it was the guidance, experience and knowledge of Denison yacht broker David Johnson that first alerted the owners to the opportunity. And prior to that, the trust they placed in him as their broker that helped them navigate a way through.

“I was introduced to the owner just at the time that he bought a 52-foot yacht,” explains Johnson. “Because I’ve captained and built big yachts over the course of many years, I had the necessary experience to help the owners with the type of future projects that they had in mind. So, right from the beginning of our first conversation I could answer very specific, detailed questions and they just started zeroing in.”

Over the next four years, Johnson sold them a 112-foot new build as an interim boat between the 52-foot yacht and “the next big one.”

“They wanted to learn more about everything that comes with owning a much larger yacht before moving forward. So, the 112-foot just really worked for them and they loved the interior of the one that I showed them. We flew all over the world looking at other models before they wound up buying that first one, which was anchored right behind my office here in Fort Lauderdale. That helped to seal their trust in my judgment.”

For Johnson, the benefits of working with an experienced yacht broker works both ways. For the owners, they become privy to years of valuable knowledge. For the broker, some owners continually push for more, which, in Johnson’s opinion, keeps expanding his knowledge.

“The owners of ARKADIA always test me. But by doing that they’re making me better. I already had good relationships with most of the shipyards, but the yards are more open to sharing confidential information once they are comfortable with the knowledge that the broker is highly experienced in the area of new build and working with a qualified client.”

Of course, owners are as varied as their yachts. When it came to ARKADIA, Johnson worked through multiple steps before the final purchase was agreed. “I think this couple are as knowledgeable now as I am, or any other experienced broker in the world, about everything to do with buying a yacht. It’s incredible.”

ARKADIA’s masculine exterior design by British studio Clifford Denn is described by the superyacht designer as having “the stance of a large cat ready to pounce.” Curvy, flowing forms and sharp knuckle lines take their inspiration from both classic and contemporary iconic cars. This is best represented in the automotive styling ‘fisker whiskers’ on the aft fashion plates and navigation lights that provide practical and aesthetic design solutions.

ARKADIA delivers the largest possible volume while remaining under the golden 500GT threshold. And still manages to include a tender and toy storage on the foredeck, as well as an elegant beach club with a bespoke blue-marble bar and dedicated wellness area.

The owners were delighted with the original interior by renowned studio Reymond Langton but chose to work directly with Dickie Bannenberg of British studio VISIONS Bannenberg & Rowell to make a few minor bespoke modifications, such as increasing the size of the Jacuzzi. Delivery is scheduled for April 2021, when the owners will take their Mediterranean maiden voyage in the south of France, before homeporting ARKADIA in Fort Lauderdale, ready to be managed by Denison’s in-house yacht management team.

“Heesen yachts are really resonating with American clients right now,” says Johnson. “There are so many Heesens cruising in Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach – VIDA, BOOKENDS and now SOLEMATES – so ARKADIA will be in great company when she finally completes.”

SPECIFICATIONS

Hull type: Displacement

Hull: Steel

Length over all: 163 feet 8 inches

Beam over all: 29 feet 6 inches

Draft (half load): 9 feet

Tonnage: approx. 499 GT

Maximum speed (half load): 15 knots

Range: 3,800Nm at 12 knots

Fuel capacity: 60,000 litres / 15,850 US Gallons

Fresh water: 20,000 litres / 5,300 US Gallons

Main engines: 2 x MTU 8V 4000 M63

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