The seas were pretty much flat-calm the day that Heesen Yachts sent the 131-foot (40-meter) Galatea out for sea trials earlier this month. While nearly-perfect conditions are anything but what you’d expect off the coast of Holland, it was ideal for Galatea. Why? The megayacht was able to achieve a reported 29.7 knots at top end under half load. That’s just a hair more than 2 knots above what Heesen Yachts promised in the contract.
Galatea, you may recall, is a new design borne out of the 37M series that Heesen Yachts has been offering for some time. In fact, Heesen has delivered 10 yachts in that series to date. Galatea is certainly sleeker, and more angular. The megayacht still adheres to Heesen’s long-time emphasis on well-performing yachts, however. Power comes courtesy of twin 3,800-hp MTU 16V 4000 M73Ls. Since long distances also may be in her future, Galatea should achieve a 2,200-nautical-mile range at 12 knots.
Whether on those long-range trips, or anchored in a quiet cove, Galatea emphasizes alfresco enjoyment. The flying bridge, for example, comprises nearly 915 square feet (82 square meters). The owner actually requested that the deck area be put to its maximum use. Therefore the focus of the flying bridge is relaxation space, which includes a hot tub and sunpads. The owner and guests aboard Galatea will surely put the dining area up here to good use, too. It’s nicely shaded by the hardtop. In addition, glass panels to each side provide further protection from the breeze or other elements. There’s no need to take food up from the galley, thanks to a teppanyaki grill close by. Rounding out the flying-bridge features, a second helm station is in the customary location forward for convenience.
Galatea will be delivered toward the end of this month.
Leave a Reply