Sailing-yacht enthusiasts stick to sailboats, while power enthusiasts stick to motoryachts. At least that’s the typical way things go. The buyer of Project Boreas, though, is anything but typical. He’s a seasoned sailor who’s become the newest Heesen customer.
In fact, he’s anything but typical in yet another way. He personally approached the shipyard to inquire about its work with the Fast Displacement Hull Form. Patented by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, the fuel-efficient design is already proven on a few Heesen deliveries. In fact, it promises fuel efficiencies close to 30 percent better than traditional semi-displacement motoryachts. The builder also had a 164-footer (50-meter) under construction on spec featuring the design. That happened to be Project Boreas.
As a result of the proven hull form, the megayacht should burn just 26 gph (98 lph), excluding gensets, at 12 knots. At that same speed, under MTU power, Project Boreas should see a 3,750-nautical-mile range. Max speed should be around 20 knots.
Even with Project Boreas already in build for about a year, the owner still was able to tweak some engineering aspects. Of particular note, he plans to take the helm himself sometimes. It’s among the reasons why he requested a second helm on the flying bridge. In addition, he asked that the superstructure overhangs aft be reduced. While this slightly changed the structure, it was a practical lifestyle request. It brings more sunshine and light overall inside. Speaking of light, Project Boreas will also now have opening ports in the skylounge.
The owner also, of course, is getting a personalized interior, too. With Mark Whiteley Design, he’s ensuring five guest staterooms go below decks and that five cabins accommodate nine crew. The master suite sits in the customary main-deck location. Overall, the ambiance is contemporary, with Heesen Yachts Interiors responsible for all woodwork and other custom elements.
The ambiance should make his crew feel welcome, too. The owner is having Heesen create an alfresco seating area forward of the wheelhouse just for them.
Look for Project Boreas to start cruising in summertime 2019.
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