PHOTOS: Dick Holthuis Photography
Mid-January saw the launch of Galatea, a 131-foot (40-meter) “sportster,” as Heesen Yachts puts it. Why “sportster”? Take a look at the profile of Galatea. She’s sleek like previous Heesen megayachts, but the all-aluminum Galatea is also sportier. Omega Architects gave her a family feel while letting her assert her own style.
Of course, Galatea maintains Heesen Yachts’ reputation for sporty-performing yachts, too. Heesen expects sea trials to confirm a 27½-knot top end at half load. Power comes courtesy of twin MTU 16V 4000 M73L diesels. Since long distances also may be in her future, Galatea should achieve a 2,200-nautical-mile range at 12 knots.
Befitting her profile, Galatea emphasizes alfresco enjoyment. The owner wanted to maximize usable flying-bridge space, for example. It’s nearly 915 square feet (82 square meters), from the second helm station to the hot tub and sunpads aft. The owner and guests aboard Galatea will surely put the dining area here to good use. It’s shaded by the hardtop and protected to each side by the glass you see in her profile. There’s no need to take food up from the galley, thanks to a teppanyaki grill close by.
Galatea offers main-deck dining inside, too (above), to be made more enjoyable with the aft-deck doors kept open. Omega Architects handled interior design as well, employing various woods, inlays, and glasswork. Imagine the heightened sense of space when the aft doors are open: The saloon is 33 feet (10 meters) long, and beam is 26 feet (8 meters). On a related side note, Galatea does thankfully offer walk-around decks, for crew efficiency.
Come the end of March, Galatea will head off on her owner’s inaugural cruise. He’ll be able to accommodate eight guests in two VIPs and two twin staterooms below decks.
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