Sibelle: A Masterpiece in Motion – The 50m Custom Yacht Begins a New Chapter

We are thrilled to announce the recent sale of the 50m fully custom motor yacht Sibelle, a true masterpiece of craftsmanship delivered in 2015. Initially built for a repeat client, Sibelle reflects a highly personalised approach tailored to suit her original owner’s unique lifestyle and specific needs. This remarkable vessel has now found a new custodian—an experienced yachtsman who deeply appreciates the thoughtful balance of leisure and workspace Sibelle offers, a rare feature for yachts under 500 Gross Tonnage.

Sibelle’s stunning exterior lines and interior design resulted from the unique collaboration between Omega Architects and Architectural Bureau A-B Studio. The philosophy behind her design is best captured by the term “complex simplicity,” where contrasting bands of wraparound glass emphasise her elegant lines. Although these lines seem parallel, they are subtly adjusted to create the impression of parallelism, giving Sibelle her distinctive look.

Her aluminium hull and sleek underwater body feature the ultra-efficient FDHF (Fast Displacement Hull Form), devised by Van Oossanen and meticulously crafted by Heesen’s in-house welders. This state-of-the-art construction ensures exceptional performance and efficiency. Perry van Oossanen notes, “The modest propeller tunnel design allows for 1.5-metre diameter propellers. The hull is fitted with Quantum XT zero-speed fins and bilge keels, offering maximum roll reduction at anchor. The hull design, appendages, and propulsion arrangement are focused on optimising fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance and comfort in waves.”

Sibelle is powered by twin 1,000kW MTU 8V 4000 M63 engines, allowing her to reach a top speed of 18.5 knots. With a transatlantic range of 3,150 nautical miles at 13 knots, she is capable of long-distance voyages while burning minimal fuel, ensuring plenty in reserve upon reaching her destination.

Heesen Yachts is renowned for its legacy of quality and innovation, a tradition upheld in Sibelle’s meticulous craftsmanship and cutting-edge engineering. Every detail of her design and construction reflects an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Inside, Sibelle’s interior styling embodies simplicity as the ultimate form of luxury, offering the new owners a versatile base to express their personal creativity. The cosy, inviting spaces feature bleached teak wood and strong horizontal lines. She accommodates ten guests in five staterooms, with the owner’s suite—spanning 61 square metres—located on the main deck forward. The suite includes his-and-hers dressing rooms and en-suite bathrooms. The lower deck houses four guest cabins: two VIP suites, one twin cabin, and one double, all equipped with en-suite facilities.

Equally impressive are Sibelle’s outdoor spaces, covering over 237 square metres. The foredeck can transform into a party space when the rescue tenders are launched, while the aft lower deck boasts a 21.5 square metre beach club and wellness area, complete with a sauna, accessible from the main saloon via a spiral staircase.

Sibelle has earned numerous accolades, including Best Exterior Styling from Show Boats, Best Motor Yacht Below 500G at the World Super Yacht Awards, and Most Innovative Yacht at the Cannes World Yacht Trophies. These prestigious awards are a testament to her exceptional design and functionality.
The sale of Sibelle was handled by Ocean Independence, with Burgess introducing the buyer. The deal was completed in just three months, reflecting the immediate attraction— or coup de coeur— she inspired in her new owner. A key factor in this swift decision was Sibelle’s innovative layout, which includes a spacious office, enabling the owner to manage his business while enjoying life on board seamlessly.

Sibelle will soon undergo an extensive refit and a complete repaint to align with her new owner’s vision and desire to make the yacht their very own, ensuring her a bright future. The owner plans to introduce her to the charter market, offering others the chance to experience the luxury and functionality of this extraordinary yacht. It’s a testament to the Heesen fleet that new owners continue to recognise and appreciate the excellence embodied in our yachts, ensuring that Sibelle’s second chapter will be as glorious as the first.

We look forward to seeing how this new chapter unfolds and are proud to welcome another experienced yachtsman to our fleet.

Written by Sara Gioanola