In the world of luxury yachting where every amenity and comfort one could possibly need and desire is but a ring of a bell away, many would argue that absolute silence is the pinnacle of luxury on the high seas. Surrounded by heavy-duty machinery in what can quickly turn into an unforgiving environment, noise disturbance is a sure way to detract from your exclusive experience at sea. With its new 50-metre superyacht Home (built as Project Nova), Heesen Yachts made sure that this will never be the case on board one of their quietest yachts to date.
Fitted with an innovative hybrid propulsion package and based on Van Oossanen Naval Architects’ reliable and efficient Fast Displacement Hull Form, Home is the result of intense studies by Heesen that focused not only on the feasibility of such a setup in the yachting world, but also how clients would eventually want to use the benefits associated with this new-age type of power.
For a number of reasons, full electric cruising is the ideal scenario on any yacht but this requires a lot of batteries and given today’s technological limitations only results in basic manoeuvring and short cruises before having to switch back to conventional power. Heesen, therefore, decided to focus more on creating a noise-free environment by using diesel and electric power in tandem for a more reliable and extended use of hybrid power’s benefits. Sound levels in the master suite forward on the main deck read forty-six decibels; equivalent to the sound generated by soft falling rain.
Home was sold to her owner less than a year from launch and at the time was already well and truly taking on the shape that Omega Architects intended. A strong and defined profile with several graceful touches, Home is quintessentially Heesen. With a strong focus on glass surfaces on each deck, this element is nowhere more visible than on the flanks of the master suite towards the bow. Glass strips seem to separate the three decks from each other in a floating effect with this dramatic influence ending in a powerful straight bow up forward.
Home’s silhouette lines lead the eye to the sundeck where a relaxing escape is tucked away under the curvy T-top. An elegant and chic base during the day turns into a romantic hideout at night when the mood lighting takes over and reveals a bright and open space that is as suited for intimate family evenings under the stars as for grand events to entertain large groups of friends.
What has become a novelty on yachts in the 50-metre size range is a fixed open swim platform. Heesen has mastered the concept with an impressive grand central staircase leading down to the water-level deck, adding to the flowing feel one experiences throughout the entire yacht. Guests can easily connect to the main deck aft and beach days are no longer an activity only those at water level can enjoy.
In an era that is characterised by fold-out balconies on every deck in an attempt to maximise deck space and create a lighter environment inside, Heesen has ditched this approach and instead created the same effect through the use of stretched, full height side windows in key areas of the interior. In fact, Home features 33% more external glass surfaces than any 50-metre Heesen displacement yacht before her. As the welcome area of the yacht, the main saloon is a good example of this design style which, together with minimal obstruction by the bulwarks, creates a near borderless view from almost any angle, be it the dining area or the comfortable lounge.
The interior’s pièce de résistance, however, has got to be the master suite forward on the main deck. This exceptionally bright space is the ultimate spot to wake up in and start the day, with a view like no other area inside the yacht can offer. Well hidden from other guest spaces and technical areas, the master suite is not only the most tranquil suite but by far the largest with a luxurious en-suite bathroom and private study area in the welcome corridor to starboard.
On the upper deck is the sky lounge. Unlike your conventional home-entertainment retreat, Home’s upper saloon is more beach club than anything else. Synthetic teak gives the feeling of being outside while a bar area and the abundance of natural light might just make you believe that you are actually chilling on the swim platform.
On a more technical note, Home’s hybrid credentials are not all talk and no show with an impressive speed of 9 knots which can be achieved on generator power alone through twin 127kW electric shaft motors. This mode only consumes 45 litres per hour and comes with a state of silence throughout the yacht that can only be described as priceless. If in a hurry, Home is capable of running at 15.7 knots through the use of her efficient diesel engines which also act as generators by providing the hotel systems with power.
Running photos by Jeff Brown / Breed Media
Interior photos by David Churchill