Not all superyachts are capable of shallow-water cruising, but Heesen’s newly launched all-aluminum 164-footer is one blessed with that ability. 

Sophia has an exceptionally shallow draft of just seven feet, meaning it can explore coveted anchorages and territories usually reserved for much smaller yachts without risking grounding. 

To achieve this, the Dutch yard’s naval architects gave Sophia a refined hard-chine hull with recessed propeller tunnels. That sleek profile not only enables shallow-water navigation but also improves hull efficiency by 12 percent. 

“This is more than a technical metric; it translates directly into lower fuel consumption and a quieter, more enjoyable experience at sea,” Peter van der Zanden, Heesen’s director of design and development and engineering, said in a statement. “The result is a highly optimised yacht that reflects our Dutch heritage of building for performance.”

The fourth vessel in Heesen’s 164-foot fast-cruising class, Sophia can also cover long distances at impressive speeds. Powered by two MTU engines, the 499 GT yacht offers a transatlantic range of 3,100 nautical miles at 11 knots and a maximum speed of 23 knots. She is also fully IMO Tier III-compliant, ​​meeting the strictest international standards for nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. 

Sophia is no eyesore, either: Omega Architects penned an elegant exterior and Italian designer Cristiano Gatto created a stylish interior. Her streamlined semi-displacement hull is finished in a distinctive “Whisper Gray” by Awlgrip, with long, flowing lines running from her downward-pointing bow to her curved stern. The contemporary living quarters, meanwhile, pair a palette of sage greens, mustards, and warm bronzes with a range of precious materials. The entire fit-out will be completed at Heesen’s dedicated cabinetry workshop in Winterswijk, allowing the yard to maintain total control.

The flowing layout seamlessly connects roughly 3,500 square feet of luxury interiors with about 2,700 square feet of exterior deck space and the surrounding ocean landscape. Inside lies a full-beam owner’s stateroom, two doubles, and two twins that can collectively sleep up to 12 guests, along with several lounges and dining areas.

Heading outside, the main deck is fitted with a cool shallow pool and sun loungers. Further aft, the beach club opens directly onto a fold-down swim platform, making it a great space for water sports or ocean-side entertaining. Up top, the sundeck is equipped with a sliding-door windbreaker, which means it can be enjoyed even if the weather isn’t playing ball. 

If you like the sound of all that, Sophia can be yours. The yacht is currently available for purchase, with delivery expected this June.