Heesen is delighted to announce that YN 18650 Project Boreas has been delivered on August 12, 2019, after rigorous sea trials in the North Sea in calm sea conditions with light winds and waves up to 0.5m.

This 50m full aluminium motor yacht sports an ultra-efficient Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) hull designed by Dutch hydrodynamicists Van Oossanen and engineered by Heesen’s in-house naval architects. Project Boreas is powered by two MTU 12V 2000M72 engines rated at 1,080kW each, and will offer the full suite of benefits the FDHF hull confers, including a fast but efficient cruising speed and a high degree of comfort.

Indeed, during the sea trials Project Boreas proved to be extremely quiet while also exceeding the contractual speed. She reached a top speed of 20 knots, and showed a range higher than the requirements laid out in her specifications. Thanks to large rudders and a powerful bow thruster, she is also very responsive when manoeuvring in close quarters.

The owner appointed MCM as technical consultant and representative. MCM co-founder Nigel Ingram comments: “I already had a relationship with the owner because I had been his representative on his 54m classic sailing yacht. There were few sailors among the younger generation of his extended family, so a motor yacht made sense, not least because it’s a more comfortable platform for a large family with lots of grandchildren. One of the most important factors for the owner was being able to get the boat quickly. Heesen’s “Fast Delivery” approach gained him at least a year on the water, which was a huge plus. In fact, we defaulted quite quickly to Heesen, as the shipyard also ticks all the right boxes in terms of quality and price point. As MCM’s first project with Heesen, it was a very positive experience. We come from the sailboat side, where projects are usually full custom, so my inclination is always to get involved and approach things from the owner’s point of view. Heesen know exactly what they’re doing and I’m very happy with the way the yacht turned out. The owner was quite involved in the details. The shipyard handled it all very well and the boat is exactly how he wanted it.”

Frank Laupman of Omega Architects penned the exterior lines of this 50m yacht and he has created a contemporary profile that retains timeless cues. A gently reversed stem carries the bow to the upper deck line, creating a powerful forward profile which is balanced by elegant profile curves and tapered ends to the decks. A lack of fashion plates creates the illusion of suspended upper decks and hardtop, adding a sense of lightness to the design.

Mark Whiteley worked closely with the owner to create a warm contemporary interior design, which features bespoke loose furniture on all exterior living spaces. Among many standout details of the interior, the main staircase will certainly make a strong impression on guests when boarding the yacht. The combination of mesmerising geometry and precious materials such as a nickel mesh wall covering by French artist Sophie Mallebranche allow guests to move from the lower deck to the bridge deck in style.

YN 18650 is a brilliant illustration of how a discerning client can personalise the pre-engineered design platform of a hull already in construction, considerably shortening the delivery time while benefitting from the highest levels of Dutch quality in build and finish.

AMELS is delighted to introduce the AMELS 60, the brand new Espen Øino design in the Dutch luxury yacht builder’s Limited Editions range. The 60-metre superyacht, with Hybrid by AMELS technology, is now under construction and available for spring 2022 delivery.
- Huge Sun Deck, Swim Platform and folding Owners Suite balcony
- Generous interior volume of 830 GT, light and airy with signature large Main Deck windows
- 9-metre luxury tender stowed on foredeck

Since 2007, AMELS has built more than 40 Limited Editions yachts in its hugely successful premium semi-custom range – from 55 to 83 metres in length. Introduced in 2005, the Limited Editions approach has proven its enduring appeal to modern superyacht owners thanks to continuous innovation and commitment to the absolute top quality.

“The AMELS 60 is an exciting new take on the very best AMELS knowhow and craftsmanship that has shaped everything we have done for more than 100 years,” says Rose Damen, Managing Director of the Damen Shipyards’ Yachting division. “Just like the global fleet of Limited Editions yachts at sea today, the AMELS 60 will be a beacon of trusted reliability, quality and comfort for decades to come.”

Exterior design and naval architecture
The AMELS 60 is the builder’s second collaboration with Espen, following the 78-metre AMELS Full Custom by Espen Øino that is now under construction for delivery in 2021. With the AMELS 60, Espen and his team deliver nothing short of the stellar creativity and passion for detail that he has built his enviable reputation on.

Espen comments: “The AMELS 60 is a package that no-one else can offer at this time. It’s a very well thought-through design where we incorporate all the experience AMELS has as a builder and we as designers. I think it is truly a design that reflects the future. I can’t wait to see her being built, to experience her. She will be instantly recognisable when she hits the water in 2022.”

AMELS naval architects, in collaboration with parent company Damen Shipyards’ in-house Research Laboratory, developed the AMELS 60’s all-new hull form. The new naval architecture provides the optimum combination of full displacement comfort with fuel efficiency.

“As a naval architect and as a yacht designer I like how the AMELS 60 optimises the waterline lengths which increases the length to beam ratio,” Espen continues. “It is the right way to go. This is a very efficient hull form, which in combination with the hybrid propulsion, makes the AMELS 60 quite unique in this size and range of vessels.”

With Hybrid by AMELS technology, the AMELS 60 offers cruising up to 7 knots with electrical propulsion motors. The system works with multiple sources of energy working together seamlessly throughout a wide operating profile. The owner benefits from very low noise and vibrations, lower fuel and maintenance costs, while reducing harmful emissions.

“The AMELS 60 has a future-proof hybrid package that our clients can rely on,” Rose explains. “No full displacement superyacht of this size can match the AMELS 60’s comfort, quality and efficiency in such a cost-effective design. We developed pragmatic technology that works invisibly in the background to deliver maximum efficiency, minimum impact on our environment, with the widest operating flexibility.”

Interior design by Studio Indigo
AMELS invited the team at Studio Indigo to create a design concept for the AMELS 60 interiors. Founded in 2005 by Creative Director Mike Fisher, the London-based studio specialises in architecture, interior design and yachts. They bring over 15 years of design experience within luxury super-prime land-based projects, both in the UK and internationally.

Comprising a skilled team of 50 designers and architects, Studio Indigo brings a fresh new approach to the yachting industry and has recently captured the market’s attention with their award-winning innovation – including two World Superyacht Awards.

“We refined the GA to make the space as ergonomically efficient as possible, generating a layout that seeks to maximise the perception of space and flow,” Mike Fisher explains. “This was achieved by opening up the views and vistas between spaces to make them feel bigger, lighter and brighter. The interiors are chic and contemporary, using a rich variety of fabrics and textures throughout, allowing the guests onboard to experience different atmospheres that surprise and delight as you walk through the AMELS 60. Consistency of materials, architectural detailing and form means spaces flow easily into the next, thereby creating the illusion of endless space."