50m Heesen Superyacht Project Sophia Prepares for Sea Trials Ahead of July 2026 Delivery

Heesen has moved the 50m superyacht Project Sophia from its construction sheds in Oss, the Netherlands, as the yacht prepares to begin sea trials in the North Sea ahead of her scheduled delivery next month.

Built by Dutch shipyard Heesen, the superyacht is the fourth hull in Heesen's 50m Aluminium Semi-Displacement series. Featuring exterior design by Omega Architects, interiors by Cristiano Gatto Design and naval architecture developed in-house by the builder, the 499GT yacht showcases sporty performance with long-range cruising capability.

Refined aluminium styling meets advanced hull engineering

Sophia continues the evolution of Heesen's proven 50m aluminium platform, pairing sleek contemporary styling with performance-focused engineering. The yacht for sale features a streamlined profile characterised by long horizontal glazing, a subtly curved superstructure and a distinctive Whisper Grey finish. Built entirely in aluminium, Sophia is based on Heesen's Fast Displacement Hull Form with a hard-chine hull and recessed propeller tunnels that help reduce drag while improving efficiency. The platform also marks a significant milestone for the builder as the first yacht in its class below 500GT to comply with IMO Tier III regulations.

Heesen superyacht Project Sophia underway stern view

Elevated deck spaces designed around life on the water

Outdoor living has been prioritised throughout the superyacht for sale's design, with multiple social spaces arranged across her exterior decks. The raised main deck aft terrace incorporates a shallow pool and floating sun loungers overlooking the stern, while simultaneously creating additional volume below for the beach club and tender garage. The bridge deck aft serves as a dedicated entertaining space with flexible alfresco dining arrangements connected directly to the skylounge through expansive sliding doors. At water level, the beach club opens onto a fold-down swim platform and includes dedicated storage for watersports equipment, bicycles and wakeboards, reinforcing the yacht's active cruising credentials.

Heesen superyacht Project Sophia en route to sea trials aerial view
© Heesen
Heesen superyacht Project Sophia beach club with sun loungers
Heesen superyacht Project Sophia raised aft deck
Heesen superyacht Project Sophia flybridge dining area

Sophisticated interiors inspired by the meaning of wisdom

The interior concept by Cristiano Gatto Design draws inspiration from the motor yacht for sale's name, Sophia, which derives from the Greek word for wisdom. Accommodation is arranged for up to 12 guests across five staterooms, including a full-beam owner's suite positioned on the forward main deck and four guest cabins located on the lower deck. Throughout the interior, a carefully balanced palette of sage green tones, mustard accents and warm bronze detailing complements dark wood finishes and softly curved furnishings, creating a contemporary atmosphere that feels both refined and welcoming.

Heesen superyacht Project Sophia main saloon lounge
Heesen superyacht Project Sophia main saloon dining area
Heesen superyacht Project Sophia master cabin with large window
Heesen superyacht Project Sophia en suite with bath tub

Performance and efficiency for long-range cruising

Powered by twin MTU 16V 4000 M65L engines producing 6,092hp, Sophia reaches a top speed of 23 knots and offers a range of 3,100 nautical miles at 11 knots. Heesen says hull refinements have improved efficiency by 12 per cent, reducing fuel consumption while enhancing comfort underway.

Heesen superyacht Project Sophia en route to sea trials side view
© Heesen

Project Sophia is currently listed for sale with Robert Drontmann of Heesen at an asking price of €44,900,000.

Heesen continues to strengthen its new-build portfolio

According to YachtBuyer MarketWatch, Heesen maintains a strong presence in the luxury yacht sector with a growing portfolio of aluminium and steel projects under construction and on order. Among the builder's latest milestones is the recently christened 55m superyacht Pa'lante, formerly known as Project Frida, which is set to make her official debut at the 2026 Monaco Yacht Show.

The shipyard has also unveiled the 72m superyacht Project Ananda, which, upon completion, will become the largest steel superyacht ever built by Heesen and further demonstrates the builder's growing capabilities in the custom superyacht sector.

 Heesen superyacht Pa'lante underway bow view
Pa'lante
Heesen superyacht Project Ananda at anchor bow view
Project Ananda

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