Photos of the technical launch; Photos: Dick Holthuis

Heesen has launched the 80m Project Cosmos (YN 19480) at its shipyard in Oss, where she will remain for commissioning before undergoing sea trials in the North Sea from February 2022. Named Galactica, the six-stateroom superyacht will be delivered to her owners in April.

With a length of 262ft and an interior volume of 1,700GT, she is Heesen’s biggest build to date and the biggest all-aluminium yacht ever built. An iteration of the Fast Displacement Hull Form by Van Oossanen, the lightweight, low-drag hull design has been honed by Heesen’s naval architects and contributes to an expected top speed of 29 knots.

Power comes from traditional diesel propulsion – four engines, two gearboxes, variable-pitch propellers and ultra-innovative Promas rudders. Ensuring sufficient longitudinal strength was one of the biggest technological challenges facing Heesen’s engineering team, who designed and patented the Backbone – an intricate, full-length structural reinforcement system.

Arthur Brouwer, CEO of Heesen, said: “We are celebrating the launch of a unique yacht. Unique not only for our shipyard, as she is the largest we have ever taken on and represents the pinnacle of our achievements to date, Cosmos is also unique in the industry – the largest and fastest aluminium yacht in her class ever built.”

Winch Design drew the elegant exterior, with an emphasis on clean lines, a sporty silhouette and the extensive use of glass.

Jim Dixon, Director of Yachts and Aviation at the British design house, said: “The Winch vision for Cosmos was to retain Heesen’s sporty DNA but blend it with an innovative, futuristic spin. Curved glass forms smooth, sculpted shapes, creating a feeling of slick, contemporary charm.”

Project Cosmos by Winch Design: Renders: Heesen Yachts

Sinot Yacht Design and Architecture was responsible for the light interior design. While the overall palette is neutral, splashes of a range of blue hues are infused into the design throughout.

Standout areas include the beach club, with its side and stern platforms, while a sunken, walk-around, backlit onyx bar with centrally positioned seating is the focal point of this airy space close to the water. The aft main deck features a 7m glass-bottom pool with contra-jets and waterfall.

The foredeck can be a fully rated helicopter landing pad for a Eurocopter EC135 or an outdoor cinema, while a crystal elevator links the lower deck to the sun deck.
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