The Netherlands-based superyacht builder Heesen Yachts has announced that its recent launch, 40m sportster superyacht Galatea, has achieved speeds of 29.7 knots during sea trials in early March.
Following Galatea's launch on 17 January, 2014, at Heesen's shipyard in Oss, Holland, the performance motor yacht was moved to Hellevoetsluis for sea trials. During two sea trials taking place on 4 and 5 March, in ideal sea conditions, Galatea achieved this impressive speed of 29.7 knots, which is 2.2 knots above the contractual speed of 27.5 knots that the builder had anticipated. Her range at 12 knots is 2,200 nautical miles. The yacht is powered by twin 3,800hp MTU engines and equipped with gyro stabilisers.
An evolution of the Heesen's 37 metre class, of which 10 have been built, Galatea marks a new breed of Heesen superyacht. Frank Laupman of Omega Architects provided exterior and interior styling for the all-aluminium yacht, while naval architecture is by Van Oossanen Naval Architects and Heesen Yachts.
The first Heesen 40m sporster was built for private use, and her owner's brief called for a focus on al fresco entertaining. Her 85 sqm flybridge boasts a shaded and glass-panel protected dining space, built-in teppanyaki grill, and custom teak furnishings. Inside, the 10m-long main saloon can be opened to the outdoors via full-height glazed doors. She accommodates 10 guests, and all staterooms have en suite bathrooms.
Galatea will be delivered to her owners at the end of March 2014.