Heesen Debuts Project Aura at FLIBS 2022

Dutch shipyard Heesen has released the first images of its third 50 metre steel displacement yacht Project Aura following her debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. 

Captain Billy Lockhart, the owner’s representative and the build captain of Project Aura took delivery on May 17th and embarked on a 2,000 nautical-mile shakedown cruise from Rotterdam to Algeria via Gibraltar. Her speed ranged between 10 and 13 knots in seas that were sometimes quite rough and, as such, this was an impressive achievement…but not a fluke!

Captain Billy and his crew tackled this voyage with confidence because they knew what the previous boats in the series had already accomplished. Project Aura is the third in Heesen’s 50-metre steel series, which has a proven track record. This was confirmed and reinforced by her sturdiness during the sea trials in the North Sea and via her consistent level of cruising comfort during the entire summer in the Mediterranean. 

All of this reinforces what Heesen presented at its press conference in Monaco: its redefined portfolio offering which has three pillars – Series, Smart Custom and Full Custom.

As the yacht market is saturated with many different offers, Heesen wants to be clear about what it offers. And, within its commercial proposition, it also puts forward a wide spectrum of choices, including steel, aluminum, displacement, semi-displacement, and FDHF. To be successful in a crowded and competitive market, clarity is of the essence. Re-categorising its commercial offer gives the brand the opportunity to show that Heesen is a one-stop shop.

Series 

Heesen pioneered the commercial and production principles of on-spec superyacht building. Now, it dominates the market in this sector. It can afford to do this because it is a very solid company with a significant financial position.

Construction on series yachts starts on speculation. Its five series models utilise proven naval architecture and engineering for reduced delivery times along with cost savings in design and development. Even if these yachts are based on existing hull designs and propulsion engineering, clients are free to personalize the interior to a certain extent. 

Smart Custom 

Smart Custom also offers major savings in time and money since the construction of the hull can begin while the design of the superstructure is still underway. The hulls that form the basis of the Smart Custom projects can be chosen from either the Series yachts or from previously completed Full Custom designs. This smart blend of proven performance and bespoke personalisation comes with Heesen’s usual excellent value for money.

Full Custom

The Full Custom projects begin with a blank sheet or from one of our concept designs. Take inspiration from its fleet portfolio or begin afresh. Fully customised, 360-degree design and engineering offer the guarantee of your own unique Heesen yacht. The only limit is your own imagination and the yacht’s maximum length, draft, and height. 

Heesen has also announced that it is working on a brand new 50-metre full displacement which will launch by the end of the year. At 50 metres and below 500 GT, this new series will sport a Fast Displacement steel hull with great seaworthiness for optimal comfort in all sea conditions. Like all Heesen yachts, it will also be available with Heesen hybrid solutions to deliver a silent cruise.

The layout will feature an outdoor-indoor connection. There will be plenty of natural light via sliding windows in the main saloon, allowing fresh air in the room. From a functional point of view, the layout will offer separate crew routing for discreet and efficient service.

With tender and toys conveniently stored on the main deck forward, guests can enjoy a split aft deck terrace overlooking an infinity pool and a large fixed-swim platform.

Twelve guests will be accommodated in six staterooms, with the master on the main deck forward. This full-beam cabin will also offer the luxury of fresh air thanks to a French balcony on the starboard side.