Frans Heesen 1940 - 2025

It is with deep sorrow that Heesen Yachts announces the passing of its esteemed founder, Frans Heesen. Frans passed away peacefully on April 23, 2025, aged 85 years old in his hometown of Oss, and is survived by beloved wife Petra, his children, and grandchildren.  A mechanical engineer Frans founded Heesen in 1978, when he purchased the Dutch subsidiary of US Striker boats.  With the purchase of Striker Boats, Frans sees the potential of building aluminium boats rather then the Dutch standard of steel, and will enhance the material even further and into larger sizes over the years.  Proof of this comes in 1979, a year later to the Heesen founding as its launches its first 20 meter yacht as designed by Pieter Beeldsnijder and build of aluminium.  This first build will be proof of Frans spirit of innovation and what will be the defining of Heesen’s future, which is followed again when he decides to embark on the challenge of building the ground-breaking 38 meter hull #7038 titled m/y Octopussy as commissioned by American millionaire John Staluppi, with naval architecture by Frank Mulder, and Gerhard Gilgenast and Cor D. Rover taking care of design.  Frans will take the order for Octupussy, risking the shipyard’s demise, but ultimately hull #7038 is a triumph for Heesen that will propel the Dutch name to global status among yacht connoisseurs. Octopussy will indeed be the fastest yacht above thirty meters in the eighties reaching a top speed of 53 knots during sea trials. High risks involved the building of Octupussy as Staluppi will include penalty clauses if the yacht will not reach fifty knots, $100,000 for each knot below the targeted speed, and a right of refusal if does not do 48 knots.   Frans Heesen will show his spirit of innovation again in 1996 when he will build a new record breaking yacht, as he delivers the 38 meter hull #10137, m/y Obsessions, which will be the largest sportfish yacht of the time.  Courage, exceptional ability, and visionary leadership and instinct to identify and nurture talent have been fundamental to Frans success, which has made over the years Heesen Yachts a story of growth. Frans dedicated his entire life to Heesen, fostering an environment that felt more like a family rather than a business.  Frans will sell Heesen in 2008, although he will stay in the board till 2012, guiding and solidifying the Dutch semi-custom and custom super yacht builder to solidify its success into the future.  Frans’ contributions have left an indelible mark on the yachting industry and everyone who had the honour of working with him.  Frans presence will be profoundly missed, with his spirit and vision being the backbone and the guiding force of Heesen Yachts today and into the future.