Incredible moment enormous super-yacht scrapes under bridge with inches to spare (original) (raw)
Dutch shipbuilders Heesen had to be inch perfect as they transported the 80m super-yacht MY Galactica from where it was constructed, in the Netherlands, to the North Sea
The super-yacht MY Galactica missed one bridge by just 12cm
A super-yacht has been pictured scraping under a low bridge with just 12cm to spare as it made its way to the sea.
Dutch shipbuilders Heesen had to transport the 80m boat MY Galactica from its shed in Oss, in the Netherlands, to the North Sea in a journey that takes up to four months to prepare.
The luxury yacht, whose price is confidential, could also be seen narrowly getting through river locks - where the slightest error could cost a fortune.
Heesen spokeswoman Sara Gioanola said that it takes three or four months to plan a voyage due to the permits and certificates needed.
"We are used to taking our boats to the North Sea via canals and rivers - we've been doing so for the past 40+ years," she said.
The route had to be meticulously planned beforehand (
Image:
Heesen / SWNS)
"After four years of construction, Heesen's 80-metre all-aluminium Project Cosmos, now known as MY Galactica, left her shed in Oss last Friday and began her maiden voyage through the Dutch canals and rivers in perfect weather conditions.
"No Heesen has ever been so celebrated when leaving our shipyard.
"Passing through the tight lock in Macharen on Saturday, with only 15 cm of clearance on each side, we had to wait for a calm day with no wind. Locks are not the only gateways we have to go through.
It can take up to four months to plan the trip to the sea for new luxury yachts (
Image:
Heesen / SWNS)
"We must also pass under many bridges, where clearance is particularly tight. Beforehand, we perform physical measurements. These are paramount, especially now that the river waters are higher than usual."
She added: "We've been doing so for the past 40+ years. This is standard procedure with luxury yachts of this size when dealing with inland cruising. Waiting for the tide to fall is just 'business as usual'. Galactica passed Heusden with 12 cm clearance."
Details including the level of the water has to be measured (
Image:
Heesen / SWNS)
Arthur Brouwer, Heesen CEO, said: "Building large and complex superyachts is exciting, both from an engineering and construction perspective.
"We are incredibly fortunate to have the best naval architects, engineers, and craftsmen in the country to build our yachts. In spite of all the challenges imposed by the pandemic.
Certificates and permits have to be obtained before the trip is made (
Image:
Heesen / SWNS)
"We also managed to keep the construction of Project Cosmos, now known as MY Galactica, on schedule - which was no mean feat. Precision aluminium construction, high performance, and the finest Dutch craftsmanship are steeped into the DNA of this shipyard.
"Cosmos is the ultimate expression of our ability to build daring projects that stretch the imagination of its engineers and craftspeople."