With the hull and superstructure now joined on Heesen’s Project Sophia, BOAT takes a closer look inside the construction shed.
Project Sophia is yet another example of Heesen’s ability to build highly sought-after yachts on speculation and represents an opportunity to own a brand-new, Dutch-quality yacht with a shortened delivery time. With the semi-displacement hull and superstructure joined by skilled craftsmen at the shipyard’s facility in Oss, Project Sophia has reached a significant milestone in the build process. The 50-metre fast cruising yacht will be the fourth sistership in this class, following Aquamarine, Book Ends and the just-delivered ALP.
Bold and curvaceous
Project Sophia boasts a curvy, sporty exterior designed by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects. The downward-pointing bow not only accentuates her elongated profile but also enhances functionality by providing an excellent line of sight from the bridge and offering guests expansive views of their surroundings. The exterior is further customisable with bespoke colour options.
Italian designer Cristiano Gatto extended this curvaceous theme into the yacht’s interiors, ensuring that the fluid shapes are mirrored throughout. Circular dining tables adorn the main saloon and bridge deck aft, while a round whirlpool takes centre stage on the sundeck. Curved furniture, bars, coffee tables and artwork are placed throughout, enhancing the overall aesthetic. Notably, the skylounge, first tested on the 50-metre Rocket, features a modular design with a curved sofa, perfect for creating intimate settings for family and friends.
Through his new venture ONDE ATELIER, Gatto created bespoke loose furniture with materials specifically chosen to endure the elements. A standout feature in the main saloon’s dining area is the “china room”, an area where owners can securely store table sets for exotic dining experiences.
Style and functionality
Project Sophia is a mix of aesthetics, practicality and functionality, ensuring that every design element serves a purpose. The elevated main deck aft features expansive sunpads, a subtle design choice that allows for a full-height, multi-purpose tender garage and beach club on the lower deck. This area is equipped with a large fold-down transom and ample headroom, enhancing both usability and comfort.
The yacht will accommodate up to 12 guests across five staterooms. The master suite, located on the main deck forward, spans the full nine-metre beam, while the lower deck houses two double and two twin guest cabins, and quarters for a crew of nine.
Gatto has gone for a "modern design without being cold” that showcases “a blend of sophistication, functionality and aesthetic appeal”. To add a personal touch, the interior is available in two additional colour schemes. Guests have ample space to unwind, with the beach club providing an ideal spot to relax by the water, swim or enjoy the array of water toys on board. The main deck aft offers a tranquil area for relaxation after a day of activities, while al fresco dining can be enjoyed on the bridge deck aft or the spacious sundeck.
The sundeck itself is divided into various zones, including sofas, a bar, a dining table and a Jacuzzi surrounded by sunpads. The foredeck features a secluded spot with sofas, perfect for enjoying an intimate morning coffee, an evening cocktail or a moment of solitary reflection.
Fast and efficient
Project Sophia exemplifies Heesen's expertise in building fast, fuel-efficient aluminium yachts. The sub-500GT vessel features a hard-chine shallow draught hull designed by the shipyard’s in-house naval architects, making her both swift and economical to operate. With a draught of just 2.1 metres, achieved through a recessed propeller tunnel, Project Sophia is perfectly suited for cruising in the shallow waters of the Bahamas.
Her underwater body design enhances fuel efficiency by 12 per cent compared to traditional hulls, making her ideal for both island hopping and longer voyages. Powered by twin MTU 16V 4000 M65L engines (IMO Tier III-compliant), Project Sophia can reach a top speed of 23 knots. Additionally, she boasts a transatlantic range of 3,100 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 11 knots. For ultimate comfort, both while cruising and at anchor, Project Sophia is equipped with zero-speed stabilisers, ensuring a smooth and stable experience in all conditions.
Currently available for sale, Project Sophia is due for delivery in Q1 of 2026. For more information, contact Heesen today.
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