The world of superyachts is now trying to produce more "ecological" and economical thanks to more environmentally friendly propulsions. Heesen Yacht Shipyard has just launched its first fast displacement yacht with hybrid propulsion. Known as Project Nova, it is now called Home.
The Motoryacht Home is the first fast displacement superyacht from Heesen Yacht Shipyard to be equipped with a hybrid drive. This 49.80 m long yacht is presented by the shipyard as ultra-efficient, with low fuel consumption, but above all as one of the quietest for a silent cruise.
Thanks to its two electric motors (127 kW each) cooled by on-board water circulation, Home will sail at a speed of 9 knots using only the generators. This mode will allow the crew to leave the port without waking the owners and guests.
There are two power sources for propulsion: diesel or electric. They can be used independently or simultaneously, offering less noise and vibration, more flexible power management and increased efficiency.
With a range of 3750 nautical miles, Home has a cruising speed of 12 knots and a top speed of 16.3 knots. This is quite a speed considering its engines - two MTU 12V, 600 kW each - relatively small for a yacht of this size. Once again, the yard worked on a fast displacement hull shape designed by Van Oossanen, and adapted by Heesen's in-house naval architects.
The different modes of propulsion
- Quiet Cruising Fashion Electronic propulsion only with two electric motors and main generator. At a cruising speed of 9 knots, the yacht is as quiet as if at anchor and powered only by two electric generators.
- Economic Cruising Mode : Diesel propulsion only and main generators off. Two diesel engines, both electric motors for the management systems and the stabilizer. It reaches a speed of 14 knots with diesel propulsion only.
- Diesel Cruising Mode 2 diesel engines only and the main generators power the systems and the stabilizer. Speed: 16 knots.
- Boost mode : Diesel and electronic propulsion: 2 diesel engines and 2 electric motors
A radical and very modern design
The Motoryacht Home is a 50 m aluminium superyacht with a gross tonnage of less than 500 GT and a radical exterior design by Omega Architects. Thanks to its reduced draft of 2.15 m, it can navigate in shallow water. Its very contemporary design features a vertical bow, an impressive superstructure, a central staircase to access the very large bathing platform from the cockpit, and the use of an abundance of glass.
The owner, a yacht enthusiast, entrusted the design of the interior style to the design studio Cristiano Gatto Design. The Italian designer and his team have developed a sophisticated linear design based on a two-tone palette that gives a feeling of relaxation and brightness throughout the interior. The fabrics, leathers and lacquered surfaces are in polar white contrasting with the warmth of the wood. Furniture and accessories in dark red and burgundy draw the eye to the almost minimalist design.
The furniture has been chosen with taste and highlights iconic pieces such as the Paola Lenti outdoor furniture found on the decks or in the skylounge. There is also a superb contemporary stainless steel chaise longue in the main lounge designed by Franco Poli. The tables and bars are specially designed by Cristiano Gatto and made by the shipyard's carpentry team.
The owner's apartment is located forward of the main deck, and includes a private office, a superb bathroom with shower cubicle and a bedroom that runs the full width of the deck fully glazed from floor to ceiling for a feeling of outdoor living. Guests have five luxurious cabins on the lower deck: two doubles, two twin cabins and a VIP suite.
The wellness area - with gym and spa - is located aft of the lower deck, next to the engine room and has direct and convenient access to the aft of the main deck via an internal staircase.
One of the most remarkable areas, according to the building site, is the skylounge, which is entirely glazed from floor to ceiling and forms a sort of veranda overlooking the ocean. To homogenize the interior and exterior, designer Cristiano Gatto has brought the exterior teak, inside for a flush deck, between the saloon and the aft dining room.
Home will remain in the port of Oss to complete the equipment and then go to Rotterdam for a series of sea trials before its official delivery to its owners in June 2017.
