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Heesen's 80m GALACTICA Begins Sea Trials
From Monday 11 April to Friday 15 April, Heesen’s 80m Galactica, formerly known as Project Cosmos, will undergo planned sea trials. The trials will be carried out by Heesen Yachts in the Netherlands, with a Dutch crew onboard to assist. With her four MTU 4000 M73 engines totalling 19,000hp, she will surely be put to the test.
Sold in March 2018, Galactica features exterior styling by British studio Winch Design while Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design was appointed to design the yacht's interiors. Highly unique in the industry, she is described by Arthur Brouwer, CEO of Heesen, as "the largest and fastest aluminium yacht in her class ever built".
Thus far, Galactica has been a daring, innovative project that stretches the imagination. The project marks Heesen's third collaboration with Sinot after working together on the developement of 55m Azamanata and 70 metre Galactica Super Nova.
James Russell, an Associate of Winch Design commented, “The brief stressed that she had to have a strong and unique signature whilst retaining the Heesen DNA that we all know and love. The emphasis was on creating a fast looking yacht that sits elegantly on the water, a feat that has been cleverly achieved through the use of sculptural, curved forms and perfectly balanced proportions.”
In terms of her interior, she can accommodate up to 12 guests across the span of six cabins, including a main deck master suite, bridge-deck VIP and four lower deck cabins. The crew quarters will also sleep up to 19 crew members.
Despite images of her rooms and furnishings having yet to be released, initial renderings were first unveiled in December 2021 depicting the use of natural materials, with lighter hues and accents of blue and darker wenge.
Other key decorative materials will include black onyx, straw marquetry and crystal panels, with custom, bespoke furniture made from glass, marble, metal and delicate woods.
One of her main highlights is set to be a certified helideck on the bow beneath which sits the tender garage with room for a Winch-designed custom limousine.
Ahead of her sea trials, Heesen released an official statement shedding light on the ongoing political situation; "Heesen Yachts adheres to all laws and regulations and, as always, works closely with customs and other government agencies in building and certifying its yachts. Neither Heesen Yachts nor any of its current customers are on any sanctions list."
"She had to have a strong and unique signature whilst retaining the Heesen DNA that we all know and love. The emphasis was on creating a fast looking yacht that sits elegantly on the water, a feat that has been cleverly achieved through the use of sculptural, curved forms and perfectly balanced proportions."
"She had to have a strong and unique signature whilst retaining the Heesen DNA that we all know and love. The emphasis was on creating a fast looking yacht that sits elegantly on the water, a feat that has been cleverly achieved through the use of sculptural, curved forms and perfectly balanced proportions."
James Russell, Associate, Winch Design