“Heron” like the majestic bird, a 56-footer with a captivating design developed by Architect Massimo Picco (Picco Yacht Design), a designer of renowned international experience.
The underbody is the result of in-depth research which developed through the analysis of hydrodynamic flows of the water lines and the subsequent simulation, which made it possible to build the Heron with absolutely no doubt and no risks in terms of performance levels of the underbody. The strength and innovation of the yacht is therefore represented by the underbody, which is unusual to say the least. The bottom surfaces are completely smooth, and one immediately notices the total absence of spray rails, steps or redans.
The goal was to create a bottom capable of guaranteeing minimum resistance in forward travel, limited fuel consumption, excellent performance levels with moderately powered engines, and maximum comfort. The water lines were designed to ensure a constant longitudinal trim at any speed. The design engineer wanted to create a hull capable of increasing the potential to always maintain the same longitudinal trim within the so-called “Delta speed”, a range that represents the interval between the minimum and maximum speed of a yacht: the trim of traditional hulls tends to vary in relation to the speed until reaching the maximum one, while the longitudinal position of Heron 56 always stays constant.
So, the yacht promises some real excitement at sea thanks to a multipurpose bottom capable of maintaining high stability and lift. Another characteristic aspect is the vertical bow, which is thin, sharp as a blade and longitudinally curvilinear. The lateral surfaces of the bow are flat, almost “ironed” in order to facilitate the action of hydrodynamic flows on the sides of the yacht.
The characteristic lateral shape of the sides was designed in relation to the development of the underwater portion of the keel. The position of the bottom’s centre-of-gravity is more advanced compared to traditional hulls, while astern the curved “cone-like” shapes with rounded edges constitute the resting point of the underbody.
From a purely aesthetic viewpoint, the lines of the hull are emphasised by metallic painting, which provides the yacht with an eye-catching and elegant look.
As regards the functional aspects, the yacht immediately conveys a feeling of freedom, since the deck is truly designed to be lived en plein air. The large open areas feature walking surfaces made of teak wood, and show, starting from the control area, the central position for the skipper with lateral seats on all sides, all made of Silvertex. Protected under the wide windscreen made of steel and Perspex, the ergonomic console is equipped with touch-screen control/navigation instruments. The galley is located in the centre of the yacht, with a peninsula fitted with all household appliances needed to cook and store food; when they are not used, the appliances are fully hidden by cabinets especially designed for this purpose. Adjacent to the galley, astern, there is the living area with sofas that seat 8 people and a convertible table. The aft leisure area can be fully enjoyed thanks to a large sundeck located above the garage door and the bathing platform lit up by specific spotlights and equipped with a fold-away ladder. The garage can hold a small-sized tender. The fore area is equipped with a sundeck with a double companionway hatch in the centre that provides ventilation and light below. A distinguishing element is the carbon T-top that provides shade to the central area of the yacht. From its overhead, an LCD television drops down by means of an electrical lifting system.
The internal layout features the master cabin forward, with a bathroom split into two separate areas in order to obtain a large shower room. At the centre of the yacht we find two guest cabins with twin beds, each with its own bathroom. The crew cabin is found astern, with direct access to the deck to ensure the complete privacy of the yacht owner and the guests.
Modern and elegant interior furnishings made of natural bleached oak embellished by leather inserts in all cabins, with deckheads lacquered in metallic grey.
Getting back to the technical aspects, the yacht features two Volvo Penta IPS600 engines, for a total of 870 hp. The choice is due to the special properties of the underbody: relatively low horsepower, then, for such a significant displacement. Depending on the owner’s requests, a combination of alternative transmissions/engines can be installed, starting from the shaft lines up to the higher-performing surface transmissions for top performance.
The yacht reveals a personality that is surely unique in today’s international nautical scenario. The ideal owner is a person who wants to go beyond the border line represented by “traditional” nautical standards.
The launch is scheduled for August 2017, with the debut at the upcoming Tradeshows in Cannes and in Genoa.
Technical specifications:
Length overall (LOA) 17.90 m
Length on the water line (LWL) 15.20 m
Max. width 4.71 m
Fuel tank capacity 2,200 l
Displacement 14 – 16.5 ton
Engine 2 x 435 hp Volvo Penta IPS600
Design speed 32.5 kn
