Dutch superyacht builder Heesen Yachts has launched its first 40m sportster superyacht hull YN 15640, christened Galatea.
She was launched and christened during a private ceremony at Heesen's shipyard in Oss, The Netherlands, on 17 January, 2014. The all-aluminium yacht is designed by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects who provided exterior and interior styling. Naval architecture is by Van Oossanen Naval Architects and Heesen Yachts. Galatea is a blend of high performance – reaching top speeds of 27.5 knots – and luxurious living.
Built for private use, her brief called for sun deck that put a premium on outdoor entertaining. The open flybridge layout provides 85 square metres of deck space and hosts a helm station, a shaded and glass-panel protected al fresco dining area, custom teak furnishing and built-in teppanyaki grill. The 10m-long main saloon, which features a lounge area and dining saloon, can be opened to the outdoors via full-height glazed doors.
Galatea accommodates 10 guests in a main deck owner's stateroom that stretches over the yacht's full 8m beam, and in two VIP full beam double-berth staterooms and two twin cabins on the lower deck. All staterooms boast marble en suite bathrooms. Simple, clean lines, contrasting woods, marquetry and glass detailing typify the interior motif based on the 'Dutch Expressionism' style and create a calm, contemporary and elegant atmosphere.
The sportster superyacht features a hard-chine, semi-displacement hull design. She is powered by twin MTU 16V 4000 M73L engines and has a range of 2,200 nautical miles at 12 knots. Active Interceptor System plus two Seakeeper zero-speed gyro stabilizers will ensure comfort aboard. She has a draught of 2.35m and displaces approximately 203 tons at half load.
Galatea will now be tested in the North Sea and is scheduled to be delivered to her owners at the end of March 2014.