Forbes Senior Contributor Bill Springer sat down with the passionate and charismatic owner of Book Ends, a Heesen 50m Aluminium Semi-Displacement yacht, for a candid conversation about ownership, seaworthiness, art, and the deeper meaning behind the vessel.
“Book Ends” isn’t just the name of a yacht—it’s a thread that connects places, people, and experiences. The owner shared a charming anecdote involving a Milanese friend whose father frequents a steakhouse in Viareggio called—coincidentally—Bookends. “Someone’s using your boat’s name,” his friend joked. But the name, already etched on the hull of a Heesen masterpiece, had already become part of a larger story. “I said they could do it. So the Book Ends boat brought us to the Bookends steakhouse. I love it.”
How Heesen Stood Out
For many, owning a superyacht is the dream. For this owner, shopping for one was even better. “We were at every shipyard in Italy,” he recalled. “Met every family. Had dinners with all of them.” But it was when he visited Heesen’s shipyard in Oss, Netherlands, that everything clicked. “I was incredibly impressed with their culture, their commitment to excellence, and their attention to detail.”
If you get caught in a storm—and inevitably, it’s going to happen—the boat is more seaworthy than any of the passengers.”
Owner of Book Ends
That precision and culture would ultimately guide him to build a superyacht that didn’t just look extraordinary—it had the bones and soul of a ship built to take on real sea conditions.
“If you get caught in a storm—and inevitably, it’s going to happen—the boat is more seaworthy than any of the passengers,” he said confidently. Safety is paramount. “I want my family, my crew, my friends to be safe. This is a ship. A little ship. And it’s fast. And it looks amazing. It looks sexy.”
Leadership, Legacy, and the Power of Personal Vision
The owner, who helms multiple companies, spoke about leadership, empowerment, and why success has little to do with dollar signs. “I have great people everywhere,” he said. “What I love is seeing the sparkle in their eyes when they’re building something. It’s empowering. That’s what it’s all about.”
His philosophy? “I focus on doing it right. If you do it right—and you have good financial people—the money takes care of itself.”
Every corner of the superyacht for sale tells a story. The artwork on board isn’t just decorative—it’s symbolic, spiritual, and deeply personal. One standout piece was created by a friend named Giacomo, made from custom rubber rather than fragile glass. “It has a nautical theme,” the owner explained. “And inside, there’s a parchment—a blessing for all who come aboard.”
Other pieces include artwork created by a close partner’s wife—former CPA turned artist—and coordinates pointing to the Western Wall in Jerusalem, underscoring the owner's deep personal connections to heritage and spirituality.
A sculpture on board features “1948,” commemorating the year of Israel’s independence. The same artist also designed features in the owner’s home and later brought his talents to the yacht.
A Floating Sanctuary (Kind Of)
Is Book Ends a sanctuary?
“Have you ever seen me really chill?” the owner laughed. “Newsflash—Bob Book does not chill.” His moments of peace come early in the morning during workouts. Still, the yacht offers a shift in energy. “I’m blessed,” he said. “It’s a special place.”
From the thousands of silver-leaf elements in a custom chandelier—sourced and crafted in collaboration with David Beebe in New York—to bespoke rugs and durable yet delicate-looking glass pieces from Porto Cervo, the yacht for sale is a masterclass in materials and motion. “When we’re underway, they all dance a little bit,” he said of the chandelier leaves.
The attention to design is more than just visual—it’s practical. “Everything gets put down when we’re moving. Nothing falls over.”
Book Ends is listed for sale on YachtBuyer and is currently asking €39,900,000.
Interested in buying a Heesen yacht? View all new and used Heesen 50m Aluminium Semi-displacement yachts for sale tracked in real-time by YachtBuyer MarketWatch. We scan the entire market to ensure access to all genuine listings, saving you time. Alternatively, you can view all Heesen yachts for sale.
