Racing Car-Inspired Aurelia Is the Ultimate Mid-Size Sports Yacht

A GT car concept is probably one of the most exciting briefs ever handed to a luxury yacht designer. Aurelia perfectly embodied this concept, showing an incredibly detailed tribute to car racing. It all started with a billionaire customer who also happened to be passionate about luxury sports cars. He wanted his new toy to reflect this performance-wise and through every interior style detail. The result was a head-turning yacht that continues to make waves to this day.

In 2011, Heesen Yachts delivered the 122-foot (37 meters) Aurelia. It was the tenth hull in the shipyard's successful 37M aluminum series, custom-designed for a mysterious yet very determined owner. It was reported that Aurelia might be owned by Vitaly Kochetkov, a telecom mogul and oligarch.

His name was mentioned in relation to the 2022 scandalous seizure of the Phi superyacht during the unprecedented hunt for Russian-owned pleasure craft. However, it is notoriously difficult to determine the exact ownership of superyachts that are believed to belong to Russian oligarchs, and the same is true for Aurelia.

As its name suggests, Aurelia was designed and styled as a tribute to racing cars down to the last detail. First, the name was directly derived from the first Gran Turismo car, the Lancia Aurelia GT. Then, the unique hull color scheme was inspired by the official Gulf Oil Racing colors. The bold, contrasting number featured on its hull adds another eye-catching layer and is a reference to the tenth hull in the 37M series developed by Heesen.

This would have been enough to make the new yacht stand out anywhere it went. Still, the owner and the designers wanted to take things to the next level. For instance, the Dobroserdov Design studio used the exact decal of Aurelia for its matching tender, which also happens to be an ultra-luxurious Castoldi model.

The legendary Bannenberg & Rowell carried out the racing car theme across Aurelia's interior spaces. Each of the guest cabins reveals a unique interior décor inspired by a certain legendary car and designer: Bertone (the orange Lamborghini), Zagato (the green Aston Marin), and Pininfarina (the red Ferrari).

The designers added exquisite details such as Linley Aston Martin chairs and automobile grille bookcase insets to this. The masculine-style main salon was inspired by the design of the Dunhill cigarette lighter.

Performance-wise, the Aurelia yacht can also be considered the maritime equivalent of a luxury sports car. Twin 3,448 HP engines propel it at a top speed of 31 knots (35.6 mph/57.4 kph). Even when cruising comfortably, this beast is much faster than typical superyachts, easily reaching 16 knots (18.4 mph/29.6 kph).

Advanced gyro-stabilizers ensure optimal efficiency and a smooth ride even in challenging conditions. Equipped to cover more than 2,000 nautical miles (3,704 km), Aurelia has what it takes for memorable adventures at sea.

This Heesen yacht also stands out due to its unconventional layout. Most pleasure craft this size come with a five-cabin configuration that can welcome up to ten guests. Aurelia can only host eight guests but spoils them with lavish, spacious cabins. The sophisticated master suite sits on the main deck, while the other three cabins, all with en-suite showers, are placed on the lower deck.

This layout was also preferred because it allows more room for the crew quarters and for practical amenities, such as a separate laundry.

The stunning main salon is comprised of a generous sitting area boasting a contemporary, masculine style and an impressive area for formal dining, dominated by a large, elegant table. The sliding glass doors open up to the outdoors, turning this dining area into a wonderful indoor-outdoor space that can be enjoyed in any weather.

Aurelia offers three main exterior areas for socializing, al-fresco dining, and sunbathing. One is the aft cockpit that's partially covered, the second is in front of the wheelhouse, and the third is the generous sundeck, where guests have access to a fully-equipped bar and comfy seating.

Soon after its launch, this Heesen masterpiece became a World Superyacht Award winner, confirming its prestigious status. It went on to have a successful charter career for more than ten years. Weekly rates start at €115,000 ($127,000) in summer – not a high price to ask for a memorable experience onboard a truly one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Heesen proudly proclaims Aurelia to be the world's finest sports yacht in the mid-size category. Whether that's true or not, one thing's for sure – no other luxury yacht has taken racing car aesthetics and performance to this level. For any sports car lover out there, Aurelia will live on as one of the most inspirational yachts ever built.