Heesen launches "Home" sister ship

At the end of 2016, Heesen began welding work on the aluminium hull based on Van Oossanen's Fast Displacement Hull Form, which had already been calculated for "Home" (issue 3/18) and "Sibelle". A highly experienced sailing yacht owner stepped in a year after the start of the spec build and placed the interior design in the hands of Mark Whiteley. He opted for the metallic grey shade of his car for the exterior colour scheme of "Erica", whereupon Heesen spent ten months working on the perfect colour finish. However, instead of the hybrid drive from "Home", the owner opted for conventional diesel propulsion in the form of two MTU engines, each with an output of 1080 kilowatts. The twelve-cylinder engines are intended to propel the 50-metre format to just under 20 knots and take it 3750 nautical miles at a speed of twelve knots.

The list of special features includes two treadmills that disappear under hatches on the outside of the stern deck platform and a skylounge with retractable windows. The owner is accommodated at the front of the main deck, while ten guests are spread across five cabins on the lower deck, where there is also a gym. The crew of nine is due to start work in August.