Hull and superstructure joined on 50m Project Sapphire

Heesen has released images of the hull and superstructure of YN 19850, which were joined together at the shipyard in Oss earlier this month.

The 50m Project Sapphire is the second in the new semi-displacement 5000 Aluminium Class, a fast-cruising design of below 500GT which follows on from the Satori Class.

For this new class of vessel, Heesen’s team has created an optimised, low-drag hull design with a reduced transom depth, and propeller tunnels to allow for a shallower shaft angle. Together these refinements have led to efficiency gains of some 12 per cent, while a draught of just 2.15m makes Sapphire the perfect yacht for exploring says the company.

Her ultra-efficient hull shape is complemented by two MTU 16V4000M65L ‘green oceanic’ engines, fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) units to reduce NOx emissions. Particulate filters on the generators, says Heesen, augment the environmental package, while a pair of interceptors will guarantee optimal dynamic trim at high speeds. With a top speed of 23 knots and a range of 3,100 nautical miles at 11 knots, Sapphire will be ideal for both island hopping and longer passages.

Project Sapphire, YN 19850, is on schedule for delivery in June 2022.