Heesen has made the unusual choice of gyroscopes rather than stabiliser fins for its 65m superyacht project, making the revolutionary yacht the largest ever to feature the devices.
The yacht’s Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) is a result of 20 years’ research by Dutch naval architects Van Oossanen & Associates, and its efficiency is expected to dramatically increase performance and reduce running costs.
Heesen wasn’t able to use external appendages, such as stabiliser fins, because they could affect the hull’s hydrodynamic lines and thus performance. The Seakeeper Gyros were chosen because they could be housed completely inside the hull. They will provide power-saving stabilisation while the yacht is underway, at zero speed or at anchor, and can achieve up to 80 per cent roll reduction.
The yacht will feature MTU M93L engines and offer a 4,200nm range with a cruising speed of 20 knots and a top speed of 27 knots. Delivery is scheduled for June 2013 and the project is running on schedule.
To read more about Heesen’s 65m build and its unique hull, see the March issue of Boat International magazine, which goes on sale 9 February.