Heesen has announced the sale of all aluminium new-build yacht Project Sapphire by Thom Conboy from Heesen USA for experienced owners. After the successful sale of their 2017 47m Heesen motor yacht of the name Book Ends (now Artisans), Bob and Amy Book have returned to the Dutch shipyard for their second Heesen yacht in four years. Project Sapphire will have the same name.



The 50m Project Sapphire is the second in the new semi-displacement 5000 Aluminium Class, a fast-cruising design of under 500GT which follows from the successful Satori Class. She has a draught of just 2.15m, which makes her the perfect yacht for exploration. The in-house team was supported by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, who carried out the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tests. 



Exterior was made by Omega Architects while the interior was penned by Cristiano Gatto. Twelve guests can be accommodated in four spacious suites on the lower deck and a master stateroom forward on the main deck.

Project Sapphire’s ultra-efficient hull shape is perfectly complemented by two 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 will guarantee an optimal dynamic trim at high speeds. With a top speed of 23 knots and a range of 3,100 nautical miles at 11 knots, Sapphire will be ideal for both island hopping and longer passages.



After visiting the shipyard in August to walk through the boat while under construction, and seeing the team who built their first Heesen, Mr Book said: “We knew we were in good hands”. Commenting on the boat itself, he added: “The technology is amazing; think of it as a 50m semi-displacement hull design with a seven-foot draft and a top speed of 23 knots. This boat is perfect for both the Bahamas and the Med. Needless to say, she is beautiful, sexy, spacious, stable and fast!”

Project Sapphire is currently under construction and will be delivered to her owners in Summer 2022.

Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminium and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.

Credits: Heesen

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