Heesen Yachts has delivered a new superyacht that uses an underwater foil to boost power and help save fuel consumption.

The 44.2-m long Alive was the first vessel from the Dutch builder to use the patented Hull Vane technology, and was handed over following successful sea trials.

“Heesen Yachts is delighted to announce that the sea trials of YN 17042 – named Alive – were successfully completed in open waters in a slight sea state (0.70 m waves) with 3-4 SW winds,” a spokesman for the builder said.

During the trials the twin-propeller motoryacht reached a remarkable maximum speed of 16.4 knots, exceeding the contractual speed by 0.5 knots!

The underwater foil (technically called the Hull Vane) harnesses waves to produce power; and this combined with the fast displacement hull and conventional diesel engines produce remarkable results.

Alive is 35 per cent more efficient than any other yacht of her size and 35 per cent less power is needed to produce almost 16 knots top speed in flat sea conditions.

In seas with 1-2 m waves, rather than hindering her performance, the yacht’s Hull Vane technology converts the movement and generates 20 per cent more thrust while reducing pitching by 40 per cent and improving comfort on board. So like an aircraft, as the yacht moves through water, the wing produces lift.

The sea trials also confirmed the contractual fuel consumption predictions were met.

With an exceptional range of 4,000 nautical miles, over 750 miles come free of charge thanks to her remarkably frugal fuel consumption that is 30 per cent less than on a conventional displacement yacht.

The bold exterior lines of the yacht have been created by Frank Laupman from Omega Architects, who is also responsible for her interiors. Laupman has created a new bow design that combines a lower hull profile, and matches sea-keeping behaviour with a relatively short overall length.

Alive can accommodate up to 12 guests in the outdoor and indoor convivial areas. The 45-sq-m open sun deck is perfect for relaxation throughout the day.

The yacht boasts two large suites: the first traditionally located on the main deck forward, and the second one on the wheelhouse deck. The latter is a spectacular circular room with a centred king size bed, en-suite bathroom, dressing room and gymnasium. The central positioning of the bed allows stunning, uninterrupted views of the sea thanks to floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

The 30-sq-m aft terrace is equipped with a breakfast table and lounge seats, completing the functionality of the owner’s deck.

Hull Vane technology was proven during independent research conducted by Van Oossanen Naval Architects at Wolfson Unit and Marin, two of the world’s most respected hydrodynamic laboratories.

Alive was delivered to her owners on November 4.


HEESEN YACHTS

Founded by Frans Heesen in 1978 in Oss, the Netherlands, Heesen Yachts was the first Dutch shipyard to employ aluminium alloy for the building of yacht hulls. Since then the shipyard has become a world leader in the design, engineering and construction of high performance, all-aluminium motor yachts.

In 1992 Heesen Yachts expanded their business to include the construction of traditional displacement, long-range steel-hulled yachts, and today the company can also deliver magnificent private yachts within the 37 to 70 m size range and beyond.

In 35 years it has delivered nearly 170 yachts. The current fleet includes aluminium, steel, displacement, semi-displacement, the revolutionary fast displacement, and the new technology called Hull Vane. Eleven yachts are currently under construction and their deliveries span through to 2017.