The 50-metre yacht Project Sapphire is on track for her June 2022 completion date. Heesen, the builder’s behind the new yacht, say the superstructure and her all-aluminium hull are now joined. 
Photo: HeesenThe in-house team was supported by Van Oossanen Naval Architects who carried out the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tests. She also features an exterior design by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects who created a shape for the new 5000 Aluminium Class that represents the culmination of a ten-year programme of design development at Heesen.
Photo: HeesenFor a functional exterior, 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. The builders say this feature of the new hull should result in efficiency gains of up to 12%.
Photo: HeesenItalian designer Cristiano Gatto was behind the interior design, with the brief to produce aesthetics that are refined and elegant. Twelve guests can be accommodated in four suites on the yacht’s lower deck, and a master stateroom is located forward on the main deck. Standout features include her sundeck, home to dining areas, a bar and Jacuzzi. Another notable area is underneath the raised aft sunbathing platform, where a multi-purpose tender garage sits, doubling as a beach club. 
Photo: HeesenShe is powered by twin 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 give optimal dynamic trim at high speeds. Sapphire will have a top speed of 23 knots and a range of 3,100 nautical miles at 11 knots.
Photo: Heesen