ILLUSION is a 65-metre motor yacht built by the Dutch shipyard Heesen and delivered in 2013, originally launched as Galactica Star before a full refurbishment in 2019 brought her up to date under her current name. She is a genuine Fast Displacement Hull Form concept vessel, with naval architecture by Van Oossanen and Heesenu2019s own naval architects, and exterior styling by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects that clearly carries the Heesen bloodline while bringing the muscular presence of a racing car to her lines.
Inside, Bannenberg & Rowell created a stylish, fresh, modern interior that won her a string of industry awards: Best Power 65m+ at the International Superyacht Society Awards 2014, Best Yacht Design at the Asia Boating Awards 2014 and the World Superyacht Award for Best Semi-Displacement or Planing Three Deck Motor Yacht from 45m, alongside multiple further finalist placings. ILLUSION carries her engineering pedigree just as confidently, capable of a 28-knot top speed while cruising comfortably at 15 knots, with a 4,500 nautical mile range at her most efficient pace.
Outdoor space is where ILLUSION truly distinguishes herself. Her 106-square-metre sun deck, one of the largest of any 65-metre yacht, offers two distinct lounge areas, one shaded and one in full sun, a fully equipped sit-up bar and a large Jacuzzi with sun pads aft, all wrapped in tinted windscreens that let guests dine in comfort even on breezier days. A 22-square-metre fold-out swim platform and a 10-square-metre drop-down sea terrace to port bring guests even closer to the water, while a glass-bottomed pool on the main deck lets natural light shimmer through to the deck below.
The real star of the show, though, is ILLUSIONu2019s duplex beach club, spread across the main and lower decks aft. Air-conditioned and fully equipped with its own bar, the space also includes a sauna, hammam, day head and shower, giving guests a genuine spa retreat rather than simply a swim platform with extras. A well-equipped gym, deck Jacuzzi and private cinema under the stars round out the wellness and entertainment offering.
Accommodation is arranged for 12 guests across six cabins: a main-deck master suite with its own private study offers a genuinely serene retreat, complemented by a VIP stateroom and four further double cabins, all finished in the same timeless, sumptuous style that runs throughout the yacht. Aluminium hull and superstructure construction, paired with teak-laid decks, keep ILLUSION light, efficient and notably stable, particularly when paired with her zero-speed stabilisers.
ILLUSION carries an approved RYA water sports centre and a strong toy inventory including an 11.6-metre custom tender, jet skis, foil surf boards, SeaBobs, waterskis, wakeboards and paddleboards. With a highly trained crew of 15 on board, she is registered under the Yacht Engaged in Trade scheme, with Mediterranean charters required to start in the South of France, Monaco or Corsica for non-EU resident principal charterers. ILLUSION splits her year between the West Mediterranean in summer and the Caribbean in winter. Note: not available for charter to U.S. residents while in U.S. waters.
Bannenberg & Rowellu2019s interior styling and Heesenu2019s engineering earned ILLUSION multiple international design and performance awards following her delivery.
