Heesen Yachts Announces Keel Laying of PROJECT GRACE
Heesen Yachts is proud to announce the keel laying of PROJECT GRACE, the first in the shipyard’s new 50m Steel Class. This major milestone was celebrated with the presence of the Lloyd’s Register surveyor and promises to be a remarkable addition to the Heesen fleet, combining innovative technology with exceptional craftsmanship.
As part of its commitment to superior quality, Heesen’s steel hulls are welded off-site to ensure no cross-contamination with its aluminium production. The shipyard continues its longstanding collaboration with Talsma, a renowned shipyard in Friesland known for its expertise in steel construction, and this partnership guarantees the high standards of Heesen's steel hulls, with rigorous quality control protocols throughout production.
For PROJECT GRACE, Heesen has partnered with British studio Harrison Eidsgaard, who is responsible for the yacht’s exterior and interior design. With a volume of 499 GT, she will feature a Fast Displacement steel hull that offers outstanding comfort across the sea no matter the conditions. Her design will also enable the owner to opt for Heesen’s hybrid solutions for intelligent power management and silent cruise capability.
Peder Eidsgaard, commenting on the design, remarked: 'The design of Heesen's 50-metre steel exudes confidence, [...] In keeping with the company DNA, it translates the fast and sporty look of the aluminium yachts into a dynamic, agile form. The profile is not radical or extravagant but refined and timeless. This is a yacht conceived to stand the test of time.'
PROJECT GRACE also features enhanced views and a seamless connection between the interior and exterior spaces. Full-height windows and the absence of fashion plates further maximise natural light and offer a beautiful transition between the outside and in. Designed for both guest comfort and crew efficiency, the layout features separate crew routing for discreet service and ample hidden storage for tenders and toys on the main deck forward.
Robert Drontmann, Sales Director at Heesen, remarked: 'The keys to a successful layout in a 499GT yacht are simplicity and versatility [...] We want to maximise lifestyle space for the guests while ensuring that the crew have optimal working space to deliver a top-notch experience. Features such as the infinity pool or the unique coffee table on the sundeck, which doubles as an atrium skylight, will be focal points that invite guests to gather together. The sundeck will be large enough to hold up to 20 guests for outdoor dining. Hospitality is a central element in yachting, and we wanted to ensure that visiting day guests can be properly entertained too.'
Heesen looks forward to bringing PROJECT GRACE to life, creating a vessel that epitomizes the perfect balance of luxury, innovation, and timeless design.
"In keeping with the company DNA, it translates the fast and sporty look of the aluminium yachts into a dynamic, agile form. The profile is not radical or extravagant but refined and timeless. This is a yacht conceived to stand the test of time."