If you’ve been following Heesen Yachts, surely you know that it names all of its yachts that start on spec. Lately, they’ve all borne celestial names, too, like Project Orion, Project Venus, and Project Cosmos. The yacht Project Sophia marks a departure in practice, but certainly not in her engineering package.
Similar to the recently delivered yacht ALP, the 164-footer (50-meter) is entirely aluminum. Her hull and superstructure joined together on June 26. (Fascinating fact: About 20 to 40 welders had a hand in creating her hull alone. Yet another fascinating fact: Heesen requires its welders to undergo 500 hours of training by its team before receiving company certification.)

Since she’s part of the fast-cruising 50-meter series, the yacht Project Sophia bears Omega Architects’ styling. Heesen’s own engineering team have designed her to achieve a top speed of 23 knots. They anticipate that she’ll further be capable of covering 3,100 nautical miles at 11 knots. It’s plenty to cross the Atlantic, for instance, or spend the spring and summer exploring all of the Bahamas. Speaking of which, draft is seven feet (2.15 meters).
Since the megayacht is a spec project, there’s abundant opportunity to tailor her. Heesen chose Cristiano Gatto’s studio for interior design based on a longstanding good working relationship. For broad appeal, Gatto has outlined four guest staterooms below decks, with two having pullman berths. The master suite is where you might expect it, on the main deck. Overall, the decks follow traditional layouts, including a skylounge and an open-plan main saloon and formal dining area. To give the yacht Project Sophia some glam, Gatto suggests high-contrast white fabrics and dark, rich woods. Silks, marbles, leathers, and more are all available, too, to create further textural and visual interest.

Notably, Gatto has alternative décor drawings to show potential buyers the possibilities. Even with buyer-specified changes, though, Project Sophia should be ready for delivery in early 2026.
Cristiano Gatto Design cristianogattodesign.com
Heesen Yachts heesenyachts.com
Omega Architects omega-architects.com

More About the Yacht Project Sophia
LOA: 163’10” (49.98 meters)
Beam: 29’5” (9 meters)
Draft: 7’0” (2.15 meters)
Guests: 12 in 6 staterooms
Engines: 2/3,435-hp MTUs
Range: 3,100 nautical miles at 11 knots
Builder: Heesen Yachts
Stylist: Omega Architects
Naval Architect: Heesen Yachts
Interior Designer: Cristiano Gatto Design
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