Duchess

'Duchess' is a striking example of Dutch yacht building at its finest, combining proven long-range cruising capability with the luxury, craftsmanship and attention to detail for which Van Der Heijden is renowned. Designed as a true explorer yacht and having successfully cruised from Europe to New Zealand on her own bottom, she offers the confidence and capability to undertake serious passagemaking while delivering exceptional comfort for extended liveaboard cruising. Fresh from a significant 2026 refit including new hull paint, the addition of a practical on-deck day head, a comprehensive soft furnishings refresh and numerous additional upgrades, 'Duchess' presents in outstanding condition and is ready for her next adventure. Her efficient displacement hull design, strong steel construction and remarkable fuel economy make her an ideal platform for exploring Australia's coastline and beyond.

Boarding via the hydraulic hi/lo swim platform, guests are immediately welcomed by the yacht's practical and thoughtfully designed aft entertaining area. The teak-laid swim platform provides effortless access to the water, whilst also simplifying tender launching and retrieval. Accessed through the transom, the lazarette houses twin freezers and provides excellent storage capacity along with easy access to various onboard systems. Steps on both the port and starboard sides lead up to the teak-laid cockpit, creating easy circulation throughout the exterior spaces.

The cockpit has been designed with both entertainment and practicality in mind. An aft bench seat surrounds a dining table, with ample room for additional loose chairs when hosting family and friends. A recently added cockpit day head offers exceptional convenience when entertaining outdoors, whilst thoughtfully integrated storage throughout supports extended cruising and liveaboard use.

Entering the saloon through large sliding glass doors, guests are immediately struck by the impressive volume created by her generous beam. The interior has been beautifully modernised and showcases a warm, contemporary atmosphere complemented by quality finishes throughout. To starboard, a substantial lounge with subtle LED under-lighting provides a comfortable space to relax and enjoy the hi/lo television, whilst additional occasional seating creates a welcoming social environment. Comfort aboard is enhanced by heated floors throughout the vessel, including all bathrooms, together with Webasto BlueCool V air-conditioning. Modern cruising conveniences have also been carefully integrated, including Starlink satellite internet with marine antenna, ensuring reliable connectivity wherever your adventures may lead.

Forward and up a few steps, the galley is positioned on the pilothouse level to port, creating a highly functional arrangement for both owner-operators and crew-assisted cruising. Well equipped for extended stays aboard, the galley features a Bosch upright refrigerator/freezer, Bosch electric cooktop, Bosch oven/microwave combination and Bosch dishwasher. Opposite to starboard, a comfortable dining area creates the perfect setting for casual breakfasts or formal dinners, complemented by a Bosch wine fridge conveniently located nearby.

The raised pilothouse serves as the operational heart of the yacht. Offering excellent visibility, this area has been designed for comfortable long-distance cruising. The helm is equipped with a comprehensive Garmin navigation suite, Quick bow and stern thrusters for effortless docking and DMS MagnusMaster Roto Swing stabilisers which significantly enhance comfort underway. Dual helm seats provide comfortable passage-making positions, whilst a Pullman berth allows an additional crew member or guest to rest close to the helm during extended voyages.

Accommodation aboard 'Duchess' is both spacious and versatile, featuring four guest cabins arranged in separate forward and aft guest zones for maximum privacy. Accessed via a stairway forward of the pilothouse, the full-beam master suite is positioned amidships and features an island king-sized bed, generous storage and a private ensuite. Forward, the VIP guest cabin offers a queen-sized bed and ensuite, creating a luxurious retreat for visiting guests. Aft, two additional guest cabins consist of a double berth cabin and an over-and-under cabin, each benefiting from its own private ensuite facilities. Supporting extended cruising, the aft lower accommodation area also incorporates a Bosch washing machine and a separate Bosch clothes dryer.

Accessed via the cockpit staircase, the expansive teak-laid flybridge provides another exceptional entertaining space. The centreline helm station is equipped with a single helm chair, allowing the skipper to remain connected with guests while underway. Comfortable settees are positioned to both port and starboard, whilst an additional alfresco dining area on the boat deck creates the perfect setting for outdoor meals with panoramic views. To starboard, an electric BBQ station enhances the flybridge's entertaining credentials. Aft, the spacious boat deck offers ample room for sun lounges and relaxation, whilst also accommodating the vessel's tender inventory, including a Seafarer SF400 4-metre centre console RIB powered by a Yamaha 40HP four-stroke outboard and a Highfield 2800 hard-bottom RIB with Yamaha 3HP outboard. Launching duties are handled with ease by a Besenzoni 400kg davit with an extending boom.

Moving forward, wide teak-laid side decks provide safe and comfortable access to the bow. Here, guests can enjoy a pair of forward-facing settees offering uninterrupted views ahead, making this one of the most enjoyable locations onboard when at anchor or underway. Ground tackle is substantial and well suited to serious cruising, featuring dual 85kg Mason stainless steel kedge anchors, dual Quick 4000 windlasses and 120 metres of 13mm galvanised chain.

The engine room is accessed via a watertight door from the aft accommodation zone and reflects the practical engineering philosophy evident throughout 'Duchess'. Power is provided by twin FTP Iveco 375HP diesel engines, delivering economical and reliable cruising performance, supported by approximately 11,800 litres of fuel capacity for an impressive range. Electrical requirements are catered for by a Whisper Power 20kW generator and a new Nanni 8kVA generator. Fresh water independence is enhanced through the inclusion of a Blue Water Express XT watermaker, further reinforcing the vessel's capability for extended cruising in remote destinations.

Combining proven ocean-going capability, robust Dutch construction, luxurious accommodation and the benefits of a just completed extensive refit, the 2018/2026 Van Der Heijden 75 Explorer 'Duchess' presents a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine explorer yacht equally suited to coastal cruising, offshore adventures and extended liveaboard enjoyment. With her timeless styling, impressive specification, remarkable efficiency and turnkey presentation, 'Duchess' is ready to continue her cruising story with discerning new owners.