Omaha, the first yacht in Heesen newly designed 50-metre Steel Class, has recently been delivered to her owners in the Mediterranean after intensive sea trials in the North Sea.
The yacht started on speculation under the project name ‘Maia’ and was sold by Chris Collins of Ocean Independence, who represented the commercial interests of the owners during the construction, along with the owners’ representative Wayne Foulis.
With a gross tonnage below the 500GT threshold, this modern displacement yacht is the successor of the 47m Steel Class.
Omaha’s exterior lines are by Clifford Denn, who spliced the Heesen DNA with lines inspired by classic car design to create a true blue-water yacht with a bold presence on the water. The exterior features long and lithe lines, with cut-outs in the foredeck and long swaths of windows on both the main and upper decks. From the stern, the successively higher decks look like broad stair steps with large open spaces.
The top deck features a rear hardtop that leaves the social area forward open. That not only provides a crow’s-nest view of the surrounding water from the forward Jacuzzi, but also allows the owners to hold large gatherings in the most select area of the yacht.
The forward exterior has been tasked as the working end of the yacht, with space for tenders, personal watercraft, and an open foredeck area. Using the space this way frees up the stern, so the owners can enjoy the interior for social purposes, rather than as a tender garage, which is typical for this space.
UK based design studio Reymond Langton created a luxurious but welcoming interior with accommodation for ten guests in five cabins, with the Owner’s stateroom located on the main deck forward and four large guest suites on the lower deck.
Intensive sea trials were carried out in the North Sea in favourable weather conditions, with seas ranging from calm to moderate. Omaha exceeded the contractual speed, reaching 16 knots, and proved to be extremely manoeuvrable in all conditions thanks to her large rudders in combination with the power steering unit.
Powered by two MTU 8V4000 M63 engines, she has a range of 3,800 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 12 knots. Her round bilge steel hull with bulbous bow provides great comfort for the guests, exceptional sea keeping and unparalleled performance.
