Inspired by the lines of classic cars and instilled with a sense of collective calm, Heesen Project Maia was christened Omaha and sent out from the Oss shipyard for sea trials April 20, 2018. Omaha is the first of Heesen's 50-meter steel yacht series revealed to the market in March of 2016.
At 499 GT, Omaha makes smart use of space in a contemporary collaboration bringing Clifford Denn's exterior and naval architecture together with Reymond Langton's chic interiors. The two proved a good combination when working together on the Heesen Ann G. Denn employed elements like Fiskers Whiskers on the aft grill, combined with stylish nav lights to suggest an automotive influence calling upon angles and curves to create a flowing profile. Reymond Langton selected a sophisticated neutral palette with bleached oak and stained walnut, amplified by texture, materials, and light to achieve a simple, fresh, airy feel.
The Statistics
Omaha has five cabins accommodating ten guests, with a main deck full beam master forward and four lower deck cabins amidships, three of which are doubles and one of which is a twin. Entry to the owner's suite is directed through a private office. A large bath with granite vanity is flanked by two walk in closets, completing the suite. Ten crew housed in five cabins also enjoy a galley, mess, and lounge space found fully forward on the lower deck.
Two MTU 8V4000 M63 engines power Omaha to a top speed of 15 knots, cruising for 3,800 nm at 12 knots. A full displacement yacht, Omaha has a bulbous bow, a 2.75-meter draft, and a 9-meter beam. Traditional Heesen pelican bow with reversed sheer line adds to the timeless, sporty look of Omaha's lines.
The Highlights
As with many Heesen designs, Omaha stores the tender forward on the bow, opening up space on the 68 square meter beach club with a length of 16 meters for amenities like a superyacht spa pool, sauna, and cocktail bar, all linked to a superb sound system. Storage for smaller tenders, scuba gear, and water toys is still plentiful and convenient, forward of the beach club. Overall, there are 250 square meters of outdoor deck space across three deck levels.
With abundant interior light entering through large windows on the main and upper decks, significant temperature and comfort levels are achieved through inboard mirrors, reflecting sunlight toward that advantage. Playing with that natural light, strategically placed textures and integrated wall art continue the sense of uninterrupted calm throughout the yacht.
Readying for Delivery
After completing the trials in the North Sea, Omaha is expected to deliver to owners around the end of June. The 50-foot steel series replaces the 47-foot series, one of the most successful lines of steel yachts in the industry boasting 13 sister ships built and launched since 2001. Omaha sister ship Project Titan, currently under construction at the Heesen yard, is scheduled for 2020 delivery.
