WATCH: Heesen's 50m Superyacht Project Sophia Exceeds Contractual Speed During Sea Trials

Performance validated during North Sea trials

Sea trials represent one of the final and most important stages of any new build programme, providing an opportunity to assess speed, handling and overall operational performance in real-world conditions. According to Heesen, Project Sophia exceeded her contractual speed of 23 knots during testing while also demonstrating the stability and efficiency expected from her refined hard-chine hull design. Powered by twin MTU 16V 4000 M65L engines producing a combined 6,092hp, the yacht has been developed to offer both high-speed capability and practical cruising credentials, with a reported range of 3,100 nautical miles at 11 knots.

Built entirely from aluminium, the superyacht continues Heesen's long-standing focus on lightweight construction and performance-oriented engineering. The yacht's semi-displacement hull incorporates recessed propeller tunnels and an optimised hard-chine form designed to reduce resistance and improve efficiency. Heesen states that the hull delivers a 12% efficiency gain compared with more traditional designs, helping to balance speed, range and onboard comfort. In addition to the yacht's shallow draft, the platform has been developed with cruising grounds such as the Bahamas in mind, where access to shallower waters can be a significant advantage.

Omega Architects has given the motor yacht a sleek profile characterised by long horizontal glazing, clean lines and a low-slung silhouette. The design prioritises outdoor living, with the main deck aft arranged as a raised terrace featuring a shallow pool and floating loungers overlooking the water. Above, the bridge deck provides an additional entertaining space directly connected to the skylounge through large sliding doors, while the sundeck offers flexible seating protected by a sliding windbreaker. At sea level, the beach club opens onto a fold-down swim platform and incorporates dedicated storage for water toys and bicycles, reinforcing the yacht's active cruising brief.

Project Sophia's living spaces have been designed to complement the boat's contemporary exterior styling. Large expanses of glazing throughout the superstructure are intended to flood the main saloon and skylounge with natural light, creating a strong connection to the surrounding environment. The bridge deck saloon serves as a key social hub, while the yacht's generous 9-metre beam provides the volume expected of a 499GT platform. Together, the interior spaces have been conceived to balance relaxed family cruising with the flexibility required for entertaining guests on board.

Accommodation is arranged for up to 12 guests across five staterooms. The owner's suite occupies a full-beam position forward on the main deck, providing privacy and uninterrupted views, while four guest cabins are located on the lower deck. These comprise two doubles and two twins fitted with Pullman berths, allowing the lower deck arrangement to accommodate up to ten guests. Separate crew quarters provide accommodation for nine crew members, supporting both guest service and operational requirements during extended voyages.

Project Sophia's sea-trial success comes as Heesen continues to develop its wider new-build portfolio. According to YachtBuyer MarketWatch, the largest yacht database in the world, the Dutch shipyard is also progressing Project Grace, a Heesen 50m Steel FDHF motor yacht due to launch in 2028, with exterior and interior design by Harrison Eidsgaard. Featuring a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, the project highlights Heesen's ongoing activity across both aluminium and steel platforms.