'Galactica Star' completes sea trials

Galactica Star, Heesen’s revolutionary 65m FDHF (Fast Displacement Hull Form) all-aluminium motoryacht, has successfully completed trials in the North Sea exceeding the top speed demanded by contract.

After leaving Heesen’s facility in Oss on 11 May, she had an eventful journey which saw her clear nine bridges and contend with North Sea conditions, which saw waves reach one metre 20cm high and winds climb up to five on the Beaufort scale.

After cruising some 150 kilometres, at an average speed of 10 knots, on the Maas river to Merwehaven (Rotterdam harbour), Galactica Star exceeded the contractual speed (27 knots) and reached top speeds - at half load - of 28.8 knots.

She passed under nine bridges, such as Keizersveerbrug, where the gap between the yacht and the bridge was just 40 centimetres.

Sea trials took place between 15 and 16 May in an air temperature of 11 degrees Celsius. On Monday 13 May the mast with all the navigation and communication equipment, which had been transported by barge, was installed.



Her Fast Displacement Hull Form, jointly developed with Van Oossanen Naval Architects, in combination with two MTU 20V 4000 M93L engines (each
developing 4.300kW at 2.100 rpm) and Heesen’s expertise in weight reduction contributed to the formidable result.



Heesen reports that the vessel performed well in a seaway, moving through the water very smoothly, and was found to be ‘extremely manoeuvrable’. “At high speeds, in comparison with traditional semi-displacement hull forms, Galactica Star, with her revolutionary FDHF has a much smaller stern wave, demonstrating that her motion through the water creates low resistance, in accordance with her designers’ predictions,” read the sea trial report.



Her notable luxury features include duplex beach club with a 10 square metre side balcony and a 22 square metre swimming platform.

On the lower deck of the duplex beach club there is sauna, hammam, shower room,
day head and a fully equipped bar. Another standout aspect of the yacht is her glass bottomed swimming-pool located on the main deck; this allows the natural light to glimmer through the water to the bar area beneath.

On the fore deck, the large sunbathing area can be transformed into a touch-and-go heli-deck. The tender garages with gull-wing doors are also located beneath the fore deck. She has five Sea Keeper gyro stabilizers for the comfort of her 12 guests.

Galactica Star is scheduled for the end of June 2013.

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Heesen Yachts

Van Oossanen & Associates

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