Heesen delivers YN 18650 Project Boreas!

Heesen delighted to announce that YN 18650 Project Boreas has been delivered after rigorous sea trials in the North Sea in calm sea conditions with light winds and waves up to 0.5m.

This 50m full aluminium motor yacht sports an ultra-efficient Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) hull designed by Dutch hydrodynamicists Van Oossanen and engineered by Heesen’s in-house naval architects. Project Boreas is powered by two MTU 12V 2000M72 engines rated at 1,080kW each and will offer the full suite of benefits the FDHF hull confers, including a fast but efficient cruising speed and a high degree of comfort.

Indeed, during the sea trials Project Boreas proved to be extremely quiet while also exceeding the contractual speed. She reached a top speed of 20 knots and showed a range higher than the requirements laid out in her specifications. Thanks to large rudders and a powerful bow thruster, she is also very responsive when manoeuvring in close quarters.

Frank Laupman of Omega Architects penned the exterior lines of this 50m yacht and he has created a contemporary profile that retains timeless cues. A gently reversed stem carries the bow to the upper deck line, creating a powerful forward profile which is balanced by elegant profile curves and tapered ends to the decks. A lack of fashion plates creates the illusion of suspended upper decks and hardtop, adding a sense of lightness to the design.

Mark Whiteley worked closely with the owner to create a warm contemporary interior design, which features bespoke loose furniture on all exterior living spaces. Among many standout details of the interior, the main staircase will certainly make a strong impression on guests when boarding the yacht. The combination of mesmerising geometry and precious materials such as a nickel mesh wall covering by French artist Sophie Mallebranche allow guests to move from the lower deck to the bridge deck in style.

YN 18650 is a brilliant illustration of how a discerning client can personalise the pre-engineered design platform of a hull already in construction, considerably shortening the delivery time while benefitting from the highest levels of Dutch quality in build and finish.