Project Triton, the 50-metre steel displacement yacht by Heesen, is fast approaching completion. In the final stage of outfitting and days away from delivery to a prospective owner, she is just waiting for a weather window for her sea trials in the North Sea.

Built completely on spec to Heesen’s customary exacting standards, Project Triton represents a golden opportunity for an owner looking for a brand new yacht ready for the upcoming Mediterranean season. The 47-metre Book Ends, for example, was built on spec and completed just in time for an American owner to step in after his repeated efforts to find a pre-owned yacht fell through.

Heesen’s in-house team of experts has optimised its 47-metre platform to deliver the largest possible volume while still remaining under the 500GT threshold. A true bluewater motor yacht built to typical Dutch quality, Project Triton is powered by two MTU diesel engines of 1000kW each for a maximum speed of 15 knots and an oceanic range of 3,800nm at 12 knots. Her full displacement round bilge hull with bulbous bow ensures safe and smooth sailing even in adverse conditions.

“A distinguishing feature of Triton is the exterior styling by Clifford Denn, who was inspired by classic car design and Austin Healey in particular,” says Sales & Marketing Director, Mark Cavendish. “Clifford is a rising star in the yachting world and he has created a really beautiful profile with flowing curves and elegant lines."

The traditional flared bow with reverse sheer line is a classic Heesen motif, whereas the forward-leaning wheelhouse windscreen provides a rugged touch. For sure, her bold profile will turn heads wherever she goes.

The exterior aesthetics are paired with generous outdoor spaces for a yacht of her size, especially in comparison with the preceding 47-metre platform. Storing the tenders and toys on the foredeck not only makes tender operations easier and more efficient, but also frees up much more space in the stern for the welcoming beach club and spa, which was conceived from the start to be much more than just a converted tender garage. Rather than squeezing in five guest suites on the lower deck, Heesen opted for a more luxurious 4-cabin layout and a master stateroom on the main deck forward.

“We also paid close attention to making the staircases as comfortable as possible,” says Cavendish. “Sometimes on sub-500GT yachts, the stairs are so steep it’s like climbing the Himalayas! But on Triton, we were able to introduce gentle risers that feel more like those of a stately home.”

The contemporary interior design is by Reymond Langton, one of the industry’s leading design studios. Casual yet sophisticated, clean yet cosy, the interior makes use of contrasting colours and materials such as light Tanganyika, dark American walnut and taupe Carvalho for the veneers and joinery, as well as brown Armani marble, Volga blue marble, ivory pearlised finishes and bronzed detailing.

The risk associated with creating an interior design for a spec project is that it can become generic without input from a specific owner. Reymond Langton has skilfully avoided this pitfall and while the interior décor can be moulded to suit all tastes, it provides just the right backdrop as a floating retreat to unwind, relax and enjoy the outdoor life at sea.