Dutch shipyard Heesen has announced a construction milestone for Project Grace, the first unit in a "new 50-metre Steel series" first presented as a concept at the 2023 Monaco Yacht Show. Transported from Talsma to Oss, the Netherlands, the yacht for sale has now had its hull and superstructure joined and MAN (IMO Tier III) 882kW engines installed, with the latter a first for Heesen. Delivery is scheduled for 2028.
British studio Harrison Eidsgaard is the mind behind Project Grace, with studio partner Peder Eidsgaard first presenting the design by live-sketching the yacht's profile during an exclusive event. An evolution of Heesen's "sporty aesthetic", the yacht's exterior is characterised by sharp lines, low bulwarks and full-height windows, complemented by a focus on "onboard flow" and optimising crew operations.
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, with Project Grace retaining the signature Heesen arches for a "powerful" look, particularly in the wheelhouse.
Key features of the new model include a sundeck that will be "one of the longest in this class" – able to host up to 20 guests – and a unique coffee table that will double as an atrium skylight. The yacht will have a sizeable infinity pool on the aft deck, as well as a clean, uncluttered foredeck with tender storage hidden below deck.
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.
At the original presentation in Monaco, Heesen's then-CCO Mark Cavendish explained that the inspiration behind the design came from a number of elements, including a Land Rover, Beats headphones, a Mont Blanc pen and a Rolex watch.
The shipyard and studio have previously collaborated on the 51-metre Irisha and the in-build Project Akira.