6 minute read

Electra – cruising to the sound of silence

Electra

CRUISING TO THE SOUND OF SILENCE

HEESEN HAS ANNOUNCED THE SALE OF YN 19150 PROJECT ELECTRA, THE SECOND HYBRID YACHT IN THE 5000 ALUMINIUM CLASS.

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF HEESEN YACHTS.

Electra’s nearly vertical bow provides progressive buoyancy when carving through waves.

Photo courtesy of Jeff Brown/Heesen yachts.

Asleek design with a shallow draft, Electra is a highly fuel efficient yacht designed for living. The second in the award-winning 5000 FHDF hybrid class, she possesses a flowing layout that invites the outdoors in. Marrying performance with low fuel consumption, she combines the ultra-efficient Fast Displacement Hull Form with Heesen’s advanced hybrid solution. Offering both diesel mechanical and diesel electrical propulsion, either source can be used independently or simultaneously, providing greater flexibility in power management and improved performance, as well as the rare pleasure of cruising in near perfect silence with zero vibrations. Furthermore, Electra delivers unparalleled fuel efficiency thanks to her ultra-slippery FDHF hull. Devised by Dutch hydrodynamicists Van Oossanen Naval Architects the advanced hull has been seamlessly crafted by Heesen’s in-house welding team.

Award-winning design Ingenious naval architecture combined with clever engineering and meticulous attention to weight reduction make Project Electra one of the most efficient yachts in her class. In fact, sistership Home received several international accolades recognising the innovative ecofriendliness of Heesen’s hybrid solution, including the Rina Green award presented by HSH Prince Albert of Monaco. Compared to a traditional diesel engine arrangement, the hybrid power and propulsion system is quieter and more fuel-efficient. In addition, it offers the benefit of significant cost-reductions and flexible power management, due to its four different cruising modes: – Hybrid mode: up to 9 knots at noise levels of just 46dB, equivalent to soft rain! Two water-cooled DC electric shaft motors of 127kW each quietly power the yacht. The benefits are silent cruising and higher manoeuvrability in close quarters. Economic Mode: 9-12 knots with main engines on and generators off. Ideal for longer passages, the economic mode comes with few interesting perks – frugal fuel consumption (at 12 knots the yacht burns just 98l per hour) and extended generator service life. Cruising Mode: 12-15 knots. This is the traditional mode, where the diesel engines drive the yacht’s propellers and the generators provide the hotel load. Boost Mode: to achieve the max speed 16.3 knots, the generator-powered shaft motors are brought into service alongside the main engines to give an extra kick of power.

The luxury of silence Although hybrid technology is often only associated with fuel efficiency or other cost-reducing benefits, Heesen’s hybrid solution also serves its owners with enhanced frontend. Silence is by far the most important benefit that the hybrid technology offers for owners on board. When power is generated purely from its e-motor and generators instead of main engines, the yacht is almost as silent as when at anchor. Manoeuvrability is another aspect of great importance for owners, especially during harbour or marina operations. High engine torque at low revolutions per minute makes manoeuvring at low speeds and in tight spaces more precise. With an electric motor, it is possible to go from full ahead to full astern instantaneously, making the hybrid mode the perfect cruise mode for all your port operations. Fuel-efficiency is achieved when the diesel engines and >>

electrical motors are combined during cruising. Hybrid systems provide significant cost and efficiency savings. In the case of Heesen‘s solution, the most significant fuel consumption benefits are achieved when cruising in the lowest hybrid mode, allowing the yacht to run at no more than 70l per hour. This means fewer refuelling stops and more time for cruising.

Sophisticated chic

Dutch designer Frank Laupman of Omega Architects has created a highly contemporary exterior. Electra’s radical profile with a nearly vertical bow perfectly blends aesthetics with functionality. The vertical bow with spray rails is not only on-trend, it also serves a practical purpose by providing progressive buoyancy when carving through waves. The distinctive bow shape also means the crew accommodation can be set further forward. Electra’s interior has been designed by Cristiano Gatto, who has added a sophisticated touch that is fresh and vibrant. Bespoke furnishings are handcrafted with soft edges and flowing lines, creating a tranquil environment. Dark oak flooring and subtle wooden accents highlight the bright fabrics and panelling for a welcoming effect. Electra’s new owners appointed prestigious Monegasque boutique Sabrina Monte-Carlo to assist with the decoration and detailing of their yacht. A contemporary style and light colour palette has been specified for the selection of luxurious, designer loose furniture and top tier fabrics, alongside the finest linen and ‘art de la table’. The 65m 2 main saloon dining area is flooded with natural light thanks to a bank of floor-to-ceiling windows that offer unparalleled views. The use of mirrors cleverly provides a sense of space and a unique connection to the outdoors. Angular yet inviting, the twelve-person formal dining table and surrounding space present the ideal opportunity for socialising and fine dining. The seating area leads directly out to the main deck aft.

Borderless environment The sky lounge is one of the most outstanding areas on board, with floor-to-ceiling windows like a veranda overlooking the ocean. Designed for owners and guests to unwind and relax, it features a glass sliding door that leads onto the aft deck, a borderless environment between indoors and out. Located forward on the main deck, a wide corridor leads down the starboard side into the owner’s stateroom. Floor-to-ceiling windows on either side create a bright and airy space, accentuating the textured wooden panels and quality fabrics. The full beam suite provides a spacious retreat. The en-suite bathroom, equipped with a generous shower, incorporates stone, marble and glass in a monochromatic palette. The lower deck is home to five generous guest suites. Two twin and two double cabins complement the full beam VIP suite, providing ample space for privacy and relaxation. All guest suites continue the contemporary design language of the yacht. Mirrored back walls work with large windows in every cabin, emphasising space and light.

i. heesenyachts.com

Electra’s interior has been designed by Cristiano Gatto, while the new owners appointed Sabrina Monte-Carlo to assist with the decoration and detailing of their yacht. The 65m 2 main saloon dining area is flooded with natural light thanks to a bank of floor-to-ceiling windows that offer unparalleled views.

The full beam owner’s stateroom provides a spacious retreat with floorto-ceiling windows on either side.

General Hull type Twin propeller, FDHF Naval architect Van Oossanen / Heesen Yachts Exterior design Omega Architects Interior design Cristiano Gatto Design Classification ABS X A1 Commercial Yachting Service X AMS, Large Commercial Yacht Code LY3 Hull Aluminium Superstructure Aluminium

Dimensions

Length overall Beam over al Draught (half load) Displacement (half load) Tonnage

49.80m 9.10m 2.15m Approx. 320t Approx. 499GT

Accommodations

Crew Guests

Technical details

Maximum speed (half load)

Range at 12 knots Fuel capacity Fresh water

9 crew in 5 cabins 12 guests in 6 cabins

16.3 knots (diesel direct) 9 knots (diesel electric) 3,750 nautical miles 45,000l 16,000l

Propulsion details

Main engines Maximum power Electrical motors

Engine control Propellers Main generators

2x MTU 12V 2000 M61 2x 600kW 2x Visedo PDR-XSe-3200-T660 127kW @ 1,660rpm 100kW @ 3,114rpm MTU 2x Five blade fixed pitch 2x Zenoro dual speed 184ekW @ 1,800rpm 159ekW @ 1,500rpm

A contemporary style and light colour palette has been chosen for the interior.