Heesen Yachts’ Project Maia (YN 18350) – the first in the 50m Steel class designed by Clifford Denn – has been sold. The sale marks the sixth Heesen yacht sold in the past 12 months, making 2017 a record year commercially for the yard.

The client, an American serial yacht owner who spent over a year shopping for his new yacht, was introduced by Chris Collins from Ocean Independence, Fort Lauderdale. He was allegedly attracted by the bold profile of Project Maia and her world-cruising capabilities.

At 50m, the motoryacht is below 500gt and has a traditional displacement steel hull, with naval architecture and engineering by Heesen’s in-house team. Powered by twin MTU engines, she will reach a top speed of 15 knots and will have a range of 3,800 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 12 knots.

Clifford Denn intended to design a yacht with a strong character, with curvy flowing forms and sharp knuckle lines recalling iconic car designs. Details such as the ‘fisker whiskers’ grille of the aft fashion plates and the navigation lights are borrowed from classic car designs. A ‘military style’ wheelhouse with forward slanted windows and a large roof overhang gives the yacht a heavy-duty appearance.

Ten guests will be accommodated in five suites, with the owner’s stateroom set forward on the main deck. Reymond Langton has created a warm interior design with light-bleached oak contrasting with stained walnut. The contemporary and calm architecture feel has been achieved by combining simple lines with textured materials. The design is softened by the use of pale taupe leather and fabrics, with colour highlights introduced in artwork panels, decorative fabrics and furnishings.

The owner and his team are currently working with the designers and the shipyard engineers to tailor Project Maia to their taste and lifestyle and create a yacht that will take them around the world in comfort and style. It has already been revealed that the yacht will boast a unique light misty grey colour scheme.

Project Maia will be delivered to her new owners after intensive sea trials in the North Sea in June 2018.

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