[dropcap]X[/dropcap]mas is in the air! There is an incredibly intensive sales activity in the yachting sector, particularly in these two latest months. The latest commercial success regards Heesen, the shipyard has just sold Project Maia (YN 18350), the first in the 50m Steel class designed by Clifford Denn. This sale marks a record for the Dutch shipyard, because this 50-metre is the sixth yacht sold in the past 12 months and the fourth through its Fort Lauderdale office.
The client was introduced to the shipyard by Chris Collins of Ocean Independence (Fort Lauderdale): the American serial yacht owner, who spent over a year shopping for his new yacht, fell in love with the bold profile of Project Maia and her world-cruising capabilities. To see this yacht crusing, you have to wait until next June 208, when she will be delivered to her new owners after intensive sea trials in the North Sea.
Superyacht Digest featured the project in the issue of May 2017 and highlighted some details of the interiors designed by Reymond Langton:
At 50 metres, Project Maia is a true blue-water motoryacht with a traditional displacement steel hull below 500GT. Her naval architecture and engineering are by Heesen’s in-house team of experts. Powered by twin MTU 8V4000 M63 she will reach a top speed of 15 knots and will have a range of 3,800 nautical miles at the cruising speed of 12 knots.
Clifford Denn designed a yacht with a strong character, splicing Heesen DNA with innovative design elements. Project Maia’s curvy flowing forms and sharp knuckle lines recall iconic car designs. Exquisite details such as the ‘Fisker whiskers’ grille of the aft fashion plates and the navigation lights are borrowed from classic car designs. Functional ‘military style’ wheelhouse – with forward slanted windows – confers a muscular appearance to the yacht, whilst a large roof overhang offers the captain protection from the elements.
Reymond Langton have created a warm and inviting interior design with light-bleached oak contrasting with stained walnut. The contemporary and calm architecture feel is 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. Thoughtful indirect LED lighting provides a warm and inviting atmosphere while drawing the eye to key design features.
Ten guests will be accommodated in five suites, with the owner’s stateroom set forward on the main deck.
The owner and his team are working with the designers and the shipyard engineers to tailor Project Maia to their taste and lifestyle, creating a yacht that will take them around the world in comfort and style. Project Maia will boast a unique light misty gray colour scheme, which will make heads turn wherever she may cruise.
