The countdown has begun until the highest sealed bidder is granted ownership of the 65-metre superyacht Galactica Star. The exciting sale process commenced on 4 April 2019 and will run for 45 days with the bidding to close 19 May 2019. The MRP has been set at $42,000,000. 
Photo: Jim RaycroftThe sale follows a court-ordered seizure of her owner's assets, including Galactica Star, by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Fraser will be managing the sealed bid auction with sales broker Josh Gulbranson, who commented: “The bid process we have developed for Galactica Star is an excellent solution for a rapid sale. There are features built into the process that mimics a traditional sale and gives bidders confidence. We are currently receiving interest from around the globe and expect a very positive outcome.”
As the first superyacht to feature the Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) developed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, Galactica Star has innovatively constructed decks, bulkheads and superstructure plating. Her aluminium plates were welded together using a ‘friction-stir’ technique - a technique developed by NASA to avoid adding welding material and to create less heat during the process. The result is a much fairer and smoother construction, which even after nearly seven years in service, is still a striking feature of Galactica Star.
Photo: Jeff BrownThe experienced team at Heesen Yachts completed construction in 2013 and launched a new breed of superyacht that has 30% more hull efficiency than a round-bilge motor yacht. Now, the future new owners of Galactica Star will be able to benefit from low running costs and environmental footprint, which is predominantly due to a low wave profile created by this specific hull form. Not only does this advanced design improve sea-keeping and manoeuvrability, but also requires 20% less fuel.
Omega Architects were also involved as exterior designers and helped form a sleek and timeless exterior for this four-deck superyacht. Her expansive deck space covers over 267-square-metres on her upper three decks alone. Omega Architects have designed the foredeck to be used as a helipad and sun terrace with a casual dining area and optional shade awnings. Gull-wing doors open on the bow hull sides to reveal a full-beam tender garage. 
All those on board can take advantage of the plethora of multi-use outdoor spaces - such as the beach club that leads into the 77-square-metre air-conditioned lounge with two drop-down balcony doors, comfortable sofas, fully-stocked bar, sauna and large plasma screen. The beach club doesn’t stop there - on the main-deck level, guests can stand in awe of the four skylights and access to the infinity view glass bottom 3.5-square-metre Jacuzzi.
The bridge deck level offers a special dining terrace, where guests can gather for fine al-fresco dining or cocktails during sunset. The nearby sky lounge can also be a place of relaxation or celebration as the selection of seating, sky lounge bar and Kaleidescape cinema system all fit the scene. Galactica Star and her 12 guests will find that time spent on board can be just as intimate, spacious or entertaining as they choose.
With a full-beam owner’s suite on the main deck, four double cabins on the lower deck and a VIP cabin on the bridge deck with a private lounge area, all those on board can retreat to one of the six staterooms expertly designed by Bannenberg and Rowell. Those in the owner’s suite will see how the design orientates around providing spectacular views and filling the space with natural light. With custom sideboards made from ebony panels, the use of materials such as mohair, cashmere, silk and shagreen, smoked oak and scrubbed wengé seen throughout the 72-square-metre suite highlight the investments made into creating a high-quality luxurious interior. On the starboard side, through a floor to ceiling glass door is a private balcony. The en-suite bathroom is almost entirely built of heavyweight stone and includes custom-made Lexington marble basins set into silver travertine vanity units. The guest staterooms also have accompanying bathrooms adorned in a similar fashion.
Moving through the superyacht, the grand staircase is an artistic feature that connects all four decks and captures the guest’s attention. Another asset to the superyacht’s design is the consideration made to enhance the interaction between guests and crew. The main-deck galley, for example, mimics that of a top restaurant with a chef’s table and a close-up seating area for three guests. Guests can dine and be served by the crew on any deck at any time of the day. The crew can also transform 10 different spaces on board to suit the mood, whether that be for a casual snack in the beach club to a candle-lit dinner on the upper deck - the possibilities are endless.
Photo: Jim Raycroft
Extra care was taken to ensure that all guests remain comfortable with the installation of Zero Speed stabilizers. Keeping safety in mind, she is built to ABS and LY2 Classifications with her ABS five-year special survey renewal just completed. She has a range of 4,000 nautical miles when travelling at 14 knots, however, she can be powered up to a top speed of 28 knots thanks to her twin MTU 5,592 hp engines.
No expense has been spared in the creation of this affluent superyacht. As one that has sparked new trends in both construction and craftsmanship, Galactica Star is a superb asset to both her future owner and the global superyacht fleet. 
For further details about Galactica Star and the bidding process which will close on 19 May, use the details below to get in touch directly with Fraser and broker Josh Gulbranson.