Construction update: hull and superstructure joined on 50m all-aluminium, Project Sapphire, YN 19850

Heesen is delighted to announce that the hull and superstructure of YN 19850 were joined together at the shipyard in Oss on Saturday, January 16. The 50-metre Project Sapphire is the second in the new semi-displacement 5000 Aluminium Class, a fast-cruising design of below 500GT which follows on from the successful 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 12 per cent, while a draught of just 2.15 metres makes Sapphire the perfect yacht for exploring turquoise waters. The in-house team was supported by Van Oossanen Naval Architects who carried out the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tests.

Her ultra-efficient hull shape is perfectly complemented 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. With a top speed of 23 knots and a range of 3,100 nautical miles at 11 knots, Sapphire will be ideal for both island hopping and longer passages.

Heesen’s long-term partner Frank Laupman of Omega Architects has created a shape for the new 5000 Aluminium Class that is unique yet elegant and represents the culmination of a ten-year programme of design development at Heesen.

The superstructure’s optical focus overlays the yacht’s actual centre of gravity, which explains why she seems so well balanced aesthetically. 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 65m Galactica Star. This clean, rational design language is underpinned by chiselled, sharper edges on all the surfaces.

Outdoor spaces have been carefully planned for maximum enjoyment of life at sea. With its generous seating and dining areas, and a large bar and whirlpool, the expansive sun deck will prove irresistible for daytime relaxation. The bridge deck’s aft terrace will be the ideal spot for al fresco dining, followed by after-dinner conversation on the L-shaped sofas. Beneath the raised aft sunbathing platform, a full-height, multi-purpose tender garage doubles as a luxury beach club adjoining the flush swim platform, allowing guests to unwind at the water’s edge.

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.