Heesen Yachts' 49.8-metre new-build motor yacht Project Orion has been sold, with Anton Foord of Ocean Independence introducing the buyer. The hybrid vessel was constructed on speculation and delivery to her owner is expected in mid-May, according to Heesen’s CCO, Ruud van der Stroom.
Project Orion is one of four from the Dutch shipyard's fast displacement hull form aluminium series. She sports a design from Omega Architects, naval architecture from Van Oossanen Naval Architects and an interior from Cristiano Gatto Design. According to the shipyard, she has been designed with hybrid propulsion and weight control as a "top priority", all while maintaining a sub-500GT internal volume.
Read More/50m Project Orion emerges from shed ahead of deliveryAccommodation on board is for 12 guests across a versatile six-cabin layout, including an owner's suite located forward on the main deck and a full-beam VIP cabin on the lower deck. Each cabin also benefits from full marble bathrooms.
Her interiors are bathed in light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, showcasing her contemporary and somewhat monochromatic decor from Gatto. The yard highlighted that her living spaces have been furnished and finished by "skilled artisans", who used over 37 materials including high-gloss wood veneers, woven leather, and bespoke Italian marble to enhance the experience on board.
Despite details remaining sparse during her final stages of construction, the shipyard revealed that a highlight on board Project Orion is the 26-square-metre wellness area located on the lower deck. Complete with a sauna, gym and a day head with shower, the space is the perfect sanctuary for relaxing, also benefitting from direct access to the fixed swim platform.
Outside, the 77-square-metre sundeck is the star of the show, host to a whirlpool flanked by sunpads, a sit-up bar, an al fresco dining table for 10 under the hard top and a "relaxation area" aft with sun loungers.
Ocean Independence CCO, Toby Maclaurin, shared: “We are delighted to continue our close relationship with Heesen with this timely sale. Project Orion's innovative technology, interior design and Heesen build quality were big drivers towards the successful sale, together with the shipyard's can-do approach."
Project Orion is powered by twin MTU IMO III engines, providing a top speed of 16.3 knots and a range of 3,750 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 12 knots. She benefits from a shallow draft of 2.15 metres, making for easy cruising in the Bahamas and the Mediterranean.
Project Orion was asking €45,900,000.