Project Boreas YN 18650 has been delivered

We are delighted to announce that YN 18650 Project Boreas has been delivered on August 12, 2019, 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.

The owner appointed MCM as technical consultant and representative. MCM co-founder Nigel Ingram comments: “I already had a relationship with the owner because I had been his representative on his 54m classic sailing yacht. There were few sailors among the younger generation of his extended family, so a motor yacht made sense, not least because it’s a more comfortable platform for a large family with lots of grandchildren. One of the most important factors for the owner was being able to get the boat quickly. Heesen’s “Fast Delivery” approach gained him at least a year on the water, which was a huge plus. In fact, we defaulted quite quickly to Heesen, as the shipyard also ticks all the right boxes in terms of quality and price point. As MCM’s first project with Heesen, it was a very positive experience. We come from the sailboat side, where projects are usually full custom, so my inclination is always to get involved and approach things from the owner’s point of view. Heesen know exactly what they’re doing and I’m very happy with the way the yacht turned out. The owner was quite involved in the details. The shipyard handled it all very well and the boat is exactly how he wanted it.”

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.