Eight days before Christmas, YN19650 at Heesen, also known as Project Aura, slipped into the water. The launch was the fifth for the Dutch shipyard for the year.
The 164-footer (50-meter) started on spec at the beginning of 2021. Her owners, from the United States, acquired the yacht in September. They had already visited a handful of Heesens when they decided that this particular project suited their desires. Notably, they appreciated Clifford Denn’s exterior styling, which in the designer’s typical fashion introduces elements from classic cars. Of course, even with that, Project Aura has familial resemblance to other members of the Heesen fleet. Note, for example, that this 50M Steel series yacht has toy stowage on the foredeck, thereby allowing for a big beach club. She further has a large sundeck.
Inside, because Project Aura began as a spec megayacht, “the shipyard gave us carte blanche to do whatever we wanted, provided it was going to be elegant and marketable,” explains Pascale Reymond of Reymond Langton Design. The studio therefore strove for a relaxing contemporary ambience, “very soft yet very Scandinavian,” Reymond continues. Simultaneously, Project Aura shows off fine detailing, to avoid being minimalistic.
With the owners, Reymond Langton Design is using Tanganyika and walnut woods as the backdrop to white and taupe tones. Punches of color appear, too, primarily sea green and deep blue. All of this appears in the five staterooms, including the main-deck master suite, as well as lounges.
Capt. Billy Lockhart, the owners’ representative, says it’s been exciting for him and the crew to watch Project Aura get to this point. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of this journey with the Heesen shipyard and its incredible people,” he adds. “We look forward to the boat’s completion and the voyages and experiences we have in store together.”
Delivery should occur at the end of April. Project Aura should see a 3,800-nautical-mile range when cruising at 13 knots. Her twin MTU engines should allow a maximum speed of 15 knots as well.
Clifford Denn Design clifforddenn.com
Heesen Yachts heesenyachts.com
Reymond Langton Design reymondlangtondesign.com
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