Dutch shipyard Heesen has presented a new 49.9-metre concept called Project Grace during the Monaco Yacht Show. The interior and exterior design of the new model is by Harrison Eidsgaard and the studio's partner, Peder Eidsgaard, presented the concept by live-sketching the yacht's profile during an exclusive event.
The steel and aluminium fast displacement yacht has been designed with simplicity in mind in order to "pare down" the yacht's exterior. "We’ve spent a huge amount of time refining the image," explained Eidsgaard.
Key features of the new model include a sundeck that will be "one of the longest in this class" and signature Heesen arches which "make the wheelhouse look very powerful", according to Eidsgaard. The yacht will have a sizeable pool on the aft, as well as a clean, uncluttered foredeck with tender storage hidden below deck.
Accommodation would be for 12 guests in six cabins, with further provision for nine crew in five cabins. In terms of propulsion, Project Grace would be capable of 15.5 knots top speed with a range of 3,800 nautical miles at 12 knots.
Heesen CCO Mark Cavendish explained that the inspiration behind the concept came from a number of elements, including a Land Rovers, Beats headphones, a Mont Blanc pen and a Rolex watch.
"We chose these contemporary pinnacles of modern design to influence a modern yacht design to work today and years into the future," said Cavendish.
The shipyard and studio have previously collaborated on the 51-metre Irisha and the in-build Project Akira.
The yard also used the press conference to share details on its financial position, revealing that it has a "yearly turnover of approximately €200 million and 15 yachts under construction whose deliveries extend through 2027". These include two custom projects, the 58.5-metre Ultra G and the 57-metre Project Setteesetanta, and three 55-metre semi-custom projects.