Simon Wittenberg takes a look at Heesen Yachts’ latest superyacht; the 50-metre Project Aura set for launch in August.
Heesen Yachts, the renowned shipyard based in Oss in The Netherlands, has started 2021, the Chinese Year of the Ox, by unveiling Project Aura, a 50-metre full displacement motor yacht below 500 GT. Also known as YN 19650, German philosopher Walter Benjamin defined the ‘aura’ of a work of art as its unique presence in time and space.
Featuring a steel displacement hull designed by Heesen’s in-house naval architects and engineers, the beautiful and sleek exterior has been penned by France’s Clifford Denn Design. Stand-out features include generous outdoor spaces and a naval wheelhouse profile, while the traditional raked bow and reverse sheer deliver a striking side view. The result is a yacht characterised by Heesen Yachts’ DNA and passion for originality and flair.
Project Aura comes complete with a jacuzzi, al fresco dining and sun loungers, whilst the motor yacht’s sun deck equally offers the best of the yachting lifestyle. With tenders and toys stored on the foredeck, a luxurious beach club brings guests close to the water. Stairs on each side of the main deck lead down on to the fold-out swim platforms.
On the inside, which has been styled by British studio Reymond Langton Design, the chic Scandinavian and the sumptuous interior is defined by clean lines and surfaces. Billowing clouds of white and taupe lend an ethereal elegance, with sharply accented highlights in sea green and deep blue.
Textured materials evoke a sense of calm and simplicity. In fact, five staterooms can accommodate up to ten guests, with the owner’s suite situated on the main deck, whilst the remaining accommodation lies below.
Designed for cruising over long distances, Project Aura is powered by two MTU 8V4000 M63 engines, allowing a top speed of 15 knots, and a range of 3,800 nautical miles at her cruising speed of 13 knots.
In 2021, Heesen will be delivering a total of six superyachts (Project Aura is available this October), and even amidst a pandemic, the business has 14 vessels currently under construction, with deliveries now going into 2024. Put side by side; this equates to a total length of 315 metres and a combined volume of 3,816 gross tons, an impressive feat in an unsettled climate.
Project Aura by Heesen Yachts – Where and How?
For more information on Heesen Yachts and Project Aura, visit www.heesenyachts.com.
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