Heesen Yachts has joined the hull and superstructure of all-aluminium YN 19850 at its yard in Oss, the Netherlands. The 50-metre Project Sapphire is the second in the new semi-displacement 5000 Aluminium Class. This fast-cruising design of below 500 GT follows on from the Satori Class.

For this new class of vessel, Heesen’s in-house team of naval architects created an optimised, low-drag hull design with a reduced transom depth, and propeller tunnels to allow for a shallower shaft angle. Together, these refinements have led to efficiency gains of some twelve per cent. The yacht’s draught is just 2.15 metres. The in-house team was supported by Van Oossanen Naval Architects who carried out the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tests.

Propulsion is supplied by two MTU 16V4000M65L “green oceanic” engines, fitted with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) units to reduce NOx emissions. Particulate filters on the generators augment the environmental package, while a pair of interceptors will guarantee optimal dynamic trim at high speeds. The yacht has a top speed of 23 knots and a range of 3100 nautical miles at 11 knots.

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Integrated hull and body design

Heesen’s long-term partner Frank Laupman of Omega Architects has created the shape for the new 5000 Aluminium Class. The superstructure’s optical focus overlays the yacht’s actual centre of gravity. The visual connection of the superstructure to the hull, an element that Laupman refers to as the “integrated hull and body design”, was first seen on the iconic 65-metre Galactica Star.

Outdoor spaces have been carefully planned for maximum enjoyment of life at sea. The sun deck offers generous seating and dining areas, and a large bar and whirlpool. Beneath the raised aft sunbathing platform, a full-height, multi-purpose tender garage doubles as a luxury beach club adjoining the flush swim platform.

Also read: Video: Heesen completes biggest hull and superstructure assembly to date

Italian designer Cristiano Gatto has created a refined and elegant interior design. Twelve guests can be luxuriously accommodated in four spacious suites on the lower deck, and a master stateroom forward on the main deck.

Project Sapphire, YN 19850, is on schedule for delivery in June 2022.

Pictures by Dick Holthuis/Heesen.