Dutch shipyard Heesen has announced the keel laying of Project Grace, the first unit in a "new 50-metre series" which was first presented as a concept at the 2023 Monaco Yacht Show. The yacht is for sale with delivery scheduled for Q1 of 2027.
The interior and exterior design of the new model is by Harrison Eidsgaard and the studio's partner, Peder Eidsgaard, first presented the design by live-sketching the yacht's profile during an exclusive event.
The steel hull will be welded off-site at Talsma's shipyard in Friesland, the Netherlands to avoid cross-contamination with Heesen's aluminium production. Once complete, the hull of Project Grace will then be transported to Heesen's facility in Oss.
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 which will double as an atrium skylight. The yacht will have a sizeable infinity 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.
At the original presentation in Monaco, Heesen then-CCO Mark Cavendish explained that the inspiration behind the design came from a number of elements, including a Land Rovers, 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.