First Heesen 50 Steel Omaha delivered

Dutch yard Heesen Yachts has delivered its 49.4 metre yacht Omaha following successful sea trials in the North Sea.

Previously known as Project Maia, Omaha reached a top speed of 16 knots during her “intensive” sea trials which took place in favourable conditions.

The yard also reported that the 499GT steel and aluminium yacht was “extremely manoeuvrable” and credited this to her large rudders and power steering unit.

The yacht will now leave the Dutch yard and embark on her maiden voyage in the Mediterranean.

Initially built on speculation and sold in December 2017 by Heesen USA and Ocean Independence, this yacht features exterior design by Clifford Denn and an interior décor of light bleached oak and stained walnut by Reymond Langton Design.

The two studios previously collaborated on the yard’s 2015 launch Ann G, and Omaha shares a couple of her key features, such as the foredeck tender locker. Meanwhile, the flowing lines, aft fashion plates and navigation lights were inspired by classic cars.

Accommodation is for up to ten guests spread across five lavish staterooms, including a main deck master cabin and four lower deck guest cabins. Key details include inboard mirrors to reflect the light flooding in through the windows, as well as subtle recessed lighting and integrated artwork panels.

Jason Macaree from Reymond Langton explained, “We were aiming for a liveable and homely feel with an emphasis on light. We are confident that this will be a very special yacht.”

“We tried to keep a similar DNA to Ann G,” Denn added. “The superstructure design is inspired by hammerhead sharks and the raised bulwarks will hide the tenders from view, creating a clean profile.’

Moving the tenders to the bow means more space in the transom for a luxurious superyacht beach club, complete with bar and sauna. Heesen added that the 68 square metre sundeck has been fitted with a superyacht spa pool and a cocktail bar.

Power comes from a pair of 1,341hp MTU 8V4000 M63 diesel engines for a top speed of 15 knots and a transatlantic cruising range of 3,800 nautical miles at 12 knots.

Omaha is the first yacht in the new Heesen 50 Steel collection, replacing the outgoing 47 Steel, which spawned 13 hulls in total.

Omaha’s sister ship Project Triton is currently under construction at the shipyard and is set for a February 2020 delivery.

Click here to read the full article (Boat International)