Yacht Project Grace, for Barefoot Luxury, Inaugurates Heesen 50M Steel FDHF Series

In a little over two years’ time, the yacht Project Grace will be gracing the water. She’ll be capable of hosting big parties, intimate family cruises, and other memorable moments her owners—who could be you—can imagine. Heesen Yachts has chosen to start construction on spec, and therefore recently laid the keel.

The 164-footer (50-meter) introduces a new series for the shipyard, the 50m Steel FDHF. The FDHF, which means Fast Displacement Hull Form, is nothing new for Heesen, of course. In fact, this hull design figures prominently among a number of Heesens, like the recently delivered yacht Serena. It ensures better fuel economy throughout the full speed range.

the Heesen yacht Project Grace feaatures Harrison Eidsgaard design

To pique buyers’ interest, Heesen selected Harrison Eidsgaard for both styling and interior design. The studio leaned into the looks of the shipyard’s long legacy of sporty-profiled projects. “It translates the fast and sporty look of the aluminum yachts into a dynamic, agile form,” explains studio co-founder Peder Eidsgaard. There’s a blend of classic and contemporary forms, so that the yacht Project Grace doesn’t appear pigeonholed into a specific period. They’re most noticeable in the sharp, long bow, for instance, as well as the curvature of the superstructure.

Similarly, throughout the suggested interior, Harrison Eidsgaard strives for modern appeal yet the classic ideas of family time. A total of 12 people can stay aboard, whether in a traditional layout or a far more personalized one. For example, a time-honored dining area can be part of the open-plan main deck. Or, eliminate the interior dining in favor of alfresco options aft and on the upper deck. Below decks, meanwhile, a full-beam VIP can accompany four double staterooms, or a mix of twins and doubles. Naturally, your suite can sit full beam, too, forward on the main deck. The design team further takes the access needs of the captain and crew—nine people total—into consideration. It’s especially evident in the main-deck galley. Having to rely on dumbwaiters to deliver everything from below on a yacht of this size isn’t practical.

Between the full-height windows and the natural tones and textures, the interior of the yacht Project Grace speaks to the popularity of barefoot luxury. Where as yacht owners of a generation ago liked rich, dark woods for a gentleman’s club atmosphere, currently far more people like a laid-back yet still-elegant ambience. Some creative suggestions for bringing in more light come from Harrison Eidsgaard, too. A sundeck coffee table doubles as a skylight for the atrium connecting all the decks.