In the first months of 2022, the booming superyacht industry took an unexpected and unprecedented hit as sweeping sanctions against Russian oligarchs went into effect as a direct consequence of the war in Ukraine. Dutch yard Heesen Yachts was among those most impacted.
Photo: Heesen Yachts (Composite)
Galactica, referred to internally as Project Cosmos, wasn’t an outstanding build only because it’d been custom-designed for the big boss: once delivered, it would become the yard’s biggest and fastest vessel, which is a feat in and of itself, considering the many award-winning ships that came out of the yard. It was also in the running for the fastest yacht in its category. In other words, regardless of owner, Galactica was made to write history.
When sanctions went into effect within days of Russian troops marching into Ukraine, and Alekperov’s name was included on the sanctions list in the UK, Galactica suffered the same fate as seized yachts all over the world: it was temporarily mothballed. The technical launch of the hull had taken place at the start of the year, and sea trials had already been completed successfully. The superyacht was receiving the finishing touches in the Netherlands when Alekperov became persona non-grata.
Photo: Heesen Yachts
The billionaire stepped down from the board at Heesen, thus allowing the shipyard to become a full Dutch entity, which, in turn, allowed it to stay in business. However, under current regulations, the fact that he was the direct beneficiary of Galactica meant that delivery was prohibited. Heesen was stuck with its most impressive build for more than a year until it was able to work out a solution.
That solution, according to a statement, involved working with Dutch authorities to sell the vessel to another party – a non-Russian, non-sanctioned one. This is the first deal of its kind in the industry, since sanctions went into effect.The identity of the owner has not been disclosed to the media, but the shipyard declares itself happy with the result.
“The […] superyacht, built in Oss (the Netherlands), was delivered to her new owners on August 31 2023, leaving the Dutch waters,” Heesen says. “The sale and delivery of the yacht have been coordinated with the Dutch authorities. Everyone at Heesen is delighted to see the shipyard’s flagship sailing away and wishes her owners and their crew fair winds and following seas.”
Photo: Heesen Yachts
A fully custom, super-fast luxury vessel
Measuring 80 meters (262 feet) in total length and with an estimated price tag of $120 million, Galactica is now called Genesis – though chances are it might change its name again now that it’s under a different ownership.
It’s a fast-displacement vessel with an aluminum hull and superstructure, powered by no less than four MTU 4000 M73 engines that develop 19,000 hp and take it to a top speed of 29 knots (33.3 mph/53.7 kph). That’s very fast for a vessel of this size, in case you’re wondering.
This makes it a huge upgrade over the previous Galactica-series vessel, which was also built for Alekperov: Galactica Super Nova is 70 meters (230 feet) in length and, while fast, it pales in comparison to the newer delivery. That’s because one of the requests in the brief called for Galactica Genesis to be made faster, more efficient, and yet more luxurious than its predecessor. The result is a superyacht with a very sporty silhouette, rendered more futuristic by expansive glazing and wraparound curves.
Photo: Instagram/Heesen
Offering accommodation for 12 guests in six cabins and a crew of 19, Genesis is also the first Heesen build to feature a certified helideck at the bow. The helideck converts into an outdoor cinema when not used for its primary purpose, while the underneath area holds the tender garage with a custom limousine tender.
Genesis features an exterior design by Winch Design (Winch also did the matching tender) over naval architecture by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, while Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design penned the luxurious interiors.
The interior volume of 1,711 GT is dedicated to rest and relaxation and is styled elegantly. Photos of the interior are not available as of this writing, but highlights include a statement onyx bar, an oversized beach club, and a glass-bottom swimming pool on the sundeck.
Photo: Instagram/Heesen
In an industry where privacy is a must, it’s no surprise that Heesen Yachts doesn’t mention the amount for which Genesis changed hands. But confirmation of the sale means that this spectacular and, for the yard, record-breaking vessel will be out in public soon, which, in turn, means the odds of finding out more about it are looking good.
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