YN 20067 Project Sparta construction update: hull turning

Heesen is delighted to report that the construction of their largest steel motoryacht, the 67-metre Project Sparta, continues to proceed on schedule. On April 29, the completed hull was turned right way up to allow engineering fit-out to begin. 

Konstantin Kolpakov of Arcon Yachts said: “The combination of Heesen’s excellent Dutch quality with the beauty of the lines from Winch Design, and our own expertise, will deliver a magnificent result.”

With both her exterior and interior by Winch, Project Sparta is a wonderful example of how experienced clients in partnership with leading designers can work alongside Heesen’s 1,000-strong team of dedicated specialists to create a truly world-class custom yacht.

Sparta’s quietly assertive yet sporty profile incorporates a raised pilot-house, with an elegantly understated reverse sheer connecting a powerful bow and a stepped aft deck area with a 6.5-metre infinity pool. Indoor and outdoor spaces connect harmoniously and create a perfect haven for family life and relaxation. 

“The turning of the hull marks a special moment in the construction of this exceptional project, and brings with it a great sense of pride and accomplishment to all involved,” said Jim Dixon, director of Yachts & Aviation at Winch. “It is always a pleasure to watch our designs turn into reality, and we look forward to following the next stage of her development in Heesen’s capable hands.” 

With a huge internal volume of approximately 1,200 GT, Project Sparta is the world’s largest steel Fast Displacement Hull Form motoryacht currently in build. Given her plumb bow design, hull designers Van Oossanen and Heesen’s own naval architects researched numerous spray rail options to keep the deck dry in all conditions, with computational fluid dynamics simulations complemented by tank testing at the Wolfson Unit in Southampton. Powered by two MTU 12V4000 M65R diesel engines, Sparta will reach a top speed of 16 knots, with a transoceanic cruising range of 4,500 nautical miles at 12 knots. 

Sparta’s hull was assembled at Talsma in Franeker, the Netherlands, a specialist yard, which has undertaken steel fabrication for Heesen since 2008 as the risk of chemical cross-contamination makes it technically inadvisable to weld both steel and aluminium on the same site. Like Heesen, Talsma operates at the highest levels of efficiency and professionalism, and as a loyal partner to the shipyard has been crucial to Heesen’s continuing success in long-range, steel-hulled yachts. 

“We are excited to see that we are meeting another deadline, despite these challenging times,” added Richard Kaye of Arcon Yachts. “Our technical team is enjoying working with Heesen and their dedicated workforce. The relationship is one of mutual trust - we share our respective knowledge to ensure we will deliver to the client the best possible yacht.”
Project Sparta will be one of the superyacht stories of the year when she is delivered in 2023.