The 164-foot motor yacht Home was Heesen’s first hybrid yacht when it delivered in 2017. It was also the first yacht to combine hybrid propulsion with a Fast Displacement Hull Shape (FDHF), which is proven to outperform conventional hull forms at all speeds. Built in lightweight aluminum, Home delivers 48 percent more fuel efficiency than other yachts of the same size.
Another perk of the hybrid propulsion package is reduced noise and vibration. Sensory expert Barry Smith, founder of the Centre for the Study of the Senses, discovered that the enjoyment of fine dining and wine while cruising in electric mode is significantly enhanced.
“Our research has shown that the brain’s processing of taste is affected by noise, which reduces the tongue’s ability to detect salt, sweet and sour,” says Smith. “The beauty of Home is the ability to run at a sound of around 46 decibels—the sound level of softly falling rain—enabling those on board to enjoy food and drink with no diminution of taste.”
Home began as a speculation build by the shipyard, before the American owner stepped in to the project. The initial interior was not to his liking, so he engaged Italian designer Cristiano Gatto to rework the design. He mandated simplicity, rather than minimalism. He also requested decor inspired by his residences, reflecting their contemporary Ibiza style. One perfect example: The slinky metal chaise lounge in the main salon by Italian designer Franco Poli.
Here are 10 facts about one of the world’s first hybrid yachts.
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Star of the Med
Image Credit: Bravo Home’s fortune took a sharp turn in 2022 when it became the star of the seventh season of Below Deck Mediterranean. Filmed in Malta, the reality series followed its crew over an eight-week charter season, with Captain Sandy Yawn at the helm. Unlike most yachts on Below Deck, Home retained its real name on screen. It was the first diesel-electric motor yacht to appear on the show, and in typical style, the producers added a dancing pole to the sundeck to spice up the onboard antics.
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50 Shades of White
Image Credit: David Churchill Home takes the trend for neutral interiors to a whole new level. Alongside a color palette of black and gray with pops of deep red, the yacht features 50 shades of white, from off-white to ivory. The original owner mandated an interior that gave him a “home away from home”—hence the yacht’s name. Low-slung sofas and bespoke loose furniture create a relaxed and welcoming beach club ambience. The vessel’s teak flooring and full-height glass windows blur the distinction between inside and out.
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Party Lounge
Image Credit: David Churchill One of Heesen’s signature areas is an upper-deck sky lounge. Home’s casual bean bags, daybeds, and stark-white bar with LED strip lighting provide a natural extension to the alfresco dining terrace. When the doors to the aft deck are shut and the furniture removed, a mirror ball and a smoke machine are added turning the area into a dedicated party room for nighttime use.
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A Dreamier Shade of Pale
Image Credit: David Churchill Full-height windows in the full-beam, main deck owner’s suite bounce natural light off the paler-than-pale color scheme. The off-white bed, rug, walls, and ceiling are offset with a sky-blue bed throw. There is a dressing room, an en suite with shower and a private office. There’s also a full-beam VIP cabin on the lower deck, as well as two double cabins and two twin cabins to accommodate 12 guests, including families.
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Moody Sundeck
Image Credit: David Churchill Home’s sundeck is the hub of the boat. There are sun lounges forward with privacy glass safety screens to shelter guests from sea spray and wind. Beneath the hardtop bimini is a large sit-up bar and lounge area, which also doubles as an outdoor dining area. The bar lights up in soft pastel shades at night to bring the party atmosphere. Aft is a Jacuzzi, while a projector and a screen set-up transform the deck into an outdoor cinema.
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On the Nose
Image Credit: Breed Media The yacht is easily spotted on the horizon, thanks to its distinctive plumb bow. The vertical front increases Home’s waterline length, helping it to slice through waves and lift in rougher water. It guarantees a smoother and faster ride for guests, as well as creating more room on the interior for crew accommodations. For a more immersive journey, a telescopic seat on the foredeck rises from the bow for 360-degree views.
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Sea Terrace
Image Credit: Breed Media A central staircase on the main deck aft leads down to an oversized swim platform that doubles as a sea-level sun lounge. With plenty of room for daybeds and sunrise yoga sessions, it’s the perfect waterside hang out.
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The Athletic Club
Image Credit: David Churchill The lower-deck gym is a full-beam, air-conditioned space for guests to sweat it out. It’s kitted out with a range of equipment, including a workout bench, Techno Gym dumbbells, an exercise bike, and a rowing machine. When guests are done with their workout, they’re just a few steps from the sea for the ultimate plunge to cool off.
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The Electric Package
Image Credit: David Churchill The twin 805 hp MTU engines (smaller than those typically fitted on a yacht of this size) can be operated in four different cruising modes: hybrid (with noise levels in the owner’s stateroom measuring as low as 46 decibels), economic, cruising (consuming as little as 12 gallons per hour at 9 knots), and boost, which pushes the boat to a top speed of 16.8 knots.
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Fast, Efficient Hull
Image Credit: Van Oosenan Naval Architects At the time of launch, Home was the first yacht to combine the super efficiency of an FDHF hull, designed by Van Oosenan Naval Architects, with hybrid propulsion. The combination was celebrated with a RINA green award presented by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.
